More stories

  • in

    DAZN hosts Diletta Leotta and Eleonora Incardona stun in bold outfits as footie fans say ‘I don’t care about the game’

    DILETTA LEOTTA and Eleonora Incardona were both on hosting duties as Roma hosted Juventus last night.Both popular presenters cover Serie A for DAZN.Diletta Leotta was on hosting duties for DAZN last nightCredit: RexThe popular presenter wore a white shirt with smart black trousersCredit: RexEleonora Incardona was also working on last night’s gameCredit: RexIncardona has built a huge Instagram followingCredit: RexLeotta and Incardona have each gathered huge followings on social media.The former, 33, has 9.2 million Instagram followers.While Incardona, 34, has reached 1.2 million followers on the platform.For last night’s match, Leotta wore a smart white shirt with black trousers.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIncardona, meanwhile, went for a leather burgundy trousers and coat combo – along with a black top.Fans were thrilled with the pair both working at the match, with one cheekily writing on social media: “I don’t care about the game.”A second commented: “Wonderful as always.”And another added: “Fantastic Eleonora.”Most read in FootballLeotta posed in her smart outfit before heading to the matchIncardona has become a fans’ favourite in recent weeksCredit: RexIncardona is dating Torino and Italy midfielder Samuele Ricci.While Leotta is married to former Liverpool star Loris Karius.Eleonora Incardona at the San Siro stadiumThe happy couple welcomed their first child together in 2023.Roma and Juventus drew 1-1 last night.Manuel Locatelli’s brilliant effort saw Juve take the lead on 40 minutes.But shortly after half-time, Eldor Shomurodov levelled for the hosts.Leotta has become a huge star by working on Italian footballCredit: RexIncardona can regularly be seen at various grounds in ItalyCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardona More

  • in

    Erik ten Hag spotted at huge Serie A clash following Man Utd axe as fans say ‘he could actually do bits there’

    ERIK TEN HAG has been spotted in attendance at a huge Serie A clash months after his Manchester United sacking.Ten Hag, 55, was pictured walking into the ground and in the stands of the blockbuster clash between Roma and Juventus on Sunday evening.Erik ten Hag was seen in the stands of the Roma vs Juventus Serie A gameTen Hag was sacked by Man Utd in OctoberCredit: PAThe Dutchman was sacked by Man Utd at the end of October.He has since been seen in attendance at former club Ajax.But he has now been pictured at the Stadio Olimpico.In a video captured before the clash as Ten Hag arrived at the stadium, his security detail were cautious of cameras recording him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRoma are without a manager at the end of the season, with interim Claudio Ranieri set to step down from his role as the club’s boss at the end of the campaign.According to Italian reporter Francesco Lucca, Ten Hag’s entourage deny he has had any talks with Roma over the managerial position.Instead, it is reported Ten Hag was invited by the club owners, the Friedkin family – who also own Everton – to watch the game.But that didn’t stop fans getting excited at the thought of Ten Hag returning to management.Most read in FootballOne wrote: “He could actually do bits at Roma.”And after Man Utd’s bore draw with Man City, another fan even posted: “Manchester United miss him”Ten Hag is understood to have checked into a hotel in the morning which is typically reserved for new signings.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOther names linked to the Roma job include Massimiliano Allegri, Stefano Pioli and Gian Piero Gasperini.Juventus themselves have only recently appointed a new manager.Ten Hag reveals problem with current players in first interview since Man Utd sackingThiago Motta was sacked by the Turin outfit in March before Igor Tudor was appointed as his replacement.After his sacking from the Red Devils, Ten Hag said in an open letter to fans: “Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. “Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable.”The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. “Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England. “Europe or during the summer tours. I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world. “Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. “That’s what makes United supporters so special. I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. “I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad. We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. “Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.”I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik.”He gave a major update on his future in February, saying he would consider a new job in July.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

  • in

    Meet £25m Man Utd target Lorenzo Lucca who’s dubbed ‘Tower of Pisa’ at 6ft 7in and annoyed team-mates with selfish act

    HE is the giant striker known as the “Tower of Pisa” who grew up idolising TWO Manchester United strikers.And while Lorenzo Lucca might have shown he knows how to Pisa-off ALL his team-mates with one act of selfishness this season, he could yet prove to be the answer to Ruben Amorim’s problems up front.Man Utd have made 6ft 7in striker Lorenzo Lucca one of their top targets for the summerCredit: GettyThe Udinese frontman would be a steal at £25mCredit: GettyThe 6ft 7in Lucca, 24, has emerged as a prime candidate as United plan for a cost-efficient summer refit, with a £25m fee mooted.With 12 goals for Udinese this season, catapulting him into the Italy squad for the first time, Lucca has shown he can stand out for more than just his Peter Crouch-like height.And now the boy who had pictures of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his bedroom wall is in line to become the next Old Trafford totem.In Italy, there is excitement about what Lucca can achieve.Italian football expert Tancredi Palmeri told Sun Sport: “What fans like about Lucca is that we don’t produce strikers of his type any more.“He has exploded onto the scene over the past two seasons because he is seen as a classic centre-forward, old school. There is nobody here like him.”Born on the outskirts of Turin, Lucca joined Torino’s set-up at the age of eight, leaving after seven years before returning to the club in 2018, before a prolific loan spell in Brescia’s youth team.A free transfer to Palermo, relegated to Serie D after financial chaos but swiftly ascending the Italian pyramid, was the launchpad – not that he needs one to be noticed.Lucca’s Serie A stats this seasonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLucca scored 13 goals in Serie C to earn a £2m move to Pisa, where his frame brought the nickname comparison with the city’s world-renowned landmark.While Lucca only scored six in his first Serie B season, he caught the eye of Ajax, becoming the first Italian to ever play for the Amsterdam giants.Ruben Amorim’s Garnacho dilemma explained ahead of Manchester derbyLucca scored 13 goals in Serie C to earn a £2m move to Pisa in 2021Credit: GettyIt was, in truth, a mixed stay. Lucca struggled to make an impact under Erik ten Hag’s replacement Alfred Schreuder, making just 16 appearances.Frustrated at one point, Lucca posted – and then swiftly deleted – a photo of him giving a two-fingered salute that was interpreted as a message aimed at the coach.Looking back, Lucca admitted: “Maybe I arrived at the wrong time.It was cold, it rained often. The culture is very different. You eat early. People are closed.”Preparation for Manchester, possibly? But there was a positive impact, too. He added: “Having lived in Amsterdam for a year, I understand English well. And I also learned to speak Spanish.”Lucca spent the 2022/2023 season on loan with AjaxCredit: GettyDespite scoring just twice, Udinese pounced, taking him on an initial one year loan with an £8m option that they took up after eight goals last season, his first in the top flight.Lucca took to the responsibilities, becoming an aerial threat upsetting Serie A defenders but also with the pace to get away from his markers.Palmeri explained: “Lucca had nearly moved to Sassuolo before he went to Ajax but they argued over £2m, when Pisa asked for £12m and they didn’t want to pay that much.“But as soon as he arrived at Udinese people started noticing. He got into the under-21 side and this January he was on the radar of both Juventus and Milan.“They didn’t go for him in the end because Juve signed Randal Kolo Muani and Milan took Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord but Italian clubs will be keen again this summer.”That is despite the moment of notoriety that saw Lucca’s image going viral.It came in a match with Lecce, when Udinese were awarded a first half penalty.Skipper and former France winger Florian Thauvin was the club’s designated penalty taker but Lucca, looking for his 10th Serie A goal of the campaign, took hold of the ball and refused to let go, much to the disbelief and anger of his team-mates.While Lucca smashed into the top corner, none of his team-mates joined his celebrations, with Thauvin ripping off his armband and asking to be taken off.Palmeri added: “It was clear how angry everyone was with him.“Almost instantly, there was a counter-attack chance but the Udinese players simply refused to pass the ball to him.“That was enough for the coach, who took him off when the ball went out of play. Lucca looked like a guilty kid.”Lorenzo Lucca stole a penalty from designated taker and club captain Florian Thauvin in FebruaryThe striker was booked during the incidentIt was a sliding doors moment, with the coach, Kosta Runjaic, making an example of his top scorer.Runjaic recalled: “Sometimes you need rule-breakers – but not at that moment, in that situation.“He didn’t follow the rules, so I took him off. Then, afterwards, we had a very good discussion. He told me how sorry he felt and he’s shown that since.”Lucca did exactly that, making a public apology to Thauvin and his team-mates with a social media post that read: “I wanted to be tough but, on my own, I’m nobody..”There was genuine repentance, demonstrated when, in Udinese’s next game, another spot-kick was awarded.This time, Lucca got involved in a spat with the Parma defenders who were trying to get into Thauvin’s head, forcing them away before the skipper netted and joining in a genuine team celebration.Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic forced Lucca off after he defied the captain’s ordersCredit: RexLucca maintains: “During the games there is so much adrenaline.“I was excited. In that moment I felt like going to the spot and I did it, scored and we brought home the three points.”I’m a striker. I always want to score. If I don’t score, I’m in a bad mood all week.“But before Parma, I spoke to the coach and we cleared things up. I recognised that when it came to penalties, Thauvin had priority.”Runjaic, too, is aware that he must make the most of Lucca before his inevitable departure.He said: “Any coach of any team at a high level would like to have a striker with his profile.“He is so dangerous in the box, great in the air – maybe the best header of a ball in football.“But he is equally good on the ground, too. And he keeps on improving.”Yet still with a mind on those idols of his youth.Lucca idolised Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic growing upCredit: GettyLucca admitted: “In life I would ask to take a photo with only two people, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic.“What I always loved with both of them was their charisma. I would like that to be the way I play as well.“I know what people say about me because of my size but I don’t see myself as a rare pearl.“At the same time, compared to many others, I have a particular physique and technical and aerial qualities.“I am convinced that I can do great things.“For now my priority is Udinese. But I know that if I keep working and scoring goals, opportunities will come. After all, who doesn’t aim for a big team?”READ MORE MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWSUnited need new strikers just two years after signing Rasmus Hojlund from Serie A side Atlanta in 2023 More

  • in

    Juventus ‘make contact’ over Sandro Tonali transfer as they prepare £33million-plus-player swap deal for Newcastle star

    JUVENTUS are considering a cash-plus-player offer to tempt Newcastle into selling Sandro Tonali, according to reports.The midfielder switched AC Milan for Tyneside in 2023 for a fee of £55million.Juventus are ready to launch an ambitious move for Sandro TonaliCredit: ReutersDouglas Luiz could be offered to Newcastle as Tonali’s replacementCredit: GettyDusan Vlahovic could be involved in talks as Juve are looking to sell him this summerCredit: RexBut just two seasons into his five-year contract, Italian giants Juventus are making an ambitious move to bring him back to his homeland.The Old Lady are said to have “made contact” with Newcastle and are ready to offer them cash and a player to seal the deal.La Gazzetta dello Sport claim Tonali is valued at between £50m and £58m.Juventus are reportedly going to offer the Toon £33m and one of three stars they want to offload.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDouglas Luiz is top of the list after failing to settle into life in Turin following his switch from Aston Villa last summer.The Brazilian would give Newcastle a like-for-like replacement should they lose Tonali this summer.Eddie Howe’s side showed an interest in centre-back Federico Gatti before and he is another who could be offered to them.Juventus are aware Newcastle may be in the market for a striker if they cash-in on Alexander Isak and are therefore weighing up throwing Dusan Vlahovic into discussions.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Serbian goal machine, who has found the back of the net 14 times this season, is out of contract at the end of next season.Juventus are therefore looking to get rid of him this summer or risk losing him on a free.’I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle paradeThe report states that the transfers will only be possible should the Italians qualify for the Champions League.They currently sit fifth just one point behind the all-important top four places.Juventus chiefs are hopeful of striking a deal as they have a good relationship with Newcastle after signing Lloyd Kelly in January.But conflicting reports from The Chronicle claim they cannot afford to sign Tonali.Newcastle previously showed interest in Federico Gatti and he could be offered as part of the bidCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Dele Alli whisks model girlfriend Cindy Kimberley off to Lake Como as former England star enjoys new life in Italy

    DELE ALLI and his model girlfriend Cindy Kimberley enjoyed a romantic day out in Lake Como.The former Tottenham and England star embraced his new surroundings after signing for Italian side Como in January.Cindy Kimberley soaked up the sun as she sailed the waters of Lake ComoCredit: Instagram @wolfiecindyCindy enjoyed a day out with her boyfriend Dele AlliCredit: Instagram @wolfiecindyCindy dressed to impress as they took in the stunning viewsCredit: Instagram @wolfiecindyAlli looked stylish as he posed for photos in the stunning settingCredit: Instagram @wolfiecindyAlli, 28, and his partner Cindy, 26, dressed to impress as they sailed the idyllic waters in the region of Lombardy.They soaked up the spring sun and took in the incredible views while relaxing on a luxurious boat.Cindy stunned in a stylish white dress and sunglasses, accompanying the outfit with an eye-catching necklace.Alli kept cool by throwing his green jumper over his shoulders and he showed off a dazzling watch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBack on dry land, Cindy put on a leggy display as she walked the streets of the city.She showed off the snaps to her 7.2 million Instagram followers, captioning the post: “Spring in Como.”Alli replied with a heart emoji, while others wrote: “Pretty in Italy.”Another added: “True beauty.”Most read in FootballA third commented: “Omg the dress you look stunning queen.”Alli seems to be loving his new life in Como, working under manager Cesc Fabregas.Beaming Dele Alli left speechless as Pochettino delivers heartwarming message live on Sky SportsHis fresh start comes after leaving Everton and missing two years of football due to injury problems.He has only made one appearance for Como so far and his dream return to the pitch ended up being a nightmare as he was harshly sent off after just ten minutes.Cindy put on a leggy display as she walked the streets of Alli’s new home townCredit: Instagram @wolfiecindyShe captioned her post ‘spring in Como’Credit: Instagram @wolfiecindyAdoring fans called her a ‘beauty’Credit: Instagram @wolfiecindyThe couple started dating in 2022Credit: Instagram / @dele More

  • in

    DAZN host Eleonora Incardona stuns in plunging top ahead of huge Serie A clash as fans label her ‘extraordinary’

    DAZN presenter and social media star Eleonora Incardona left fans stunned ahead of Napoli vs AC Milan last night.Eleonora, 34, was covering the clash between the Serie A heavyweights and turning heads at the same time.Eleonora Incardona stunned on DAZN’s Serie A coverageCredit: RexShe helped to bring fans coverage of Napoli vs AC MilanCredit: RexFans gushed about her after seeing her hostCredit: RexEleonora is part of the Dazn team for some of the biggest Serie A clashesCredit: RexThe Italian host often works as a touchline reporter for some of the league’s biggest clash and had a first-class view for Napoli’s 2-1 win over Milan on Sunday.The Sicilian model-turned presenter sported a smart outfit with some cream trousers, a brown top and a leather jacket as she reported on the game.While she posed for some pitch-side snaps to upload to her Instagram afterwards too.Those pictures sent her 1.2MILLION followers into a frenzy in the comments section, with many flooding the comments with compliments.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “Too beautiful”.While another added: “Stunning, amazing and gorgeous”.A third labelled Eleonora as: “extraordinary”.And a fourth posted: “In a land of monsters, you are an angel”.Most read in FootballEleonora, who competed in a Miss Italia competition in 2010, has been working in sport since she was offered a job by Sportitalia.While it was last year that DAZN gave her the platform to present on a bigger stage, covering Champions League fixtures this season.Eleonora Incardona at the San Siro stadiumSpeaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, she said: “The stadium is something special for me.“The opportunity to be close to the action, to study the details, to understand what is happening by listening to the voices of the protagonists, gives something extra that is difficult to explain.”While her involvement in football goes even further than the pitch.Eleonora is dating Italy and Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci.Ricci, 23, has been regular for the Italian national team since his first call up last year and is the captain of Serie A side Torino.TAKE A PEEK INTO ELEONORA’S GLAMOROUS LIFESTYLE…Eleonora works as a pitch-side reporterCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaShe works on Champions League fixtures tooCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eleonoraincardona/Eleonora loves footballCredit: GettyThe 34-year-old is dating Italy and Torino star Samuele RicciCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaRicci is an eight-time Italy internationalCredit: GettyEleonora used to be a modelCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaShe competed for Miss Italia in 2010Credit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaThe social media star boasts over 1.2million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Serie A star forced to clarify he’s not been bitten by a ZOMBIE as pictures of nasty injury go viral

    BOLOGNA striker Jens Odgaard has been forced to rule out being bitten in a ZOMBIE ATTACK – after sporting a bizarre injury.The Serie A star was spotted with a huge red mark on the back of his neck during this weekend’s clash with Venezia.Bologna’s Jens Odgaard has been forced to speak out after fans noticed a strange mark on his neckCredit: GettyFan theories ranged from a shark bite to a zombie attackCredit: XOdgaard, 25, played a starring role as Bologna recorded a priceless 1-0 win on the road. But fans were left distracted by the bright red ring on the Dane’s neck.Social media was ablaze with speculation during the contest at the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo – with many concerned he’d had a run-in with the undead.The painful-looking injury was noticeable throughout DAZN’s broadcast of the match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne confused fan wrote on X: “What is that thing? A zombie bite?”Another said: “Did he just get his neck scraped?”While a third added: “Is that a tattoo or a shark bite on the back of Jens Odgaard’s neck?”The striker played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 win, with Riccardo Orsolini netting a second-half winner. Most read in FootballAfter the match, Odgaard clarified the mark’s origin on social media.Responding to fan concerns, he wrote on Instagram: “It’s just a medicine I’m using for my neck, nothing serious.”Dusan Vlahovic shows off his skills at Juventus training One relieved fan replied: “Good to know. You had us worried for a while. There were some crazy theories floating around.”Odgaard has enjoyed strong season playing as a central striker for Bologna.He joined the club in the summer of 2023 after a move from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.What is that thing? A zombie bite?Confused fanThe 25-year-old has netted 6 times in 25 Serie A games, including two in his last three matches. Bologna have now won five games on the bounce to put themselves back in the Champions League spots. Saturday’s win over relegation-threatened Venezia sent them above Juventus into 4th place. More

  • in

    Ruben Loftus-Cheek rushed to hospital for emergency surgery hours before AC Milan’s huge clash with Napoli

    AC MILAN star Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been rushed to hospital for emergency appendix surgery.The former England midfielder was expected to start in Milan’s crunch Serie A clash against second-placed Napoli at 7:45pm BST.Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been rushed to hospital for emergency appendix surgeryCredit: GettyLoftus-Cheek has struggled with a series of injury problems this seasonCredit: GettyLoftus-Cheek felt severe abdominal pains overnight while at the team hotel in Naples, according to Football Italia.Doctors sent him to the local hospital, where tests confirmed acute appendicitis with the need for emergency surgery.Appendicitis can be potentially fatal if left unchecked, as the appendix can become so inflamed that it bursts.The 29-year-old was slated for a start against his former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s side, with midfielder Yunus Musah suspended.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe travelled with the team from the north of Italy to the south before noticing something was wrong.Loftus-Cheek has struggled with a series of injury problems this season, making only 22 competitive appearances for Milan, in which he provided one assist.In fact, he had only just returned from a muscle injury to face Como in the Serie A on March 15.Before that, the former Chelsea star was out with a groin problem, leaving with only six starts from an available 14 league games this term.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Loftus-Cheek was involved in late drama with his former England team-mate Dele Alli upon his return.Alli – who plays for Como under manager Cesc Fabregas – was sent off 10 minutes into his club debut for a late lunge on his fellow countryman.Former Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek roasts Micah Richards live on TV with hilarious quip about his haircutThe former Spurs star’s initial yellow was upgraded to a red after VAR sent referee Matteo Marchetti to the monitor.But Loftus-Cheek and Alli found the funny side of it later that evening, with the latter sharing their WhatsApp conversation.Writing at 11pm on Saturday night, Alli wrote: “Picture looks bad, I just tried to clip your heel.”When the ref went to VAR I didn’t even know it was for me 😫😂.”Loftus-Cheek then added: “I stayed down because I was blowing.”The pair were part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 Russia World Cup.Milan have endured a poor campaign in Serie A this season and sit ninth, 14 points behind second-placed Napoli.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey started the season with Paulo Fonseca in charge, but he was replaced by former Porto boss Sergio Conceicao in December.Loftus-Cheek has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 62 appearances since joining from Chelsea for £18.5m in 2023. More