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      Lewis Hamilton admits Italian racists made him think twice about joining Ferrari after suffering sickening abuse in past

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      LEWIS HAMILTON admits Italian racists made him think twice about moving from Mercedes to Ferrari.Italian football has been plagued with racism problems, with ex-Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku suffering sick monkey taunts while playing for Inter Milan and Roma.Lewis Hamilton has admitted he thought twice about joining FerrariCredit: AlamyThe 40-year-old has expressed concerns over Ferrari’s lack of diversityCredit: AFPAnd Hamilton, F1’s only black driver, confessed: “It definitely crossed my mind when I was thinking about my decision.”It’s often such a small group of people that set that trend for many. “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”Hamilton, 40, was racially abused during his days in karting and also targeted by Spanish bigots in 2008.READ MORE ON F1But now he has been fired up by F1 pundits attacking his name, like former team owner Eddie Jordan, who branded Ferrari’s decision to axe 30-year-old Carlos Sainz for the Brit as “suicidal”.Hamilton told Time Magazine: “I never reply to any of the older, ultimately white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.”How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”But Hamilton has expressed concerns over Ferrari’s lack of diversity.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn 2020, he started the Hamilton Commission to increase black representation in UK motorsport.Mercedes launched their own diversity initiative and began hiring staff from under-represented groups.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleBut Hamilton said: “Now I’m going back to the beginning of my time with Mercedes, where it wasn’t diverse.”Ferrari, along with every other F1 team,  signed a Diversity and Inclusion charter in November.Yet boss Fred Vasseur said: “It’s not politically correct but first is performance. “I’m keen to go into the  direction of diversity and so on but I want to build up the best team.” More

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      Maurizio Sarri reveals he ‘exchanged notes’ with former Chelsea star as he hints at return to management

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      MAURIZIO SARRI could be set for a return to management as he revealed family issues have kept him away from the dugout.The Italian revealed that he recently exchanged notes with his former Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas.Maurizio Sarri could be set for a shock return to managementCredit: GettySarri won the Europa League during his one year in charge of ChelseaCredit: Kenny RamsayCesc Fabregas now manages Como in the Serie ACredit: Action ImagesSarri has been out of the dugout since resigning from Lazio halfway through the season in March 2024.He joined Lazio in 2021 and led them to second place in Serie A in the 2023-24 season.That was the club’s best league finish since they won the title in 1999-2000.But the 66-year-old has revealed that his personal life has stopped him from returning despite being approached by several suitors.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe told Corriere della Sera: “It hasn’t been a good period due to some family issues. “I’ve received many offers in this period, from different continents, even from Arabia. “But nothing has yet made me make that internal click.” He added: “I would like a big project, that will rekindle the spark in me. Otherwise I will remain still. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Me close to Milan in January? I will not answer. I will say that I have received proposals that have not made me waver at the moment.”Sarri also revealed that before he joined Napoli in 2015 he had a positive conversation with AC Milan chiefs but didn’t hear from them again.Ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri could be in line for Arsenal and Tottenham jobs if Mikel Arteta is sacked after flop seasonThe former Prem boss admitted there’s one thing he doesn’t miss about football.He said: “I miss the adrenaline of football. I like everything about this sport – except the transfer market. “I have watched and studied many games in this period. Fabregas’ Como intrigue me.”He was a player of mine at Chelsea and we recently exchanged notes.”Sarri spent just one season at Chelsea after replacing Antonio Conte in 2018.But he left Stamford Bridge after just a sole season, winning the Europa League with Fabregas in 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESFrank Lampard would replace Sarri, who went on to join Juventus.With Juve, he won the league title but again his reign lasted no more than a full season after he was sacked in October 2020. More

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      Shocking scenes as ace defies team orders, is confronted by team-mates, scores penalty but then gets hooked IMMEDIATELY

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      UDINESE star Lorenzo Lucca caused chaos and enraged his team-mates last night by insisting on taking a penalty over their designated taker.And despite converting the first-half spot kick, Lucca was IMMEDIATELY hooked by his manager.Lorenzo Lucca was determined to take Udinese’s penaltyCredit: Serie ALucca’s stubbornness prompted a frustrated reactionCredit: Serie AThe striker was booked during the incidentCredit: GettyThe Italian side were taking on Lecce in Serie A.When they were awarded a penalty shortly after the half hour, a bizarre scene followed.Captain and designated taker Florian Thauvin was ready to take the spot kick.But Lucca, 24, refused to give the French World Cup winner the ball.READ MORE FOOTBALLSeveral of his team-mates, including former Manchester United and Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, angrily pleaded with Lucca to back down.The striker did not, however, and was even booked during the unusual incident.When his team-mates finally relented, Lucca made no mistake in converting the penalty.But his colleagues, still fuming, refused to celebrate with him.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLucca, 24, went on to convert the penaltyCredit: SplashThe Italy international was substituted just minutes laterCredit: RexManager Kosta Runjaic then hooked Lucca off just moments after he converted and replaced him with Iker Bravo.The forward looked miffed as he exited the pitch.Conference League last 16 draw sees Chelsea face Copenhagen And after Udinese’s eventual 1-0 win, he could be seen not smiling as the team took a celebratory picture together.After the match, Runjaic told DAZN: “We have clear hierarchies with penalty kicks.”I didn’t like the discussion, they were talking for a long time, he made the decision independently and I preferred to take him off the pitch after he took the penalty anyway, which he shot very well.”It is also not the first time that two players on a team have argued over who gets to take a set-piece. We will definitely talk about this during the week.”I made this choice because I don’t like those who don’t respect the rules, so I had to take measures. However, this will all be solved in training and we will focus on our next match.”Lucca, who was capped by Italy for the first time last year, has taken six penalties across his senior career, scoring three and missing three.Thauvin, meanwhile, has scored 13 spot kicks, missing six.Lucca, in the middle of the photo at the back, did not smile for a celebratory post-match pictureCredit: X @Udinese_1896 More

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      ‘Deeply disrespectful’ – Lookman releases statement after own manager called him ‘one of worst penalty takers ever’

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN has called criticism of him “deeply disrespectful” after his manager slammed his missed penalty.The former Fulham and Everton star was in action for Atalanta last night as they were dumped out of the Champions League by Club Brugge.Ademola Lookman missed a spot kick last nightCredit: AFPSimon Mignolet saved Lookman’s penaltyCredit: AFPAtalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was unimpressed with the wingerCredit: RexThe Serie A side trailed 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate at half time in Bergamo.Lookman, 27, pulled a goal back in the first minute of the second period, before being handed a golden opportunity to further reduce his side’s deficit from the penalty spot.The Nigeria international’s spot kick was saved by Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, however, with Atalanta going on to lose 3-1 on the night.After the game, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. (Mateo) Retegui and (Charles) De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”Lookman has since hit back at criticism directed his way.In a statement posted to his social media accounts, he wrote: “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city.”Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.”Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result.Scottish fan is only away supporter to turn up to cheer on Atalanta against Napoli”During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so.”Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which l’ll continue to do.”Lookman’s botched spot kick last night was not his first underwhelming penalty.With Fulham trailing West Ham 1-0 in November 2020, the winger stepped up from 12 yards in the 98th minute.He infamously attempted a Panenka penalty, which was easily saved by the goalkeeper.Prior to last night, however, he had scored all four spot kicks taken for Atalanta’LOST HIS HEAD’In the closing stages of last night’s match, Atalanta skipper Rafael Toloi “lost his head”.As the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.The referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.READ MORE SUN STORIESGasperini, 67, added of the incident: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.”Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”Rafael Toloi bundled over an opponentCredit: TNT SPORTS More

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      ‘He’s really lost his head’ – Atalanta captain sent off for moment of madness after ’embarrassing’ blunder

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      ATALANTA captain Rafael Toloi saw red as the Serie A side crashed out of the Champions League.The Italians went into last night’s second leg trailing Belgians Club Brugge 2-1 from the first match.Rafael Toloi attempted to throw the ball at an opponentCredit: TNT SPORTSHe then bundled over the Club Brugge aceCredit: TNT SPORTSThings swiftly went from bad to worse for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men, as a disastrous first half saw them fall 3-0 down on the night.Ademola Lookman pulled one back for the Serie A side moments into the second half.But after the former Everton and Fulham man missed a penalty on the hour mark, Atalanta’s hope began to ebb away.In the 86th minute, Toloi’s frustration boiled over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question After the game, veteran boss Gasperini was disappointed at his skipper.He said: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.”Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”On the winger’s botched penalty, the 67-year-old added: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them.”Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”Ademola Lookman botched his second half penaltyCredit: AFP More

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      Kyle Walker’s AC Milan loan turns into nightmare after European giants suffer disastrous Champions League exit

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      KYLE WALKER’s stint with AC Milan has suffered an unexpected and embarrassing blow.The England international joined the Italian giants on loan last month from Manchester City.Kyle Walker joined AC Milan on loan from Manchester City in JanuaryCredit: GettyMilan having Champions League football likely played a role in his decision to move to the San SiroCredit: GettyBut they won’t be playing in Europe’s elite competition any more after being knocked out by FeyenoordCredit: APKyle Walker and his Milan team-mates let their frustrations get the better of them during the matchCredit: TNT SportsThe prospect of playing Champions League football at the iconic San Siro stadium was no doubt one of the things that attracted Walker to the move.But just 25 days after his arrival, the Rossoneiri are now no longer in Europe’s elite club competition.Milan were dumped out of the prestigious tournament thanks to a 2-1 aggregate defeat in their last-16 qualifier against Feyenoord.Feyenoord, who secured a stunning 3-3 draw with Walker’s parent club last year, went into the second leg leading the tie 1-0. READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERBut Santiago Jiminez cancelled out their lead just 43 seconds into the return leg and laid the foundations for a big comeback. Sergio Conceicao’s troops huffed and puffed but failed to breach the vistors’ goal a second time. And they paid the price in the 73rd minute when Julian Carranza struck to restore the visitor’s advantage and fire them into the last 16.Walker and his Milan team-mates cut frustrated figures after the final whilst.Most read in FootballKyle Walker has enjoyed a mixed start to life with AC MilanCredit: GettyThe visitors, on the other hand, were ecstatic with their famous progression through to the knockout stages.It’s been a rough few days for Walker, who is currently renting a £10,000-a-week apartment in the heart of Milan.Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids over a meal after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC MilanThe former Sheffield United and Spurs ace was hooked at HALF-TIME during AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Hellas Verona last weekend.And to make matters worse, his replacement, Alex Jimenez, went on to help set up the winning goal.Walker has made six appearances for Milan since his temporary transfer. Milan have only won three of those matches, four of which Walker has played the full 90 minutes. Walker and his team-mates will be back in action on Saturday evening, travelling to Turin to take on Torino. More

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      ‘Man Utd directors should be arrested’ – How Scott McTominay proved old bosses wrong and became Napoli’s ‘new Maradona’

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      SCOTT McTOMINAY is proving Manchester United wrong – and Paolo Di Canio right – after becoming Napoli’s “Jolly Blue Giant”.Soon after Old Trafford chiefs sold the 6ft 3in midfielder to the Serie A club for £25million, Premier League legend Di Canio announced, with typical understatement:  “I would go to Manchester United to arrest all the directors – how do you give McTominay away?”Scott McTominay is the darling of the Napoli fans and Italian pressCredit: RexThe midfielder was sold by boyhood club United in the summer – against the wishes of many fans and then-boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyMcTominay came through the academy under Sir Alex Ferguson – meaning United made pure profit on his £25m saleCredit: Instagram @scottmctominayHow much do Napoli’s fans agree? McTotally.That is the nickname that the club’s ultras have given to McTominay because of his all-action, totally committed, hard-running style.And the former Old Trafford trainee has become so crucial to Napoli’s title charge under Antonio Conte that many regard him as a successor to Diego Maradona as the leader of the team.Leading Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport recenty hailed McTominay as “the warrior soul of Napoli”.The wildcard in Conte’s packThe midfielder was given the “Jolly” tag by local press soon after his arrival last summer.Playing cards imported to Italy from the UK contain a “Jolly Joker” and the Scotland international is regarded as the wild card in Conte’s pack, a versatile player who can be the difference between having a good hand and winning.But “jolly” also reflects how happy McTominay is in his new surroundings.He and girlfriend Cam Reading have been pictured out and about enjoying life on the Amalfi Coast.McTominay said: “It’s not easy going abroad and having to settle in, but it’s been quite seamless, to be fair, in terms of how much the Italian people have helped me settling into my house and whatever.”Things I need like a car or a taxi or anything like that. I’m very grateful to them. Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmer“They’re real great people who I’m very thankful for as well.”Last summer United cashed in on academy product McTominay – against the wishes of then boss Erik ten Hag and many supporters  – to help them meet Premier League financial rules.But it now looks like a false economy.While United spent around £50m on replacement midfielder Manuel Ugarte but still languish in the lower half of the Premier League, a McTominay-inspired Napoli are top of Serie A.The Scot’s six goals and four assists in 21 appearances tell only part of the story.McTominay’s physical presence at both ends of the pitch and his ability to fulfil a variety of roles has allowed Conte to ditch his usual preference for three at the back.Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Conte said: “Scott is a complete player, versatile.“He can be a trequartista (effectively No10) behind the striker, he can be a mezzala (a central midfielder-cum-winger) in a three-man midfield, play in a two-man midfield or even wide in a 5-4-1 with licence to attack.”When I first walked into the Maradona Stadium it was surreal, knowing he is a legend of footballMcTominayMcTominay made a big impression in his very first start for Napoli, at Juventus back in September.Conte’s side ground out a 0-0 draw and Italian broadcaster Riccardo Trevisan claimed that McTominay had made Juve stars look like “children”.Trevisani added: “Seeing McTominay live is incredible, impressive. He looked like Gulliver with children, they bounced off him.”Months later, McTominay remains one of Napoli’s main men.Last month he scored in the 3-2 win over top-of-the-table rivals Atalanta. Days later, the Scot won the penalty from which fellow Premier League outcast Romelu Lukaku scored to complete a second-half comeback and seal a 2-1 win.If McTominay can inspire Napoli to their second Serie A crown in three seasons, he will join Maradona in the list of club legends.McTominay celebrates with his Napoli team-mates and coach Antonio Conte, who has hailed the midfielder’s versatilityCredit: GettyFans have compared McTominay to Napoli legend Diego Maradona for the impact he’s had on the title-chasing teamCredit: APPremier League icon Di Canio says United’s directors should be in big trouble for letting McTominay leaveCredit: SplashMcTominay and partner Cam Reading took the brave step of moving abroadCredit: Instagram / @camreading_But the couple have settled in well to their new life in southern ItalyCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe club’s stadium is named after the Argentina star who led them to their first ever Italian titles in 1987 and 1990.McTominay said: “When I first walked into the stadium it was a surreal feeling – knowing he is an icon, an absolute legend of football.“The people absolutely adore him, which is a huge factor, because of how well he played for them and the things he did in Naples. “So for us, he is definitely in our head and hearts.”Napoli fans have certainly taken McTominay to their hearts.They even expressed their concern and sympathy when it emerged he was moving to the suburb of Lago Patria.Although the area is popular with ex-pats and close to Napoli’s training ground, it has also gained a reputation as a crime hotspot, with burglaries and car theft.The Italian Navy has stopped showing staff the neighbourhood as a potential place to live.When news of McTominay’s choice of home came out, one fan commented: “I recommend that you close the door tightly in the evening.”But it is that £25m that Napoli paid for McTominay which is starting to look like daylight robbery.Manuel Ugarte was brought in by United for £50m, double what they sold McTominay forCredit: AlamyMcTominay moved to Lago Patria, but the picturesque area has a darker side More

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      DAZN host Diletta Leotta stuns in figure-hugging leather dress for Serie A derby as fans hail ‘perfect Sunday evening’

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      DILETTA LEOTTA showed she’s a master of the dark arts as she once again put her fans under her spell.The DAZN presenter, who is married to ex-Liverpool keeper Loris Karius, was all in black, including a leather dress, at Juventus against Inter Milan.Diletta Leotta wowed viewers at the huge Serie A matchCredit: RexShe is known for her dazzling outfits while working for DAZNCredit: RexThe spotlight was again on Diletta at Juventus vs InterCredit: RexFans called her latest look ‘incredibly beautiful’Credit: RexA simple yet sizzling look, her 9.1million admirers on Instagram reckoned.The broadcaster wore a see-through top for Inter Milan’s 1-1 home draw with Napoli last November.And her fashion fame went even more global with a backless black dress at the Fifa Club World Cup draw a month later.This time, she added a wintry long coat and high boots to her appearance as she switched to the Allianz Stadium.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFrancisco Conceicao fired the only goal on 74 minutes as hosts Juventus stopped Inter returning top of Serie A – and went fourth themselves.And while it was a predictably tight affair on the pitch that either side could have won, it was one-way traffic online in terms of praise for Diletta.One fan suggested the 33-year-old “Goddess” made it a “Perfect Sunday”.Another described the broadcaster somewhat cryptically as “the third best thing of the evening”.Most read in FootballDiletta wore a daring outfit at Inter against NapoliCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaShe also stole plaudits at the Fifa Club World Cup draw in DecemberCredit: GettyAnd if that was a little strange, how about one viewer calling her “the real MVP of the match”.Most Valuable Presenter? Maybe…Diletta Leotta wows in busty outfit at Fifa Club World Cup draw but fans baffled as Italy icon calls her an ‘immigrant’More typical comments included: “Wonderful”… Gorgeous” and “Incredibly beautiful”.Diletta’s growing status in broadcasting comes as German partner Karius is reviving his career after joining home-country second-tier club Schalke last month.The broadcaster is a huge hit on social mediaCredit: instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta shares glam pics from exotic trips as well as sports eventsCredit: instagram @dilettaleottaFrills and spills have kept her Instagram following soaring towards 10mCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe covers a variety of sportsCredit: InstagramMoody skies can’t stop Diletta from showing her figureCredit: instagram @dilettaleottaREAD MORE SUN STORIES More