Serie A

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Serie A clash involving Champions League club POSTPONED after torrential rain as 18-word statement released

      by

      ATALANTA’S clash against Como has been postponed due to a torrential downpour.The Serie A clash was set to kick-off at 7.45pm – but everyone now has to come back at the same time tomorrow.Atalanta vs Como has been called off and it was no surprise in the endCredit: EPAThe ball struggled to roll in the grass leaving the officials little choiceCredit: GettyKick-off was delayed by an hour then fans were sent homeCredit: ReutersFans took shelter at the back of the groundCredit: ReutersSme braved the conditions but it was all wasted in the endCredit: ReutersA statement from league chiefs initially confirmed: “Atalanta vs Como has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Another pitch inspection will be carried out shortly.”The players from both clubs had gone out onto the pitch to warm-up ahead of kick-off.But the action was compared to “water polo” by one fan watching on.The referee then carried out an inspection of the pitch by rolling the ball on the surface as the two captains watched on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ball struggled to move, getting stuck on the waterlogged grass and huge puddles also began to appear.A second inspection was then carried out 15 minutes later, with the referee deciding the game should go ahead.But Atalanta skipper Maarten De Roon reportedly called the decision “madness” as the rain continued to fall.After another discussion, the ref postponed the game until tomorrow as supporters inside the stadium were sent home.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAtalanta are in this season’s Champions League and drew 0-0 with Arsenal on Thursday last week.As for Como, they are winless in four games since promotion from the second tier.They are managed by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini caught throwing SANDWICH out of car at AC Milan fans who were abusing him after game More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Dan and Ryan Friedkin forced to release shock statement on Roma website after announcing Everton takeover

      by

      EVERTON’S potential new owners have released a statement on the website of AS Roma, who the Friedkin Group also own.It was announced on Monday afternoon that US billionaire Dan Friedkin had agreed to buy Everton – two months after their original £800million offer fell apart over debt concerns to Miami investment firm 777.Dan Friedkin has agreed a deal to buy EvertonCredit: GettyBut he and brother Ryan have released a statement addressing Roma – the other club the group ownCredit: GettyBut after entering exclusive negotiations, the Toffees now look set to have a new majority owner after TFG and departing owner Farhad Moshiri struck a deal over the weekend.A TFG spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club.”We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction.“We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, while TFG are set to buy Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the Premier League team, there were concerns from Italy regarding their focus on Serie A side Roma.The Giallorossi have endured a tough start to the season which prompted the sacking of club legend Danielle de Rossi.And following the news of their Everton takeover, brothers Dan and Ryan Friedkin released a statement on Roma’s website addressing concerns.It said: “Football is admired around the world as the beautiful game. Each match is filled with passion, excitement and unpredictability – and that’s why we love it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But beyond the results on the pitch, our responsibility as club owners is to make big decisions that we believe are in the best interest of the club, even when they are very difficult to make…”We remain active investors in the sports industry. We love the beautiful game. The potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma. Sean Dyche forced to bring list of injured Everton stars to press conference with only three of starting XI available “If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions. “Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished. “Our goal is clear – to see AS Roma consistently compete at the highest levels of European football.”To our incredible fans, we acknowledge the immense responsibility we bear in leading this historic club. Your unwavering loyalty fuels us as we continue building for the future. Dan and Ryan Friedkin Roma statement in fullFootball is admired around the world as the beautiful game. Each match is filled with passion, excitement and unpredictability – and that’s why we love it.But beyond the results on the pitch, our responsibility as club owners is to make big decisions that we believe are in the best interest of the club, even when they are very difficult to make.The transfer signings this summer marked the beginning of a strategic multi-year project designed to bring AS Roma back to the forefront of European football. As part of this vision, the development of a new stadium, which will honor the club’s deep history, is well underway.Let us say this; we have the utmost respect for Daniele and believe he will have a great career as a coach. Maybe even one day back at Roma. The decision to part ways with him was incredibly difficult, but we made it with the belief that it gives us the best opportunity to compete for trophies this season.We remain active investors in the sports industry. We love the beautiful game. The potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma. If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions. Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished. Our goal is clear – to see AS Roma consistently compete at the highest levels of European football.To our incredible fans, we acknowledge the immense responsibility we bear in leading this historic club. Your unwavering loyalty fuels us as we continue building for the future. We value your voices and want you to know — we hear you. You are the soul of this club, and we are determined to make you proud.Forza Roma.Dan and Ryan Friedkin”We value your voices and want you to know — we hear you. You are the soul of this club, and we are determined to make you proud. Forza Roma.”According to Forbes, CEO of the Friedkin Group, Dan, is worth $7.6billion (£6.4bn).The agreement to buy Everton, of course, remains subject to approval from the Premier League, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Football Association.That process may take up to eight weeks to complete.READ MORE SUN STORIESEverton’s debt currently stands at around £600m, something TFG will look to address.The incoming new owners will also be overseeing the grand opening of the Merseysiders’ new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.They will oversee the opening of the Bramley-Moore Dock at the start of next seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd star Scott McTominay ‘under observation’ over his diet after Napoli transfer

      by

      FORMER Manchester United star Scott McTominay is “under observation” over his diet at Napoli, according to reports in Italy.The 26-year-old midfielder left Old Trafford after 22 years to join the Serie A side for £25m this summer.Napoli are closely monitoring Scott McTominay’s dietThe Scot joined from Manchester United this summerNapoli have pledged to take extra care of McTominay’s nutrition, according to Italian news outlet Il Mattino.The reports states that boss Antonio Conte has specific staff to monitor the diet of certain players.And McTominay, who was among the fittest at United, has received special attention after arriving last month.Napoli want to make sure that he avoids the temptations of the Neapolitan culinary luxuries including pizza, pasta and dairy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMcTominay left Carrington in tip-top shape and regularly shared pictures of his ripped abs on Instagram.He often placed high in United’s fittest tests and worked out in special pre-season training camps after Euro 2024.Former United team-mate and current Fulham star Andreas Pereira even coined a brilliant nickname for him – “The McTerminator”.McTominay impressed in his full debut in a goalless against Juventus, with Napoli sitting second in the Serie A.Most read in FootballMcTominay trained hard over the summerHe regularly posted pictures of his ripped physique on InstagramHe even posed with his eight-pack alongside a pal after CovidFans noted that the Scotland international put in a typically determined and hardworking performance.While media outlet Calcio Mercato wrote he was Napoli’s “next idol”, comparing him to the likes of Diego Maradona and Edinson Cavani.Man Utd fans sob ‘don’t make me cry’ as Scott McTominay gets emotional after he’s given parting gift by supporterHe scored ten goals for United in his final season with his boyhood club, with seven of them coming at crucial times in the Prem.Conte also brought in Billy Gilmour, Romelu Lukaku, David Neres and Leonardo Spinazzola.McTominay’s sale will go down as “pure profit” as he graduated from United’s academy in 2017, with Erik Ten Hag admitting he didn’t want to sell him.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Tottenham target suffers sickening leg break and is rushed to hospital for surgery as rival fans clap him off pitch

      by

      GENOA star Ruslan Malinovskyi was rushed to hospital for an emergency operation after suffering a horror ankle break.Malinovskyi, 31, started for Alberto Gilardino’s side in the 2-0 loss to Venezia at the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium.Malinovskyi broke his ankle in a match against VeneziaCredit: RexGenoa star Ruslan Malinovskyi suffered a horror injuryCredit: RexMalinovskyi’s injury left the entire stadium in a state of shockCredit: EPAAnd the playmaker went down with a shocking leg break in the 50th minute.The Ukraine international’s team-mates and the Venezia players were left in a state of shock while the Genoa physios rushed on to the pitch.The Genoa star received a warm applause from both sets of fans as he was stretchered off on Saturday.Malinovskyi was rushed to hospital as he dislocated the joint and fractured the fibula of his right ankle.Read More on FootballThankfully the operation went very well and the attacking midfielder shared a picture of himself giving the thumbs up from his hospital bed.Genoa tweeted on Sunday: “Player Ruslan Malinovskyi underwent surgery on his right ankle this morning. “The operation, performed by Prof. Federico Santolini and his team, was a complete success. “The player is doing well and will begin rehabilitation at the Club’s facilities in the coming days.”Most read in FootballMalinovskyi used to be a top target for Tottenham as former manager Antonio Conte was keen to sign him in 2022.Spurs were said to have made contact with Atalanta, when he used to play in Bergamo.Premier League managers’ salaries revealed Nottingham Forest and West Ham were also keeping tabs on the Ukrainian.However, a Premier League move never materialised and Malinovskyi instead went to Marseille on loan in 2023.The versatile midfielder’s move to L’OM became permanent a few months later but ultimately joined Genoa.The ex-Shakhtar Donetsk star has amassed a total of four goals and three assists in 36 appearances with the Serie A side.Malinovskyi received a warm ovation from both sets of fans as he was stretchered offCredit: EPA More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Going to put flowers on his seat’ – First picture of Irish Liverpool fan killed in Milan amid tributes for ‘top lad’

      by

      THIS is the first picture of an avid Liverpool fan who tragically died in a road accident in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday.Philip Dooley, who lived in Liverpool but was originally from Ireland, was visiting the Italian city when he was struck by an oncoming car while crossing the A4 highway near the airport in Bergamo.Philip was a lifelong Liverpool supporterCredit: SOCIAL MEDIALiverpool players wore a black armband during the match in tribute to the fanCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 51-year-old fan was trying to cross the highway to reach the NH Hotel, where he was staying around 1am local time.Local media have reported that he had tickets to a Liverpool match in his pocket when he was discovered, after reportedly landing at Orio al Serio airport at 11.53pm on the flight from Manchester.Ahead of their opening Champions League clash vs AC Milan on Tuesday night, the club paid tribute to the Irishman by wearing black armbands.A social media post read: “We will wear black armbands this evening in tribute to supporter Philip Dooley, who tragically lost his life following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of the morning.”Tributes have been pouring in for tragic Phillip following his untimely death, with the Merseyside club leading the way.Liverpool FC said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our supporter Philip Dooley, following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of this morning.”Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who had travelled to Italy to be at tonight’s Champions League game against AC Milan.”Our staff in Milan are working with the local police and consulate, and continue to provide support to other fans impacted by this devastating incident.Most read in Football”The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to the club are with Philip’s family, friends and fellow supporters at this extremely difficult time.Liverpool icon Ron Yeats passes away”Rest in peace, Philip.”Friends and fellow fans who knew Phillip have also taken to social media to share their condolences, with one telling how they plan to “put some flowers on his seat” at the stadium in tribute. One said: “Top man and massive support to my family. You will be sorely missed. YNWA.”Another said: “Absolutely devastated tragic loss Philip Dooley. Thoughts are with all his family & friends. From Robbie, Paula & everyone at the 12th man YNWA.”Liverpool FC player Jamie Carragher responded to this post by sharing a red heart emoji.Another friend shared: “Phil was a friend of mine, from the row in front of me on the Kop, would see him at aways too and always get a hug off him. “Top lad. Going to put some flowers on his seat on Saturday. RIP Phil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance.A spokesperson added: “As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the detail of individual cases.” More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Roma brutally sack club legend Daniele De Rossi just FOUR games into new Serie A season

      by

      DANIELE DE ROSSI has been sacked by Roma just four games into the new Serie A season.The club legend returned as interim boss in January following Jose Mourinho’s exit.Roma have sacked club legend Daniele De Rossi just four games into the new seasonCredit: SplashHe made over 600 appearances as a playerCredit: ReutersDe Rossi ended up leading Roma to a sixth-place finish, as well as the semis of the Europa League.And he was only handed a contract to become head coach on a full-time basis in June.But a dismal start to the new season saw Roma pick up just three points from their opening four Serie A matches.Indeed, the capital club are yet to win a single game so far after three draws and one defeat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDe Rossi, who won two Italian Cups as a Roma player, was also sent off for dissent in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Genoa and given a one-game touchline ban.But he won’t get the chance to serve it after being brutally axed by Roma’s owner Dan Friedkin.The American businessman took over in 2020 and has now seen three managers during his time in the chair.After now-AC Milan boss Paulo Fonseca quit in 2021, Friedkin turned to Jose Mourinho to revive Roma’s fortunes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Special One led them to their first-ever European trophy with victory in the 2022 Conference League final.Mourinho also reached the Europa League final a year later, where Roma lost on penalties to Sevilla.Italy legend Danielli De Rossi slides over beer-soaked table in wild dressing-room celebrations after beating EnglandBut six months later he was sacked after a bust-up with the hierarchy.Club legend and fan favourite De Rossi was then hired as interim boss at the start of the year in a bid to lift spirits.The 41-year-old spent almost his entire career at Roma, playing 616 times in 18 seasons before a brief spell with Boca Juniors in 2019.De Rossi, who also won 117 caps for Italy and played a key role in their 2006 World Cup win, had previously been his national team’s assistant.And his only managerial spell had come in a sixth-month stint at Serie B side SPAL.But a few tweaks to Roma’s system saw De Rossi get the best out of misfiring stars like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini.The capital club then climbed the table to finish sixth in Serie A.Daniele De Rossi’s career statsPlaying career:Roma, 2001-2019: 616 games, 63 goalsBoca Juniors, 2019-2020: 7 games 1 goalItaly, 2004-2017: 117 games, 21 goalsTrophiesCoppa Italia x2, Supercoppa Italia (Roma)World Cup, U21s Euros, Olympic Bronze (Italy)Managerial careerSPAL, 2022-2023: P17 W3 D6 L8Roma, Jan 2024-Sept 2024: P30 W14 D9 L7And they also reached the semis of the Europa League, where they lost 1-0 to eventual German champions Bayer Leverkusen.But Roma’s new season got off to a poor start as they drew 0-0 at Cagliari.They were then defeated 2-1 at home to Empoli before another stalemate at Juventus.Sunday saw them held to a 1-1 draw at Genoa, who netted an equaliser in the 96th minute.And with Roma’s Europa League campaign kicking off next week, as well as a home Serie match against Udinese, De Rossi was given his marching orders on Wednesday morning.It now remains to be seen who Roma move for as a replacement.Former Inter Milan and AC Milan title winner Stefano Pioli was linked with De Rossi’s job earlier this month.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he has reportedly agreed a deal to take charge at Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi side Al-Nassr.Other Italian managers looking for work include ex-Chelsea and Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri, as well as former Juventus gaffer Max Allegri. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans say ‘Zlatan Ibrahimovic is genius’ after icon’s hilarious comment live on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage

      by

      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has achieved the near impossible – by voicing as much outrageous swagger off the field as he showed on it!Amazon Prime viewers labelled the strike legend a “genius” with his cheeky description of his new role at AC Milan.Zlatan Ibrahimovic entertained Gabby Logan, Frank Lampard, Daniel Sturridge and Clarence Seedorf on Amazon Prime as AC Milan hosted LiverpoolCredit: GettyIbrahimovic warmly greeted his former Milan team-mate SeedorfCredit: GettyIbrahimovic was at the San Siro to see Liverpool pull off a 3-1 Champions League comeback win.But he took centre stage – in more ways than one – when chatting to Amazon’s sporting crew on the famous pitch.Presenter Gabby Logan and Chelsea all-time great Frank Lampard were on the left of the 122-cap Swede.Daniel Sturridge and Dutch icon Clarence Seedorf were on the right – but with all four looking up to the 6ft 5ins star in the middle.READ MORE TOP STORIESLogan then asked Ibrahimovic for his “official title” at Milan.And although he’s commonly known as a “senior advisor” the ex-Manchester United, Juventus, Inter and PSG frontman delivered a much grander assessment.Ibra responded: “I’m the boss and the rest work for me. This is how it works.”Given his famous self-belief, some might think the 42-year-old’s next comment even hinted at him having super-powers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe added: “I’m invisible. I’m visible, so I’m all over the place.”That prompted Amazon Prime to post a clip of the exchange, along with the jokey claim: “Just Zlatan being Zlatan.”Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsIbrahimovic has indeed stamped his mark on Milan after returning in December last year to an off-field position at a club he twice played for. Ex-Liverpool forward Divock Origi and French left-back Fode Ballo-Toure were banished from the first-team set-up over the summer.Ibra said at the time the duo were “not part of our plans”.He added starkly: “They will be part of the youth team as they’re not included in our project.”With such straight-talking, no wonder Ibra reckons he’s in charge.And many fans appeared to love his smiling confidence on Amazon Prime.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Big Ibra is a genius,” claimed one.And there’s at least one middle-aged marvel from Malmo who will not be disagreeing with that verdict…! More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      AC Milan 1 Liverpool 3: Reds suffer huge early scare but put Forest woes behind them with dominant Champions League win

      by

      NOBODY could have blamed boss Arne Slot for thinking “suits you, sir” after this scintillating comeback triumph.Early disaster turned into a San Siro stroll, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk powering in headers to turn the game around — the first time two Liverpool central defenders have scored in a Champions League game.Liverpool beat AC Milan with an impressive Champions League displayCredit: RexLiverpool won their first Champions League match under Arne SlotCredit: GettyLiverpool ace Ibrahima Konate equalised after AC Milan’s openerCredit: GettyLiverpool star Virgil van Dijk turned the game around with a headerCredit: RexDominik Szoboszlai sealed Liverpool’s first three points in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyDominik Szoboszlai added an elegant third to help turn his manager’s 46th birthday into a back-slapping celebration.It is Milan fashion week with models strutting their stuff on catwalks across the city.Slot arrived amid sudden doubts about whether he is right to be trying to give his players a makeover after succeeding Jurgen Klopp.He sees the new style he is fashioning as one that can make the side Premier League champions again and maybe, again, overlords of Europe in a different garb of a more cautious, possession– based game.Read More on FootballThat approach was suddenly left with tattered holes in it during last Saturday’s 1-0 win by Nottingham Forest.Slot’s side were flat and mainly uninspired, failing to unzip a rearguard action designed to frustrate and hustle.Callum Hudson-Odoi’s brilliant strike put the cap on the defeat that left Slot as shocked as anyone.After three straight wins without conceding a goal to start his reign the Kop — yet to fully throw its voice behind him — were asking serious questions.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYet while Slot wants less of the attacking chaos of Klopp’s regime and more control, this was more like a throwback to the German’s heavy metal vibesAlthough the night could hardly have got off to a worse start for him.Kate Abdo makes HUGE announcement live on CBS Sports for Champions League return as Carragher makes ANOTHER awkward jokeHe made two changes following the Forest defeat, Cody Gakpo in for Luis Diaz and Kostas Tsimikas replacing Andy Robertson. By the third minute the Greek left-back will have wished his boss had not bothered as Milan took the lead.He was left stranded by a lighting raid down his flank, ignited by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.His quick clearance was pounced up by Christian Pulisic, with two team-mates powering alongside him.Konate panicked and was drawn out of position while Pulisic, one of four former Chelsea players in Paulo Fonseca’s line-up charged inside.Before Alisson knew what had hit him the American attacker had fired across the goal and into the far corner.Pulisic was joined in celebration by his ex– Stamford Bridge team-mates Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alvaro Morata and Fikayo Tomori while the stadium’s famous Curva Sud went wild.Poor startSlot and his team had the blues at the point for they were all over the place and their near-4,400 travelling fans, stuck high up in the gods, were fretting once again.But gradually Liverpool gained a foothold in the game, encouraged by centre-half Strahinja Pavlovic who made a pig’s ear of playing out from the back.His side survived as Slot’s men swarmed but they were still level by the 23rd minute and the equaliser could not have been simpler either.Trent Alexander-Arnold clipped in a free-kick from the left, up leapt Konate and completely unguarded headed home. Suddenly Slot’s men were in business again, the kind that had produced that stunning three-game start to the season.Diogo Jota tore into the box and sent a right footer wide when he should at least have tested Maignan.Mohamed Salah hit the woodwork with a reflex strike and soon after, slightly off balance, another effort cracked off the junction of bar and post.Reds fight backThis was seven-times Champions League winners against the six of Liverpool but it was the Reds who were finding their rhythm and above all their confidence again.Jota broke clear to find Salah. There was more majesty from Anfield’s Egyptian King this time only for Maignan to fingertip wide. But Liverpool grabbed the lead on 41 minutes, Tsimikas swung the corner in from the right, and Van Dijk nodded in.Seconds before the break it would have been three but for Maignan brilliantly turning aside a real bullet from Gakpo.Frenchman Maignan was forced off after a nasty collision with Tomori as Jota swooped in for the kill.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool finished the showdown with 23 shots — 11 on target — and two of those against the woodwork.And just to underline their superiority, Szoboszlai contributed a gliding finish in the 67th minute in the victory that was first about substance but in the end was about real style, Slot’s or not.Liverpool picked up a big win thee days after losing to Nottingham ForestSzoboszlai impressed for Liverpool against AC Milan More