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      My dad is considered one of the GOATs – now I’m following his and my grandad’s footsteps after historic Italy debut

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      DANIEL MALDINI followed in the footsteps of his father and grandad by making his Italy debut last night.The midfielder, who left AC Milan for Monza this summer, came off the bench in his side’s 4-1 Nations League win over Israel.Daniel Maldini followed in his dad’s and grandad’s footsteps by making his Italy debutCredit: RexDad Paolo is regarded as one of the greatest players in historyCredit: PA:Empics SportAnd in doing so, the 23-year-old became the third Maldini to play for Italy after dad Paolo and grandfather Cesare.Daniel got a 15-minute run-out in last night’s match after being left on the bench for last week’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.And afterwards he admitted he was full of emotion, saying: “I’m happy that my parents came here, we’ll have a chance to talk when I get home.“The dedication goes to my family and friends, to those who love me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Strong, positive emotions, I’m very happy to have come on and that the match went well.“We were always in control of the match until their goal, then we were good at holding our own with our game and it showed.“I hope to bring some quality, even if there is already too much. I try to help as much as possible.”Fans were certainly left blown away by Daniel becoming the third Maldini to play for Italy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne said: “Family made for football.”Another declared: “Italy has a monarchy.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersGrandad Cesare was also an icon for Italy and AC MilanCredit: GettyOne noted: “Three generations of greatness.”Another added: “Football’s legendary family.”Daniel has some way to go though if he wants to match the achievements of the senior Maldinis.Grandad Cesare, who died in 2016 aged 84, was a defender who won 14 caps for Italy after making his debut in 1960.A fine club career saw spells with Triestina and Torino sandwich 412 games for AC Milan, where he won four titles and a European Cup.But even Cesare was outshone by son Paolo, who is considered to be one of the greatest players in history.The versatile centre-back, 56, remained at Milan his entire career, playing a mind-blowing 902 times while winning seven titles and five Champions Leagues.He is Italy’s third-most capped player in history with 126 appearances following his debut in 1988.But he had retired from internationals by the time Italy won the World Cup in 2006, with his club career ending in 2009.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for Daniel, he played 24 times for Milan before embarking on loans to Spezia, Empoli and Monza.He joined the latter in July permanently and has since played eight times in all competitions. More

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      Watch AC Milan star stitch up her OWN gory wound in incredible video thanks to side hustle as a DOCTOR

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      AN AC MILAN Women’s star incredibly stitched up her own leg after suffering a gory wound.Nadia Nadim is a striker with over 100 caps at international level – but she is also a doctor.Nadia Nadim is a striker for AC Milan and is also a doctorCredit: GettyShe was able to patch up a cut in her leg by herselfCredit: X @nadia_nadimFans were left in awe by the skillCredit: X @nadia_nadimSo when she picked up a nasty gash in her leg in the win over Sampdoria Women at the weekend, she was able to fix the problem herself.Nadim shared a video of herself fixing stitches into the gory wound, with blood leaking from the open cut.She used a tweezer and a pair of scissors to sew herself up and appeared to be impressed with her own work.The 105-cap Denmark star wrote: “This is just me patching up myself so I’m ready for the next game.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he captioned the video: “One of the benefits when you are a doctor.”Fans were left in awe at her medical skill with one saying: “Um, this is one of the most badass things I’ve ever seen an athlete do.”Another added: “Impressive. I could never do this because I’m too squeamish.”A third wrote: “What. A. Badass.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNadim, 36, joined Milan in the summer but is yet to score in her four appearances for the club.Milan became the eighth club of her career with Nadim having spells at Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.Che Adams and Billy Gilmour show off their Italian with Serie A cult hero More

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      Man Utd hero ‘takes gap year then casually comes back as highest-rated player in Europe’ after Old Trafford exit

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      DAVID DE GEA has enjoyed a stunning return to form with Fiorentina after a YEAR away from the pitch – and now has the stats to back it up.The former Manchester United star is the highest-rated goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this season.Former Man Utd keeper De Gea is the highest rated goalkeeper in EuropeDe Gea joined Serie A side Fiorentina as a free agent this summerThe decision to let long-term servant De Gea depart on a free transfer and replace him with £41m-recruit Andre Onana was bold.And now De Gea’s exploits in Italy are starting to raise further question marks on Erik ten Hag’s decision.The Spaniard, who spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, had to wait 446 days to enter the pitch again.Fiorentina placed their trust in him during the summer, securing his services on a one-year contract.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSSo far, the Serie A side’s move has proven to be a masterstroke.In fact, De Gea’s rating of 7.61 makes him the highest rated goalkeeper in Europe this season, according to match ratings site WhoScored.De Gea has been putting in brilliant displays for the Florence-based outfit on a regular basis.He saved two penalties to help Fiorentina seal a memorable 2-1 win over AC Milan before the international break.Most read in FootballDe Gea saved TWO penalties in Fiorentina’s 2-1 win over AC MilanHe was thanked by his team-mates on both occasionsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Gea got down low to his left to save Theo Hernandez’s first-half spot-kick before superbly diving to his right to prevent Tammy Abraham scoring his penalty in the second half.The 33-year-old also made an incredible save to deny Samuel Chukwueze’s strike from rattling the net.Roy Keane reveals his pick for next England manager as Man Utd legend says ‘the FA better get busy’ As per WhoScored, he has made 4.3 saves per game in Serie A so far this term.And fans were quick to comment on De Gea’s new rating.One user wrote: “Bro casually took a gap year and came back the highest rated keeper as if he’s in high school 😂❤.”A second said: “Man United are kicking themselves right now for letting him go.”Another added: “And we dumped him for Onana 😶.”A fourth declared: “Forget playing it out from the back. There is something to be said about just being a good shot stopper.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile one more said: “One of the best goalkeepers ever. A United legend.”Meanwhile, Onana has shown promise this campaign, but he is yet to establish himself as a reliable figure between the sticks. More

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      Liverpool sent a private jet to sign me and Klopp called me a mix of Fabregas and Gundogan – but I turned him down

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      NOT many players can say Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool all wanted to sign them – but Piotr Zielinski can.From the VIP treatment at Jurgen Klopp’s house to Bruno Fernandes begging him to move to Old Trafford, the midfielder is used to a convincing sales pitch.Piotr Zielinski was wanted by a host of Premier League clubsCredit: RexJurgen Klopp flew him to Liverpool on a private jetCredit: PABut despite several chances to move to the Premier League, Zielinski has always felt his home was in Italy.The Poland star was just 14 when Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool were keen on him.But he did not want to leave his homeland and decided to stay put.Eventually, he went to Udinese in 2011 and Serie A has been his playground ever since.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 30-year-old joined Napoli five years later and went on to play 364 times for the club, winning the league title there in the 2022/23 season.He joined Inter Milan in the summer – but some of the world’s biggest clubs chased his signature during his time in Udine and Naples.He told the Foot Truck podcast: “At one time, Fernandes wanted me to end up at Manchester United. “We are still in touch and we talk quite often. We played together at Udinese and in one of the matches we practically single-handedly beat Milan.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Liverpool sent a private jet to Florence for me and I flew with my agent Bartlomiej Bolek.”We drove up to Klopp’s house afterwards, we had a great conversation. It was the first time I had flown like that. How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-Arnold”He said that for him I was a mix of Ilkay Gundogan and Cesc Fabregas.”We watched a Premier League match at his place on his giant TV, I had never seen anything like that either.”Arsenal and Barcelona were also once interested, with his move to Spain not materialising because Napoli demanded players in a swap deal.And when his contract running down in 2022, West Ham tried to sign him before they ended up with Lucas Paqueta.Zielinski revealed: “It was also close, Napoli were already convinced about the offer, they threw in £30million.”They were already looking around for medical care for my wife and child and where I was going to live.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But Luciano Spalletti took me aside and asked me what was going on and I said I would rather stay to fight for the title. “He said I want you to stay and I stayed because I did not really feel London either.” More

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      Premier League cult hero Mario Balotelli angrily says ‘I’ll f***ing smash Serie A’ in fiery live stream argument

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      MARIO BALOTELLI asserted that he is still capable of tearing up Serie A in an impassioned rant.The veteran striker is on the search for the 12th club of his career after leaving Turkish side Adana Demirspor in the summer.Mario Balotelli claims he could still ‘smash up’ Serie AThe striker is unemployed after leaving Adana Demirspor in the summerCredit: GettyHe has been linked with several moves including the Spanish third-tier side Alicante.While Torino were tipped to snap up the former Manchester City star this week as a replacement for the injured Duvan Zapata.Balotelli would likely be keen to return to playing in his native Italy and he is confident he would score goals in Serie A.He appeared on a stream where the host compared him to Venezia frontman Joel Pohjanpalo, which Balotelli took exception to.READ MORE IN FOOTBALThe former Liverpool man said: “What the f*** are you saying?”Just because I wasn’t in Serie A (in recent years), what I did doesn’t count? F*** off, you and Serie A.”It’s a promise, I’ll smash Serie A when I sign (for a new club), I’ll smash this f***ing Serie A.”Balotelli, 34, has also been linked with a move to Serie A strugglers Genoa, who are managed by former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey could become the 12th different club of his career, having previously played in Serie A for Inter, AC Milan, Brescia and Monza.Capped 36 times, Balotelli has been linked with clubs in Brazil, India and Spain since returning home from Turkey.Footage of Mario Balotelli falling in street during boozy night out with palsBut he has chosen to bide his time, recently stating his intent to play in Italy once more.The frontman has trained by himself in Brescia to keep up his fitness. More

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      Alvaro Morata reveals depression battle and says ‘I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did my throat would close up’

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      FORMER Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depression.The 31-year-old captained Spain to Euro 2024 glory this summer, but recently admitted he almost didn’t make it to Germany.Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depressionCredit: RexThe striker also revealed he has suffered from panic attacksCredit: GettyMorata admitted he almost couldn’t play at Euro 2024Credit: GettyMorata had received heavy criticism from both fans and journalists in the build-up to the tournament – so much so that it made him want to leave the country.The AC Milan striker experienced some mental health troubles as a result which made him question if he would ever be able to step onto a football pitch again.Speaking to El Partidazo, Morata revealed: “When you have really tough times, depression, panic attacks, it doesn’t matter what job you do, what situation you have in life, you have another person inside that you have to fight against every day and every night.”The Spaniard began doubting his future during the latter stages of his time with Atletico Madrid – just months before Euro 2024. Read More in FootballHe continued: “For me, leaving Spain was the best option; I couldn’t stand it.”I had a really bad time. I thought I wouldn’t be able to put my boots on and go out on the pitch again.”But hey, thanks to a lot of people, from Simeone, Koke, Miguel Ángel Gil last year, my psychiatrist, my coach… we are what you see on TV and on social media but often it’s not real.”You have to give an image because it’s your job. I had a really bad time, I exploded and there came a time when I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did I would run home because my throat would close up and my vision would start to blur.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Three months before the Euros I was wondering if I would be able to play another match. I didn’t know what was happening to me but it’s very complicated and delicate.”At that moment you realise that what you like most in the world is what you hate the most, it’s complicated.”Every time I went out with them I always had some episode, sometimes without malice, with people about something that had happened in previous games. “And, in the end, they didn’t want to go shopping either, things that a normal father does with his children. “There came a time when they said so many things to me in front of them that I was embarrassed to be with them. I was an easy joke, a joke to make the person next to you laugh.”Earlier this year, Morata announced that he had split from wife Alice Campello.The couple had been together for seven years and share four children.Morata left Atletico to join AC Milan in a £10.9million transfer in July.The striker has since scored two goals in five Serie A appearances.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      ‘I’ll never feel safe again in this city’ says Serie A star after finding five trackers and having car broken into

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      A SERIE A star has revealed he will never feel safe in his city again after thieves tried to steal his car.Napoli defender Juan Jesus returned from a trip to find his car had been ransacked.Juan Jesus says he no longer feels safe in NaplesCredit: RexThe Napoli defender discovered his car broken intoJesus revealed he found five trackers on his vehicleCredit: AlamyHe was away with his family on a trip at the time of the incidentHe had been enjoying some time away with his family in the mountains at the time of the incident.A door window appeared to have been smashed as thugs tried to steal Jesus’ vehicle.The Brazilian explained he had found five trackers on his car, supposedly placed by criminals.He shared a video of his car and later wrote on Instagram: “Zero security! READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”After almost a month of them following me, today they tried to take my car away.”What happened tonight is just the icing on the cake, in the space of a month I found five air tags (geolocators) in my car. “Knowing that these criminals know where I live does not bring me peace of mind, unfortunately in such a beautiful city I will never feel safe again. “I know that material goods are secondary in the end, but knowing that a stranger has violated something personal to me really disgusts me!”Most read in FootballJesus, 33, has played for Napoli since 2021 and has been in Italy for 13 years after initially joining Inter Milan in 2011.He has made 80 appearances for Napoli, scoring five goals, and he helped them win Serie A in 2023.PIzza boss dedicated pie to famous Tartan Army duo in Italy More

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      Paul Pogba tipped for shock transfer to reunite with Man Utd team-mate and ex-Premier League boss after drug ban appeal

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      PAUL POGBA is wanted by Marseille ahead of his post-drug ban comeback, according to reports.French news outlets are claiming that the Ligue 1 club are in advanced talks over the signing.Paul Pogba has been linked with a shock move to MarseilleCredit: ReutersThe transfer would see him play with ex-Man Utd team-mate Mason GreenwoodCredit: GettyRoberto De Zerbi is the Marseille gafferCredit: AFPPogba, who remains on the books of Juventus, is likely to have his contract mutually terminated so he can become a free agent.He is then seemingly set to join Marseille in January, with his ban preventing him from playing until March.The club are managed by ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and his former Manchester United team-mate Mason Greenwood is in the squad.Neal Maupay and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are also on loan there from Everton and Tottenham respectively.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPogba was initially banned from football for four years after testing positive for banned substance DHEA in August 2023.The 31-year-old Frenchman has always pleaded his innocence and appealed the decision.Two weeks ago, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his ban to 18 months.They cut his suspension because Pogba was able to prove he took the substance linked to testosterone growth by accident.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSResponding to the reduced ban, Pogba said: “Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.”I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice Evra”This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold.”Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More