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      Chelsea loanee Bakayoko racially abused by Lazio fans as football stars including Rudiger post messages of support

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      TIEMOUE BAKAYOKO has spoken out after he and AC Milan team-mate Franck Kessie were subject to racist abuse from Lazio fans.The midfielder, 27, condemned the actions of the supporters and offered a show of support to Kessie.
      Franck Kessie (left) and Tiemoue Bakayoko (right) were both subject to racist abuse from Lazio fans
      Tiemoue Bakayoko’s message on Instagram and Antonio Rudiger’s supportive reply
      Bakayoko declared his pride in his skin colour while also calling on Milan to identify the culprits responsible.
      In a statement on Instagram the Frenchman said: “To some Lazio fans and their racist cries towards to me and my brother Franck Kessie .
      “We are strong and proud of our skin colour. I have all my confidence in our club to identify them.”
      Bakayoko’s post has been met by an outpour of support, including from his former team-mates and fellow professionals playing in Italy.
      Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger wrote “Baaakaaa” along with a heart emoji accompanied by a black fist to show he has his back.
      Former Napoli team-mate Dries Mertens commented: “Brother” followed by several heart emojis.

      Another Napoli player, Faouzi Ghoulam, simply put: “#NOTORACISM” and his team-mate Kalidou Koulibaly wrote the same.
      In 2019 Lazio fans racially abused Bakayoko in his first loan spell at AC Milan.
      Months after that former Chelsea star Demba Ba called on black players to boycott Serie A, but there has been little progress since.
      In fact, a Serie A anti-racism poster published in 2019 featured paintings of three monkeys, and was later rejected by some of the league’s most high-profile clubs.
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      Ex-Chelsea star Tomori warns there is ‘trouble’ if Ibrahimovic’s team-mates don’t ‘pull weight’ – even in FOOT-GOLF

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      FIKAYO TOMORI has revealed Zlatan Ibrahimovic demands such high standards at AC Milan that players can’t even switch off during foot-golf.The iconic Swede turns 40 next month but is showing no signs of slowing down or lowering the expectations he puts on his team-mates.
      Fikayo Tomori, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Brahim Diaz celebrate winning foot-golf in trainingCredit: Getty
      Former Chelsea defender Tomori made his loan move to Milan permanent in a £25 million deal this summer.
      And when it comes to life at the San Siro, Tomori admitted there is only one man who rules the roost.
      “He’s all about winning,” Tomori told the Daily Mail after bagging a foot-golf victory with Ibra and Brahim Diaz.
      “Even in foot-golf, he’s telling us, ‘we can’t lose, we can’t lose,’ and we ended up winning.
      “Whether we’re playing mini games or 11-v-11 in training, or it’s a quick game of handball before training, he wants to win and when he does win, he lets everyone know about it.
      “I think that spurs him on and the people around him.

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      “You don’t want to be on Zlatan’s team and not pull your weight because if you don’t there’s going to be trouble.
      “He’s such a big personality and his presence raises everyone’s game. He’s a winner and it transfers to the rest of the team.”
      Tomori is not the only Chelsea academy graduate now plying his trade in Serie A.
      Striker Tammy Abraham recently completed a move to join former Blues boss Jose Mourinho at Roma.
      Defender Tomori revealed the pair spoke as Abraham weighed up the decision and was eager to encourage his friend’s move to Italy.
      Tammy Abraham joined former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Roma this summerCredit: Alamy
      He added: “When he first got to know about Roma he asked me about life in Italy and what I thought about the league.
      “I said, ‘I was here for six months and I signed permanently, that should tell you a lot’.
      “He’s enjoying it, and he’s started really well. Tammy is a goalscorer, he will score goals, hopefully not against Milan.”

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      Watch moment Ibrahimovic scores with laces undone after he stops tying shoes to make a run into goalmouth for AC Milan

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      AC MILAN striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic channelled his inner Usain Bolt after scoring on his return to first-team action.The 39-year-old tapped home from close range in Sunday’s 2-0 win against Lazio just six minutes after replacing Rafael Leao at the San Siro.
      Ibrahimovic tapped home six minutes after coming on with his laces untiedCredit: Rex
      It was the ex-Manchester United star’s first game of the season after recovering from a knee injury he picked up in May, which ruled him out of Euro 2020.
      And he showed he hasn’t lost his hunger to score after finishing off a quick counter-attack in the 66th minute to double the Rossoneri’s lead over Lazio.
      Such was the speed of Milan’s transition from defence to attack, Ibrahimovic had to stop tying his laces to provide an outlet for Ante Rebic.
      The former Barcelona centre-forward could be seen down on one knee, before quickly getting up and sprinting to the box where he tapped home into an empty net.
      Fans have compared Ibrahimovic’s goal to Bolt’s 100m sprint at the Beijing 2008 Olympics where he won the gold medal.
      Bolt broke the world record with a time of 9.69 seconds, with cameras picking up his untied laces as he crossed the finish line.
      Ibrahimovic was tying his laces before quickly sprinting into the box to get on the end of Ante Rebic’s passCredit: PA
      Ibrahimovic has been compared to Usain Bolt after the Jamaican sprinter won the 100m gold medal at Beijing 2008 with his laces untiedCredit: Getty

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      Comparing the pair, Goal tweeted a picture of them, where they said: “Zlatan Ibrahimovic did a Usain Bolt and scored with his laces untied.”
      One user then quipped: “Usain did the Zlatan.”
      Milan then shared a video of the incident, as they commented: “Who needs shoelaces when you’ve got @Ibra_official.”

      Reply to the post, one supported messaged: “My god what a legend.”
      Another added: “Sharks smell blood from miles away. Zlatan’s killer smelt that goal from miles away so he left his boots lace loosened and took off!”
      Following the win over Lazio, Ibrahimovic uploaded a picture of his knee post-surgery in June, next to him celebrating his strike at the weekend.

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      Chelsea ‘plan to raid Inter Milan for two more players after Lukaku transfer as they target Skriniar and Bastoni’

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      CHELSEA’S search for defensive reinforcements could see them shopping back at Inter Milan, according to reports.The Champions League winners brought in star striker Romelu Lukaku from Inter this summer in a blockbuster £97.5million deal.
      Milan Skriniar (left) and Alessandro Bastoni (right) both play at the heart of the Inter defenceCredit: Getty
      And now SportMediaSet claim the Belgian has told his new employers to take a look at Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni.
      The defensive duo are key cogs in the Inter machine and the Italian champions are thought to be unwilling to sell.
      But with Kurt Zouma moving to West Ham and 36-year-old Thiago Silva not getting any younger, Chelsea will be looking to strengthen in defence when the transfer window reopens in January.
      Skriniar is a no-nonsense centre-back talked of as the heir to former Slovakia captain and compatriot Martin Skrtel.
      Left-footed Bastoni also plays in the centre of defence but can fill-in at fullback where he started his career.
      The 22-year-old is one of Italy’s brightest young stars and his confidence on the ball would work well within boss Thomas Tuchel’s system.

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      Chelsea feel under-resourced at centre-back, having allowed Zouma to move to West Ham for £29.8million this summer.
      Versatile academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah joined Silva and Antonio Rudiger in a back-three in Chelsea’s most recent outing – a 3-0 win against Aston Villa.

      But with Tuchel determined to challenge for this season’s Premier League title and defend his Champions League crown, the Blues will be looking for further strength in depth.
      If the recent arrival of Lukaku from Inter is anything to go by, Chelsea can expect the best when shopping at the San Siro.
      Lukaku’s return to Chelsea, where he spent the years 2011 to 2014, has seen him score three goals in three appearances so far.

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      Jose Mourinho apologises for ‘CHILDISH’ Roma celebration after sprinting down touchline following last-minute winner

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      JOSE MOURINHO immediately apologised to opposing manager Alessio Dionisi after his latest celebratory sprint down the touchline. Roma boss Mourinho rolled back the years when he raced from the dugout with his fist aloft after Stephan El Shaarawy curled home an injury-time winner against Sassuolo to send them top of Serie A.
      Roma boss Mourinho enjoys their winner over Sassuolo in his 1,000th game as a managerCredit: Getty
      It was a fitting finish to a thrilling game which marked Mourinho’s 1,000th game as a manager – and he could not contain his excitement.
      But he did compose himself enough in the aftermath to say sorry for his exuberance to Sassuolo boss Dionisi, whose side were denied a last-gasp equaliser by an offside flag and could easily have won the game.
      Mourinho told sports video streaming service DAZN: “For the neutrals it was an extraordinary match.
      “Today I was not 58 but 12, it was a child’s game. I have already apologized to Dionisi. I congratulate them. It was a fantastic match.”
      The apology suggests he is a more magnanimous man now than his 41-year-old self who ran down the Old Trafford touchline in front of stony-faced Alex Ferguson to celebrate a goal for Porto in the 2004 Champions League.
      The Portuguese said Fergie’s good grace in defeat that day taught him to be a better loser – and winner.

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      Mourinho has said since he has learned to better control his fiery passion for the game during the heat of the battle on match-days but Sunday evening’s thriller at the Stadio Olimpico saw it ignited again.
      It was far from a straightforward evening for the hosts but they took the lead when Bryan Cristante got the jump on the visiting defence to tuck away Lorenzo Pellegrini’s free-kick.
      Filip Djuricic pulled Sassuolo level just before the hour and keeper Rui Patricio was called upon multiple times to hold off the comeback.
      And it looked to be heading for an unlikely draw before sub winger El Shaarawy conjured up a pinpoint winner to send Mourinho tearing down the touchline.
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      Cristiano Ronaldo receives veiled Chiellini dig as Juventus captain says Paulo Dybala scored fewer goals because of him

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      GIORGIO CHIELLINI has suggested former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo won’t necessarily be missed at Juventus this season.Ronaldo left the Serie A heavyweights this summer to return to his old club Manchester United.
      Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United from Juventus this summerCredit: AFP
      Paulo Dybala has been backed to find the net more often by Giorgio ChielliniCredit: Rex
      The forward marked his first start for the Red Devils in 12 years on Saturday with a pair of goals as they swept past Newcastle 4-1.
      But according to Italy veteran Chiellini, Juventus will be fine without Ronaldo’s goalscoring as they look to recapture their Serie A crown from rivals Inter Milan.
      The defender even suggested Ronaldo’s presence at the club had been holding back fellow striker Paolo Dybala.
      “When you have a world class player like Cristiano, you cannot help but use the team to play for him,” Chiellini told DAZN.
      “We must be grateful to Cristiano for all he did during these years at Juventus, but we carry on.
      “This will be Paulo Dybala’s team. Over the last couple of years, he lowered his average goals because of Cristiano’s presence, but he is a key player for this team and that is recognised by everyone.”

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      Argentina’s Dybala scored just four goals in last season’s Serie A but previously found the net 22 times in the 2017-18 season – the year before Ronaldo moved to Turin from Real Madrid.
      The 36-year-old netted 101 goals for Juve in all competitions following his move from the Spanish capital.
      Chiellini was speaking after his side’s 2-1 defeat by Napoli, which leaves the Old Lady sitting 16th in the table with just one point so far this term.
      Fans are beginning to fear the worst despite the return to the helm of manager Massimiliano Allegri this summer.
      Juventus next face Malmo in the Champions League group stage, a competition they have not won since 1996.
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      Watch Jose Mourinho replicate famous Porto vs Man Utd celebration as Roma get last-gasp winner in 1,000th game as boss

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      IN Jose Mourinho’s 1,000th game as a manager, he replicated the ecstatic celebrations that introduced him to the world 17 years ago.It was at Old Trafford where his Porto team stunned Manchester United with a late Champions League winner that led to Mourinho racing down the touchline, revealing to us all his trademark brand of fiery jubilation.
      Jose Mourinho got stuck into the celebrations as he won his 1,000th gameCredit: Alamy
      El Shaarawy in the 90th minute!! 🤩Lovely curling effort to win the game for Roma! 💫José enjoying his 1000th match in charge 😉 pic.twitter.com/wp7WzOhIBE— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 12, 2021

      And, on Sunday night and now in charge of Serie A side Roma, the 58-year-old repeated the trick as a last-ditch strike sealed victory over Sassuolo.
      The Giallorossi may not be about to win Europe’s most prestigious crown this season, unless the Europa Conference League rockets up in people’s estimations, but this goal – maintaining their 100 per cent start under their new boss – could also spark something special.
      It was far from a straightforward evening at the Stadio Olimpico as Mourinho ticked over to four figures.
      An opener straight off the training ground gave Roma the lead, Bryan Cristante getting the jump on the visiting defence to tuck away Lorenzo Pellegrini’s smart free-kick.
      Filip Djuricic pulled Sassuolo level just before the hour mark and goalkeeper Rui Patricio was called upon multiple times to hold off the comeback.
      Off the bench stepped Stephan El Shaarawy and the winger provided the magic with a pinpoint winner in injury time.

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      Eldor Shomurodov’s knockdown fell for nicely El Shaarawy, who placed a curling effort off the inside of the post and into the opposite corner of the goal.
      It sparked triumphant scenes in the Italian capital as fans rushed to the front of the home end to celebrate with their heroes.
      Mourinho immediately sprinted down the touchline to join them and even jumped on striker Tammy Abraham as he got stuck into the mass of limbs.
      Having made is managerial debut back in the year 2000, he is enduring a barren run of four years without a trophy – something that may soon change with Roma joining AC Milan and Napoli in making perfect starts to the season.
      After the mayhem, the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Manchester United boss admitted to feeling like a kid amid the celebrations.
      He told DAZN: “During the week I was a liar even to myself, I wanted to convince myself that it was not a special game. But it was special.
      Today I was not 58 but 12 … It was a fantastic match.Jose Mourinho
      Mourinho celebrated a 2-1 victory in his landmark outingCredit: Getty
      The Roma boss showed his evergreen enthusiasm for the game from the dugoutCredit: Getty
      “One thousand games is a lot and I didn’t want to lose, I was afraid of losing.
      “It was an incredible feeling, this game could have finished 6-6 or they could have won, if not for Rui Patricio’s saves.
      “We missed a few chances with a practically empty net. For the neutrals it was an extraordinary match.
      “Today I was not 58 but 12, it was a child’s game. I have already apologized to [Sassuolo coach, Alessio] Dionisi. I congratulate them. It was a fantastic match.”

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      AC Milan 2 Lazio 0: Zlatan Ibrahimovic shows off bizarre plait hairdo as he nets minutes after return from knee injury

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC marked his return from injury with a crucial goal for AC Milan in Sunday’s victory over Lazio.Rafael Leao had put the Serie A side in front before the Swede was introduced on the hour mark.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored on his comeback from injuryCredit: Reuters
      The AC Milan star was then the centre of a late fracasCredit: Reuters
      The San Siro faithful gave their hero a warm reception as he returned to action for the first time in four months.
      An injury-hit 2020-21 campaign ended for Ibrahimovic when he picked up a knee injury in May, ruling him out of Euro 2020.
      But the striker showed that he had not slowed down during his absence as he finished off a speedy counter-attack in the 67th minute.
      Ante Rebic ran at the Lazio defence before putting the ball on a plate for his team-mate, who stabbed the ball into an empty net.
      The 2-0 win put Milan top of the table ahead of Roma’s game with Sassuolo later on Sunday, with the two clubs joining Napoli in possessing 100 per cent records after the opening weeks.
      Ibrahimovic staying fit could prove vital in the Rossoneri’s title hopes after he managed only 27 games last season – scoring 17 goals.

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      The 39-year-old also sported a curious new hairdo for the match, returning to the pitch with a plaited ponytail.
      New Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri tasted his first defeat at the final whistle and was then sent off after confronting Milan midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers.
      Ever the centre of attention, the argument kicked off around Ibrahimovic after he held the back of Lucas Levia’s neck at full-time.
      The ex-Liverpool star had landed a tackle on the forward a moment before the whistle and Ibrahimovic initially steadied himself on Lucas, but maintained his grip as the fracas began.
      IBRA IS BACK! ⚽️After four months out, Zlatan Ibrahimovic finds the net! 👊He scores his first goal of the season minutes after coming onto the pitch. pic.twitter.com/isfap8LVUE— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 12, 2021

      But Lazio’s Pedro evidently had little time for any dispute as he laughed and warmly embraced the goalscorer as the teams walked off.
      Milan coach Stefano Pioli praised his returning star after the game, and said: “I’m happy that he has come back very well, that he is well, and that he played useful minutes ahead of the next matches.
      “He never gets old. Beyond the obvious talent is his passion, the fire inside him that makes the difference. And when you are like this, you don’t feel the years go by.”

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      Ibrahimovic returned to the pitch with a curious new haircutCredit: Getty
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