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    Chiesa suffers devastating ACL injury in Juventus’ win over Roma and will miss Italy’s crunch World Cup play-off

    FEDERICO CHIESA’S season is over after he suffered a devastating ACL injury in Juventus’ win over Roma.And that means the forward will miss Italy’s crunch World Cup play-off in March.
    Federico Chiesa sustained a horror ACL knee injury on SundayCredit: Reuters
    The Italian will miss the rest of the season as he recovers from surgeryCredit: Getty
    It could also wreck any hopes of Bayern Munich or Chelsea – both linked with the attacker – securing a summer transfer.
    The 24-year-old sustained the damage in a tackle by Chris Smalling early on in Sunday night’s 4-3 victory.
    He hobbled off on 32 minutes and Juventus confirmed he will be operated on in the coming days. 
    And it looks almost certain that his season is over as the hashtag #ForzaFede quickly spread on social media and supporters of Juventus and rival teams sent messages of support. 
    But, as with most ACL knee injuries, it is unclear exactly when the 38-cap Italy winger will be ready to return to action – and if he can rediscover his top form.
    Chiesa wrote on Instagram to his 3.5million followers: “Heartfelt thanks to everyone for the messages of support. See you soon, on the pitch!”
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Italy national team boss Roberto Mancini had an in-form Chiesa to help fire the Azzurri to the Euro 2020 title last summer.
    However, the European champs failed to guarantee their spot at this year’s World Cup through the qualifying groups. 
    Now they must try and see off North Macedonia and then either Turkey or likely Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal without talisman Chiesa to secure a place in Qatar between March 24 and 29. 
    But Mancini will not be the only one crushed by the injury blow as Max Allegri needs to lead his team through the rest of the season without one of his key stars.
    The Old Lady are currently fifth in Serie A – helped by the dramatic comeback at Roma.
    They face Villarreal in the last 16 of the Champions League. 
    Chiesa has chipped in with four goals and four assists in 18 appearances across all competitions this term.
    Only Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata have scored more – despite Chiesa missing six matches due to a muscle injury before Christmas. More

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    Roma had more English players in starting XI against Juventus than Man City did in lineup to face Swindon

    ROMA had more English players in their starting XI to face Juventus this weekend than Manchester City did at Swindon.Jose Mourinho’s men hosted Juve in Serie A on Sunday with three English stars in the starting XI.
    Roma’s team to face Juventus on Sunday included three English stars
    Manchester City had more Portuguese players than English players in the starting XI at Swindon
    And all three are senior England internationals.
    Tammy Abraham started upfront while Chris Smalling was joined in defence by debutant Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
    Abraham and Smalling have been mainstays in the team throughout the season while Maitland-Niles joined on loan from Arsenal last week.
    The trio have 46 Three Lions caps between them – Abraham has ten, Smalling 31 and Maitland-Niles five.
    By contrast, English champs City only fielded TWO at the County Ground on Friday night.
    Experienced right-back Kyle Walker played the full 90 minutes of the FA Cup victory over the League Two Robins.
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    Cole Palmer, meanwhile, was subbed off after 86 minutes and a goal as the Citizens breezed to a 4-1 win.
    Walker has 65 caps but 19-year-old academy graduate Palmer is currently part of the England Under-21 set-up.
    City did bring compatriots Luke Mbete and James McAtee off the bench, though.
    But while City smashed in four on their way to winning, Mourinho saw his side concede as many at the Stadio Olimpico.
    Abraham fired the hosts in front on 11 minutes and Roma led 3-1 with 20 minutes to go.
    But three goals in seven minutes, plus a missed Roma penalty, saw Juventus secure a staggering 4-3 win.
    ‘COLLAPSED PSYCHOLOGICALLY’
    The result saw Mourinho’s men fail to break into the top six and the Special One bemoaned his side’s ‘mental fragility’ having ‘controlled the game for 70 minutes’.
    Mourinho ranted: “Unfortunately I can criticise the team…
    “[It was] 70 minutes of absolute control, the team played well, with a mentality of making the game. The approach was right, with the desire to tactically control.
    “Then we collapsed psychologically.
    “With a strong mentality team it would not be a problem, but the psychological fragility emerged.
    “There is a reason why Roma didn’t win against the top teams last year and it’s difficult this year too.
    “We have limits on the bench, my soul hurts because I’m not used to this team profile.”
    Chris Smalling and Ainsley Maitland-Niles teamed up in defence togetherCredit: Getty
    Abraham headed Roma in front but could not prevent a 4-3 defeat to JuventusCredit: Reuters
    Kyle Walker and Cole Palmer were the English representatives for City at SwindonCredit: Reuters More

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    Arsenal want Dusan Vlahovic transfer and plan to use Lucas Torreira as part of player-plus cash swap offer to Fiorentina

    ARSENAL want to use Lucas Torreira as part of a swap deal for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic but don’t expect to make any major signings this month.Serbian international Vlahovic, 21, has been identified as a potential long-term Emirates replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
    Dusan Vlahovic is on Arsenal’s wishlistCredit: Rex
    The Gunners hope that Lucas Torreira could sweeten the dealCredit: Rex
    And the Gunners are hoping that Torreira’s successful loan spell with the Serie A club can help swing a deal their way.
    Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano is keen to keep the Uruguayan midfielder who has emerged as a key player for his team this season.
    Arsenal are prepared to let them have Torreira for around £12.5million – or as part of a deal for £45million-rated Vlahovic.
    But Vlahovic, who has already scored 23 goals for club and country this season, is not convinced about a move to the Emirates and is prepared to wait for other offers from England, Spain and Germany. 
    Mikel Arteta is stepping up his search for a young target man to lead his attack but after spending £148million in the summer is prepared to wait until the summer to make his move.
    Lacazette is out of contract at the end of the season and is set to leave as a free agent.
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    And Aubameyang is out of favour following a disciplinary row which led to him being stripped of the captaincy and ordered to train on his own last month.
    Now the veteran striker is set to miss Gabon’s opening two games of the Africa Cup of Nations after contracting Covid this week.
    Yet Arsenal will only let him leave during the current transfer window if they can sign a replacement striker.
    And Aubameyang’s £250,000-a-week basic wage and the fact that he is approaching his 33rd birthday means Arsenal have not been overwhelmed by offers.
    Now he is expected to return to the Emirates at the end of the month and be reintegrated into the squad to help the Gunners secure a top four finish and Champions League qualification.
    But the £56million superstar is no longer regarded as the main man by Arteta.
    And with Eddie Nketiah also set to leave as a free agent in the summer, signing another striker has become Arsenal’s top priority.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Sun Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a leading target and, unlike Vlahovic, would not need persuading to move to the Emirates.
    But the struggling Merseysiders are likely to demand around £60million for their England international who has missed most of the season with injury.
    Ainsley Maitland-Niles will complete his season-long loan move to Roma today and talks are continuing with Middlesbrough about a loan for young striker Folarin Balogun.
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a leading target for ArsenalCredit: Reuters More

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    Jose Mourinho ‘so happy’ he snubbed AC Milan as he lashes out at booing fans after Roma’s defeat at San Siro

    WIND-UP merchant Jose Mourinho insisted he is ‘so happy’ he snubbed AC Milan.The Roma chief saw his side well beaten 3-1 by Milan at the San Siro on Thursday.
    Jose Mourinho revealed he rejected AC Milan’s offer to take over as managerCredit: Getty
    Mourinho – who led AC’s rivals Inter to the treble in 2010 – was roundly booed by the home fans throughout the game.
    But despite the defeat, the Special One ensured he got the last dig in – by revealing he turned down the Milan gig.
    Mourinho, 58, said: “I was offered the job three years ago.
    “I thought about it for three days, but I am so happy to have taken that decision.
    “I am a professional, but there is still space for emotion.
    “I am passionate about Roma and I will give everything for this club.”
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Commenting on the jeers, he added: “Looking to what happened today, I am twice as happy about my decision.”
    Mourinho enjoyed his time at Inter between 2008 and 2010, winning five trophies.
    He is still adored by the Nerazzurri fans – so much so a section of Inter ultras welcomed him upon arrival at the San Siro.
    But on the pitch, things did not go to plan for the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager.
    Tammy Abraham’s handball on six minutes gave ex-Blues team-mate Olivier Giroud the perfect chance to open the scoring from the spot.
    Junior Messias doubled AC’s lead on 17 minutes but Abraham pulled one back with a cheeky backheel before the break – while Mourinho raced on to the pitch to prevent his star striker getting sent off as the two sets of players scuffled.
    But Roma were down to ten men on 74 minutes when Rick Karsdorp saw red before Rafael Leao made it 3-1.
    Gianluca Mancini was also dismissed for the visitors deep into injury time but Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw his penalty saved as Roma finished with nine men and seventh in Serie A, 14 points off leaders Inter.
    RACE ROW
    But the game was marred by racist and abusive chants by Roma fans aimed at Milan duo Ibrahimovic and Franck Kessie.
    Mourinho called on his travelling support to stop, which they did initially, before continuing again after full-time.
    A Roma statement said: “We have zero tolerance for any form of racism.
    “The club has been committed to combating racism and any form of discrimination for years.
    “As an organisation, we continue to do everything we can to change the behaviour of some fans in a positive way.”
    Mourinho rushed on to the pitch to prevent Tammy Abraham getting a second yellowCredit: Getty More

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    Watch Tammy Abraham’s cheeky backheel goal minutes after Jose Mourinho ran onto pitch to save Roma star from red card

    ENGLAND star Tammy Abraham won’t be forgetting Roma’s Thursday evening trip to face AC Milan at San Siro in a hurry. The Roma striker gave away a penalty, scored a goal, and risked being sent off – all within the space of 90 minutes.
    A back-heel finish from Tammy Abraham! 🤩He gets the slightest of touches to pull one back for Roma. All to play for in this one. pic.twitter.com/qeeHKBpDYX— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 6, 2022

    Abraham scored with a neat back-heeled finish to get Roma back into the gameCredit: Getty
    Mourinho ran over to Abraham to make sure he avoided getting tangled up in a confrontationCredit: Getty
    The crunch clash got off to a nightmare start for Abraham, 24, after VAR judged the ex-Chelsea man to have handled the ball inside the area within the first six minutes.
    And it was Abraham’s old Chelsea team-mate, Olivier Giroud, who converted from the spot to put AC Milan ahead after Abraham was booked.
    Junior Messias doubled the advantage nine minutes later, leaving it all to do for Abraham and boss Jose Mourinho.
    The £34million summer signing did give Roma a glimmer of hope when he found the back of the net just before the break.
    A deft back-heeled effort wrong-footed AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to halve the deficit.
    The goal was his 13th in all competitions in what has been an impressive debut season in Serie A.
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    And Mourinho made sure Abraham didn’t pick up an unnecessary second yellow card which would have seen his main goal threat suspended.
    The ex-Manchester United boss rushed onto the pitch and hauled the striker away after a scuffle broke out between the two sets of players.
    He was seen barking at Abraham after his star man got caught up in a confrontation that risked him being given his marching orders.
    Mourinho though could do nothing about Rick Karsdorp from being given his marching orders, which effectively killed the game.
    Rafael Leao made it 3-1 with just under ten minutes to play, clinically finishing off a sweeping counter attack.
    Roma then went down to nine men in the closing stages, as Gianluca Mancini hauled down Leao in the box to hand the home side another penalty.
    This time Zlatan Ibrahimovic stepped up, but he was denied from 12 yards by ex-Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
    That turned out to be almost the last kick of the game as Abraham’s eventful evening finally drew to a close, with zero points to show for it.
    An angry Mourinho dragged Abraham away to ensure he didn’t pick up a second yellow cardCredit: Getty More

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    Fiorentina set to trigger forgotten Arsenal man Lucas Torreira’s £13m transfer clause in boost to summer plans

    FIORENTINA are set to trigger Arsenal outcast Lucas Torreira’s £13million release clause, according to reports.The midfielder was sent on loan to the Serie A side in the summer and they are willing to cough up the cash to make the move permanent.
    Fiorentina are set to trigger Lucas Torreira’s £13million Arsenal release clauseCredit: Rex
    Torreira, 25, has not played for the Gunners since July 2020.
    He went on loan to Atletico that October.
    However, that move didn’t work out so the Gunners offloaded him to Fiorentina soon after.
    But after playing 17 times for La Viola this season – scoring once and providing one assist – the Italians want to sign him permanently, according to Calciomercato.
    The Uruguayan has impressed head coach Vincenzo Italiano.
    And his side are willing to cough up his release clause and offer him a four-year deal.
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    Torreira joined Arsenal from Sampdoria in 2018 and made a total of 89 appearances across all competitions.
    He initially impressed at the Emirates under previous manager Unai Emery but failed to win over Arteta.
    Arteta previously said: “Lucas has a huge heart and puts a lot of effort into everything he does.rte
    “That’s why he’s not one of the players who likes to be on the bench waiting for minutes.
    “He needs to show what he can give on the pitch. He’s encouraged with the game. And that happened at Arsenal.
    “Lucas is honest and wants to leave his soul on the pitch, but that is defined by the coaches and for the current Arsenal manager he didn’t count.”
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    Conte ‘disagrees with Tottenham chief Paratici over Kulusevski transfer and prefers Juventus star’s team-mate’

    TOTTENHAM are tracking a couple of Juventus stars but opinions are divided on which one would be the best signing, according to reports in Italy.Tottenham manager Antonio Conte likes the look of midfielder Weston McKennie but the club’s sporting director Fabio Paratici wants forward Dejan Kulusevski, says Juve news website ilbianconero.com.
    Spurs and derby rivals Arsenal are said to be interested in Juve star KulusevskiCredit: Getty
    But Tottenham boss Conte is reportedly more interested in Juve’s McKennieCredit: Getty
    Both Conte and Paratici are very well versed on the merits of both of the Serie A stars and it remains to be seen whose opinion counts the most on new signings.
    Paratici was previously sporting director at Juventus but ended his 11-year stay in Turin to join Tottenham in June 2021.
    And Conte, who led Inter Milan to the Serie A title last season, succeeded sacked Nuno Espírito Santo as Spurs boss six months later.
    Paratici signed Sweden winger Kulusevski, 21, for Juventus in 2020.
    And he ‘would not disdain replicating the same operation’ again for Spurs, according to ilbianconero.
    It says the Italian giants value him at ‘close to 35 million euros’, which is about £29.5m.
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    Kulusevski has ‘several admirers’ in the Premier League, including Arsenal, according to the report.
    But it adds: “Less enthusiastic seems to be Antonio Conte, the Tottenham coach who, if he were to draw for Juve, would prefer to bet on Weston McKennie , rather than on Kulusevski.”
    Kulusevski joined Juve from Atalanta in 2020 but has struggled for regular game time under boss Massimiliano Allegri this season.
    Versatile United States star McKennie, 23, joined the Old Lady on loan from FC Schalke 04 in 2020 and made the move permanent last year.
    Spurs sporting director Paratici was previously at JuventusCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Conte has had a positive impact at Spurs since becoming their new boss in early November 2021Credit: Reuters
    Jamie O’Hara says that Conte is the best Spurs manager he’s ever seen More

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    Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger ‘in talks over FREE transfer with Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus’

    ANTONIO RUDIGER is in talks with four top European clubs over a free transfer, reports say. The German has just half a year left on his current deal and is yet to extend it, despite efforts from Chelsea.
    Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is entering the last six months of his contractCredit: EPA
    Having entered the last six months of his contract, Rudiger, 28, is now able to negotiate a free transfer abroad.
    And according to Sky Sports, Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus have all opened talks with his representatives.
    It could see him finalise a pre-contract agreement this month and secure a move away from Stamford Bridge.
    But, it is also claimed staying at Chelsea has not yet been ruled out by Rudiger.
    He has started 20 Premier League games this season – the most of any outfield player – and remains hugely valued by the club.
    It is believed the Blues have been unable to strike a financial agreement with the defender, who reportedly earns in the region of £140,000-per-week.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Bundesliga.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    The Telegraph had claimed LaLiga giants Real are willing to DOUBLE that salary in order to prize Rudiger over to Spain.
    He is also joined by Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, Andreas Christensen, 25, and Thiago Silva, 37, who are all entering the final stages of their contracts.
    Azpilicueta is understood to be pushing for a two-year extension with the option of a third.
    But Chelsea – who have a policy of offering over 30s only one-year extensions – are expected to counter with a 12-month deal with the option of another year.
    Christensen had appeared close to agreeing terms with Chelsea, but has since changed agents and been linked to Barcelona on a free, Sky in Italy say.
    Silva on the other hand is nearing a one-year extension, which would guarantee him three years at the club.
    Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas ChristensenCredit: Getty More