Serie A

AN Italian World Cup-winning legend will take charge of his new team for the first time today – in a game that will last just 18 MINUTES.Udinese and Roma’s clash in Serie A on April 14 was abandoned after Evan Ndicka was stretchered off after collapsing for the away side.Udinese and Roma’s clash was abandoned on April 14 after a huge health scareCredit: TNT SportsEvan Ndicka collapsed in the game holding his chest off the ballCredit: GettyNdicka was given the green light after being rushed to hospitalCredit: X @ASRomaENFabio Cannavaro was this week named as Udinese’s new managerCredit: PAThe 24-year-old defender went to ground while Roma had possession of the ball and was seen holding his chest.Fortunately, his side has been able to provide a positive update on his condition since then while authorities worked out what to do regarding the result.The score was tied at 1-1 when the terrifying scare occurred.Now it has been decided that Udinese and Roma will play the remaining 18 minutes of the game at the Bluenergy Stadium later with the action resuming from the 72nd minute.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, there will be a number of changes from the first encounter that was interrupted.And one of those includes Fabio Cannavaro being in the dug-out for the hosts.Udinese named the 50-year-old Ballon d’Or winner, who captained Italy to 2006 World Cup glory in Germany, as their new manager this week as a replacement for Gabriele Cioffi.Now he will get to take a first look at his Serie A team – albeit briefly – against Roma.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut he will be able to make whatever changes he desires due to unique rules regarding the restart.Both teams are permitted to change their ENTIRE line-ups – including players that were unavailable earlier this month when it got underway.Anthony Joshua does crossbar challenge in Dubai with football legend Fabio Cannavaro watching on That means that Roma could potentially play Sardar Azmoun, who was injured 11 days ago.Those players that had already been substituted before the stoppage are the only ones that cannot be selected.Even Roma pair Leandro Paredes and Diego Llorente will be available for Roma.Cannavaro captained Italy to World Cup glory in 2006Credit: AFPThey received a one-game suspension during Monday’s loss at Bologna.However, they will serve that ban next week against Napoli.Ndicka himself has now also received the green light to return to action and could have been picked.But it has been deemed that he will now sit out the rest of the season and rest.Who are these famous footballers? More

FANS were left confused after a screen grab emerged appearing to show Mike Maignan and Lautaro Martinez “kissing each other on the lips”.The two stars were in action as AC Milan took on fierce rivals Inter at the San Siro on Monday night.A screenshot let fans to think that Mike Maignan and Lautaro Martinez had kissedCredit: DAZNThe duo were involved in a fierce skirmishCredit: GettyTempers flared towards the end of the Milan derbyCredit: EPAAlways a big occasion, this derby took extra meaning – with Inter able to clinch the Serie A title with a win.Simone Inzaghi’s side looked like doing just that, when they raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of goals by Francesco Acerbi and Marcus Thuram.Milan tried to make a game of it, and halved their deficit when Fikayo Tomori headed home from close range with 10 minutes remaining.Tempers began to flare in the turbo-charged atmosphere, and Denzel Dumfries and Theo Hernandez were both sent off following a scuffle in the 93rd minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the game then being played 10 vs 10, Milan desperately chased an equaliser that would stop the humiliation of handing their rivals the title.When Stefano Pioli’s men were awarded a corner after the allocated five minutes of stoppage time had been played, they knew it would be their last chance.Goalkeeper Maignan, 28, was sent up for it, as he had been for another set-piece a few minutes earlier.As Samuel Chukwueze stood ready to take the corner, another skirmish began after Davide Calabria elbowed Davide Frattesi in the face.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAmid the melee, Martinez and Maignan could be seen angrily grabbing hold of each other, with the latter wagging his finger in the Argentine’s face.As they squared up to each other, a screenshot gave the illusion that they had kissed, when that was not the case. Inter stars party into the night as forward performs brutal corner flag gesture after winning Serie A at rivals AC MilanSeeing the screenshot, one confused fan asked: “Is this real?”While a second wrote: “I can’t believe this.”A third joked of the warring duo: “In the midst of chaos last night Mike Maignan and Lautaro Martinez found love.”Calabria received a red card for his role in the incident, with Inter holding on to win the title – sparking wild celebrations both at San Siro and across the city.After the game, a delighted Martinez, 26, said: “I told the guys, ‘We find ourselves in a situation that’s never happened before.”We needed to take advantage of this opportunity because, look around, the entire stadium is ours now.”Davide Calabria was sent off for elbowing Davide FrattesiCredit: RexMartinez, 26, celebrates Inter’s title triumphCredit: Rex More

AC MILAN have decided to sack manager Stefano Pioli, according to reports.That came after yesterday’s 2-1 loss to city rivals Inter Milan confirmed their neighbours as Serie A champions.Milan will sack Pioli at the end of the season, according to reportsCredit: ReutersMilan won the Scudetto two seasons ago under Pioli but failed to defend their crown last year, when the title was won by Napoli.They were the closest team to rivalling Inter this year but yesterday’s win put the Nerazzuri a stunning 17 points clear.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that Pioli’s fate has already been sealed.He took to X to write: “Stefano Pioli will be sacked by AC Milan board at the end of the season despite public statements after the Derby.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”AC Milan are already looking for new manager.”Pioli has been on the brink at Milan multiple times since he took over in 2019.Last season it looked as though his fate was sealed and that Antonio Conte would take the hot seat but a move did not materialise.Conte is understood to only be interested in managing Milan, Juventus or Napoli if he is to return to management next season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt’s not yet known who the front-runner to take over at Milan is.Thiago Motta is the most coveted manager in the Serie A, with his Bologna side currently sitting in 4th. Inter stars party into the night as forward performs brutal corner flag gesture after winning Serie A at rivals AC MilanMilan would have to rival rumoured interest in him from Juventus and Manchester United, however.Inter’s win sparked wild scenes at the San Siro.The Scudetto title saw fireworks let off by fans who then took to the iconic Duomo cathedral to celebrate long into the night.Speaking on his future after the game, Pioli said: “I don’t know.“(Inter boss Simone) Inzaghi seemed to be struggling 14 months ago according to the media and look what he achieved after that.“I am happy here, I work well and I think the team has margin for improvement.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ll see where we all are at the end of the season and discuss it.” More

INTER MILAN stars partied into the night after winning their 20th Serie A title against rivals AC Milan.Marcus Thuram celebrated the occasion with a brutal corner flag gesture after a 2-1 win at the San Siro.Inter Milan won their 20th title after beating AC Milan 2-1 last nightCredit: GettyMarcus Thuram brutally celebrated by placing his Inter shirt over AC’s corner flagCredit: TNT SportsThe striker has been in stunning form since joining from Gladbach a year agoCredit: TNT SportsAnd fans flooded the nearby Piazza del Duomo as Lautaro Martinez joined them for a singalong session at four in the MORNING.Inter cruised to league glory last night as they wrapped up the title with five games to spare.Goals from Francesco Acerbi and Thuram ensured Simone Inzaghi’s men took the crown off Napoli.To make the moment even greater, Inter picked up their title while playing arch-rivals Milan – who were the home team at the San Siro.READ MORE INTER MILAN NEWSAnd Thuram couldn’t resist celebrating at their expense as he lifted up a corner flag draped in Milan colours.The France striker was signed on a free transfer from Gladbach last summer and has gone on to score 13 goals.Thuram removed his shirt as the party on the pitch got underway.He then stuck it over the Milan symbol on the corner flag.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd Thuram raised the pole above his head in a brutal gesture while jumping up and down.As the night went on, Inter fans gathered outside Milan’s Duomo Cathedral in the main city square.Lautaro Martinez celebrates into the night after Inter victory on the Serie AFederico Dimarco and Lautaro Martinez joined fans for a 4am partyCredit: GettyInter fans gathered in the city square to celebrateCredit: RexThey partied into the nightCredit: APThey partied into the night as Inter’s players went to their own event nearby.The stars are sure to have toasted their victory several times over.And at 4am, captain Martinez made an appearance on a nearby balcony as supporters sang his name with gusto.The Argentina World Cup winner, who climbed on the goal post earlier on at the San Siro, has 26 goals in all competitions this term.And after a second Serie A title win in six years, he is now a firm fan favourite.Left-back Federico Dimarco also came to the balcony at one stage and was given a raucous welcome, having been a key player for Inter this season.Martinez earlier climbed a goal post at the San SiroCredit: GettyFans sang Inter’s praises outside the cathedralCredit: GettyIt was a night to remember for supportersCredit: GettyOur beautiful game is brokenBy Dave Kidd
When Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
There is so much wrong.
After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

INTER MILAN became champions by defeating rivals AC in a game that saw three red cards dished out in just FOUR minutes.The Nerazzurri are celebrating after last night’s 2-1 triumph secured the Serie A crown for the second title in four years.Inter Milan are celebrating a 20th Serie A title after they beat AC Milan last nightCredit: RexMarcus Thuram scored the winner to secure a sixth straight win over their neighboursCredit: GettyDenzel Dumfries and Theo Hernandez were two of three players sent-off in additional timeCredit: GettyInter’s players and boss Simone Inzaghi (C) celebrate after the full time whistleCredit: GettyGoals from Francesco Acerbi and Marcus Thuram gave Inter the three points they required.However, Simone Inzaghi’s side had to endure a nervous final 10 minutes after Fikayo Tomori pulled a goal back for their rivals.Acerbi broke the deadlock with a header in the 18th minute.Then Inter doubled their advantage shortly into the second half as Thuram drilled home from the edge of the area.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey looked to be strolling towards their 20th league title until a late flurry of fireworks.England international Tomori set up a tense finish before both sides ended up with players getting sent-off.Milan star Theo Hernandez and Inter’s Denzel Dumfries got their marching orders after they were involved in a scuffle in the 93rd-minute.Then, just four minutes later, Milan’s Davide Calabria was shown a red card for violent conduct after elbowing an opponent while waiting for a corner.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInter managed to hang on, despite some late pressure, to wrap up the title with five games to spare and are 17 points clear of their neighbours.And it did not take long for the celebrations to begin as Inzaghi burst onto the field to embrace his players along with his coaching staff after sealing the first Scudetto of his career.Thousands of Inter fans light up Milan’s Duomo Square to celebrate Serie A titleForward Lautaro Martinez was spotted dropping to the ground in tears, seemingly overcome with emotion, while the rest of his team-mate hugged and celebrated in front of the delirious Inter fans.The players then held up signs with “20” on to mark their achievement – with them now having one more than Milan in the all-time standings.And they will also get a second star on their kit from next season as Italian clubs get one for every ten titles they win.Back in the city, the club’s official X account shared footage of thousands of fans partying late into the night.Hordes of blue and black flags and flares were also on show at Duomo Square.Meanwhile, the result capped a miserable week for AC Milan as pressure mounts on their manager after they were dumped out of the Europa League by Roma.Discussing his future afterwards, boss Stefano Pioli said: “I don’t know.“Inzaghi seemed to be struggling 14 months ago according to the media and look what he achieved after that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I am happy here, I work well and I think the team has margin for improvement.“We’ll see where we all are at the end of the season and discuss it.”Francesco Acerbi headed Inter into the lead during the first halfCredit: GettyFikayo Tomori then nodded into the net to set-up the tense finishCredit: EPAAC Milan’s Davide Calabria also received red during the final momentsCredit: APThe Inter Milan fans celebrated long in to the night at Piazza Duomo squareCredit: AP More

PROSECUTORS have launched a manslaughter investigation after a footballer aged 26 died after taking a shot during a match.Roma defender Gianluca Mancini led tributes to Castelfiorentino striker Mattia Giani, who collapsed clutching his chest in the fifth-tier game.Mattia Giani’s death has stunned footballCredit: Instagram @castelfiorentino_unitedGianluca Mancini dedicated a goal to Giani and wore a T-shirt with a message translating as, ‘Farewell Mattia, forever with us’Credit: AlamyGiani was taken to hospital in Florence following the 15th-minute incident but was pronounced dead the following day.Reports in Italy say investigators want to clarify issues such as the timing of the emergency treatment he received.Dad Sandro has also filed a complaint to “understand how our son died”.He has questioned what medical services were on hand at the Lanciotto Campi in Tuscany for Sunday’s match.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe tragedy happened after Giani took a shot at goal, then fell, holding his chest.It’s understood his heart stopped beating for several minutes and a club masseur reportedly tried to resuscitate him on the pitch.Giani was then taken to Florence’s Careggi Hospital but died there on Monday.Italy star Mancini, whose sister is dating Giani’s brother Elia, joined the outpouring of shock over his death.Most read in FootballMancini says his’ sister and Mattia’s family are suffering’Credit: RexAnd the centre-back, 28, dedicated his goal in Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League victory over AC Milan to him.Mancini told Sky Sports Italia: “My sister and Mattia’s family are suffering.”The world around them has collapsed, but they will rise again. I wanted to dedicate this goal to him.”Mancini also wore a T-shirt with a message in Italian translating as: “Farewell Mattia, forever with us.”Giani’s girlfriend Sofia Caruso has told of the couple’s “beautiful” last morning together and of his tender last message by phone.They had been living together for just two days.She said: “We woke up on Sunday. We talked and laughed – it was beautiful.”Then Matti took the bag. I stayed at home. Then his cell phone rang. It was a message from him, the last one. “He wrote to me, ‘Love, I left you the accreditation for the match in the name of Giani. I love you madly’.”He always told me that he loved me like crazy and I loved him like crazy too.”We were thinking about getting married, we said we wanted children. “Mattia made me understand what love was and he took care of me. Matti was a pure and good person.”Castelfiorentino coach Nico Scaridigli said: “Mattia was a wonderful guy. “He had a wonderful girlfriend who loved him more than anything. READ MORE SUN STORIES”From a sporting perspective, he was a good footballer who was fun. He always had a knockout shot. “His career didn’t go as well as he deserved just because of muscle problems.” More