Serie A

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Thousands of Inter Milan and Ajax fans ignore social distancing and cram into town centres to celebrate title wins

      by

      INTER MILAN and Ajax fans brushed off Covid warnings to cram into the city streets and celebrate their teams’ title triumphs.Despite club pleas, social distancing was largely ignored as the joyous scenes unfolded.
      Inter fans crowded the streets of Milan to celebrate the Serie A titleCredit: Getty
      Amsterdam fans gathered outside the Johan Cruyff Arena to party togetherCredit: Getty
      Antonio Conte secured their first Serie A crown since Jose Mourinho in 2009-10 and first piece of silverware for a decade when Atalanta drew 1-1 with Sassuolo.
      Ajax, meanwhile, wrapped up Eredivisie crown No35 in emphatic fashion by dispatching FC Emmen 4-0.
      The Dutch giants missed out on winning the title last season when the campaign was curtailed by coronavirus.
      But a year on, the pandemic continues to see gathering restrictions in place.
      In Italy, 9,145 new Covid-19 cases were recorded on Sunday while the figure was 5,508 in the Netherlands.
      Neither country has allowed fans back into stadiums yet despite up to 500 people allowed at indoor venues such as theatres and cinemas.
      By comparison, in the UK – where thousands of Manchester United fans protested against the Glazers outside Old Trafford – the figure for May 2 was 1,671.
      Fans, though, could not resist joining in the celebrations in Milan and Amsterdam respectively.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Ajax supporters were unable to celebrate a year ago because the season was scrappedCredit: AP
      Manager Erik ten Hag addressed the gathered supporters belowCredit: AFP
      Incredibly, it was Inter’s first piece of silverware for ten yearsCredit: Getty

      And Inter striker Romelu Lukaku was also in the middle of town to party alongside supporters.
      The Belgian, who is expected to stay with the new champions next season, told Sky Sport Italia: “I’m really proud to be an Inter player.
      “I’ve a special feeling with this club, that’s why I decided to celebrate around the city today with our fans.”
      In Amsterdam, authorities told supporters to stay at home.
      They tweeted: “Do not come to the Johan Cruijff Boulevard near the Arena. It is too busy there at the moment.
      “Continue to enjoy the game at home. Keep 1.5 meters away when leaving.”
      Femke Halsema, the city major, added: “We had taken into account many scenarios, but we really did not expect supporters to celebrate the championship.
      “Especially because it was still totally uncertain until this afternoon when Ajax would become champions.
      “We do our very best to prevent new outbreaks of contamination but as mayor I can’t see everything coming in advance.”
      But Ajax’s players celebrated with the trophy from a balcony sparking wild celebrations while some supporters even tried to scale a steep wall to get closer to their heroes.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ajax beat FC Emmen 4-0 to wrap up the Eredivisie crown for the 35th timeCredit: Getty
      Some daredevil fans even tried to climb the steep wall up to the balcony with the playersCredit: EPA
      Thousands headed for the Duomo di Milano in the centre of townCredit: AP
      Inter Milan top 10 wages revealed with Lukaku top earner More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice in last ten minutes to save Juventus and keep Champions League fight alive vs Udinese

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S brace against Udinese kept Juventus’ Champions League hopes alive on a night the Old Lady was forced to hand over her crown.Juve saw their nine-year reign as Serie A champions end on Sunday when Atalanta drew 1-1 at Sassuolo, a result that effectively led to Inter Milan winning their first Scudetto in 11 years.
      Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice against Udinese
      But that doesn’t mean Andrea Pirlo’s men don’t have something to fight for as they still need to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
      And their hopes are still very much alive thanks to Ronaldo’s performance at the Dacia Arena.
      The star forward led Juventus to a 2-1 victory over Udinese and proved what a difference maker he still is despite his advanced age of 36.
      The hosts led for most of the match following Nahuel Molina’s opener after just 10 minutes.
      But then Ronaldo took matters into his own hands and equalised on 83 minutes from the penalty spot following a handball by Rodrigo De Paul.
      The Manchester United legend inspired a comeback just six minutes later when he headed the ball into Simone Scuffet’s net.
      Thanks to the ex-Real Madrid star’s performance, Juventus are now level on points with second-place Atalanta and AC Milan.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club
      The Serie A’s top four teams qualify for next season’s Champions League whereas fifth and sixth place lead to the Europa League.
      Ronaldo’s impressive display comes after recent reports suggesting he is likely to leave Juventus at the end of the season after various frustrations on the pitch.
      Paris Saint-Germain have been touted as a possible destination while rumours suggest a return to United is not out of the question.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘looking carefully’ at Man Utd transfer if Juventus fail to make the Champions League More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Inter Milan win Serie A title to end Juventus’ nine-year dominance of Italian football

      by

      INTER MILAN have clinched their first Serie A title in 11 years after second-placed Atalanta drew 1-1 against Sassuolo.Atalanta needed to win to push back Inter’s celebrations after Antonio Conte’s men beat Crotone 2-0 on Saturday.
      Inter Milan have won their first Serie A title since 2010 after they beat Crutone on SaturdayCredit: AP
      Inter’s Scudetto triumph was confirmed after Atalanta failed to beat Sassuolo, with Luis Muriel having his late penalty savedCredit: AP

      Former Tottenham star Christian Eriksen fired in the opener for the Nerazzurri, before Arsenal target Achraf Hakimi sealed the victory in stoppage time.
      Inter are 13 points clear at the top of the table having won 25 times and losing just two out of their 34 matches so far this season.
      It is the club’s first Scudetto since Jose Mourinho guided the side to a historic treble in 2010.
      In doing so, they have ended Juventus’ dominance in the Italian top-flight where they had won the Serie A title nine years in a row.
      The Old Lady have suffered in the league this term, with Andrea Pirlo’s men currently fifth, though they could climb as high as second if they beat Udinese by over four goals later on Sunday.
      With 19 Serie A titles to their name, Inter have overtaken arch-rivals AC to become Italy’s second most successful side.
      Inter have led Serie A since beating Lazio 3-1 on February 14, with the club going one better than last term after they finished as runners-up.
      A number of former Premier League stars – including ex-Chelsea gaffer Conte – have been instrumental in their triumph.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Arsenal target Achraf Hakimi got on the score sheet for Inter against CrutoneCredit: EPA
      Inter have went one better than last season after finishing as runners-up to JuventusCredit: AFP

      Inter Milan’s top earners according to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport
      Former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has banged in 21 goals in 33 games, while his former Red Devils team-mates Ashley Young and Alexis Sanchez have 50 Serie A appearances between them this term.
      And full-back Matteo Darmian – on loan from United – has become a key player under Conte where he has chipped in with three goals and as many assists.
      Meanwhile Eriksen – who left Spurs to join Inter in January 2020 – has impressed after forcing his way back into the team.
      Inter can have Sassuolo goalkeeper Andrea Consigli to thank for Sunday’s celebrations after he saved Luis Muriel’s penalty after Marlon was sent off in 75th minute.
      Atalanta were reduced to ten men in the 22nd minute when Pierluigi Gollini was given his marching orders.
      But that didn’t bother the hosts as Robin Gosens broke the deadlock soon after, before Domenico Berardi’s second half spot-kick earned Sassuolo a share of the spoils.
      Inter Milan top 10 wages revealed with Lukaku top earner More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea join Adrien Rabiot transfer race alongside Barcelona with Juventus midfielder available for £17m fee

      by

      CHELSEA are reportedly battling Barcelona for the signing of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the summer.The 26-year-old has played 41 times this season, but it is understood that boss Andrea Pirlo has deemed him surplus to requirements.
      Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot is being eyed up by Chelsea and BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Rabiot has featured in 29 Serie A games this season – starting on 21 occasions
      And with the France international having two years left to run on his contract in Turin, Juve are willing to cash in on the player.
      According to Calciomercato, the Serie A giants would listen to offers in the region of £17million for Rabiot – who they signed on a free transfer in 2019.
      They claim that both the Blues and the Blaugrana are eyeing up a swoop at the end of the season.
      It has been stated that Barcelona are leading the race to secure Rabiot’s services with his agent and mother Veronique already making contact with the Spanish side.
      Should Rabiot decide to make the move to Stamford Bridge, he would link up with former gaffer Thomas Tuchel who managed him at Paris Saint-Germain.
      Chelsea see him as the perfect partner for N’Golo Kante in the middle of the pitch.
      And Rabiot is known to be a huge admirer of his French compatriot after he lauded the ex-Leicester man during the most recent international break.
      He said: “He never stops running. It’s easy to play alongside him.”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Juventus are believed to be keen to offload the ex-Manchester City youth star due to a number of disappointing displays this campaign.
      Manchester United are another club that have been heavily linked with a potential deal to sign Rabiot.
      Reports have suggested that a swap could happen between Juve and the Old Lady for Rabiot and Donny van de Beek.
      Meanwhile there has been speculation that Alex Telles could be heading to Italy with Rabiot coming to England in the opposite direction.
      Chelsea vs Fulham – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘willing to offer Donny van de Beek to Roma in swap transfer for Nicolo Zaniolo’ after flop first season

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are willing to offload Donny van de Beek after just one season, according to reports.And they may try to use the flop transfer as a makeweight in a deal for Roma sensation Nicolo Zaniolo.
      Donny van de Beek could be on his way out of Manchester United after just one seasonCredit: Getty
      Nicolo Zaniolo could be eyed as part of a swap deal from Roma despite being out injuredCredit: AFP
      Van de Beek, 24, arrived from Ajax last summer in a £39million deal but has struggled to make his mark at Old Trafford.
      The Dutchman has made just three Premier League starts with Bruno Fernandes the clear first-choice No10.
      And Van de Beek’s tally of one goal and two assists from 32, largely substitute appearances mean United may look to cut their losses by shipping him back out this summer.
      And La Repubblica via Sport Witness state they could try and do a trade with Roma for Zaniolo.
      The report says the Red Devils were ‘pressing and testing the water’ and have now ‘proposed an exchange’ with the Serie A side.
      Zaniolo, 21, was linked with United and Paris Saint-Germain back in 2019 before Tottenham reportedly had a £45m bid rejected last summer.
      The attacking midfielder is under contract until 2024 but has not played a single minute of club football this season due to a cruciate ligament injury.
      But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still appears interested in the seven-cap Italy international.
      And on top of that, it is thought his price tag will have dropped as a result of his injury woes – despite the Roma hierarchy insisting he ‘cannot be touched’.
      BETTING SPECIAL – 80/1 FOR A PENALTY FOR EITHER SIDE

      The offer of sending Van de Beek the other way could make a deal even more likely.
      He is understood to be well liked by Roma but his wage demands could prove a stumbling block.
      United and Roma could use the Europa League semi-finals as the perfect chance for negotiations.
      Edinson Cavani helped fire the Red Devils to a 6-2 win in the first leg at Old Trafford on Thursday.
      Van de Beek was an unused sub as United put one-and-a-half feet in May’s final in Gdansk.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Rio Ferdinand questions why Man Utd made £40m Donny van de Beek transfer and feels sorry for ‘intelligent’ midfielder More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo has become ‘nervous, irritable and distant from team-mates’ at Juventus with future in doubt

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO has become ‘nervous and irritable’ at Juventus – and has ‘given up’, according to reports.The 36-year-old has not enjoyed the best season of his career this time around, despite still managing 25 goals in 29 Serie A outings.
      Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, is reportedly unhappy at JuventusCredit: Rex
      And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, his entire demeanour around the club has changed.
      Ronaldo has failed to reach a single Champions League semi-final during his three years in Turin, the competition he was signed to win.
      And this season his side are facing a battle to even qualify for next season’s tournament.
      Juve are currently fourth in Serie A, only ahead of fifth-placed AC Milan on goal difference after winning NINE consecutive titles.
      And Ronaldo is reportedly not helping matters behind the scenes.
      The Portuguese is claimed to be ‘nervous, irritable and very distant from his team-mates’.
      And Gazzetta also allege that he has ‘given up’ on achieving his goals at Juventus – not showing ‘the fight’ that he did at first after his 2018 move from Real Madrid.
      They report that he is not ‘hiding his feelings’ anymore, and that he is ‘isolated’ – getting ‘closer and closer’ to leaving the club.
      Juve were eliminated from the Champions League by Porto last monthCredit: AP
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £60 IN FREE BETS FOR PUNCHESTOWN

      Things have ‘got worse’ since Juve’s dramatic Champions League exit at the hands of Porto last month.
      Ronaldo will have one year remaining on his lucrative contract come the end of the season.
      And cash-strapped Juventus are under pressure to get him off the wage bill – particularly if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
      Real Madrid have distanced themselves from bringing CR7 back to Santiago Bernabeu.
      But Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be serious contenders to sign the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
      Ronaldo played 292 times for the Red Devils between 2003 and 2009, scoring 118 goals as he rose to superstardom at Old Trafford.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘looking carefully’ at Man Utd transfer if Juventus fail to make the Champions League More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      How Juventus could line up under Max Allegri with NO Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala taking limelight

      by

      JUVENTUS are reportedly set to hire old coach Max Allegri and rebuild their squad around Paulo Dybala rather than Cristiano Ronaldo.The Old Lady’s decade of Serie A dominance has come crumbling down under the stewardship of Andrea Pirlo.

      Max Allegri could return for a second spell at JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And now the Bianconeri are struggling to even secure the vital fourth Champions League qualifying spot despite having claimed nine Scudettos on the bounce.
      Juve are level on points with Napoli in third and AC Milan in fifth with five games of the season to go and Pirlo has been warned he faces the sack if he fails to secure a spot in Europe’s premier competition.
      Gazzetta reports there is set to be a ‘sweet revolution’ in Turin this summer with 53-year-old Allegri potentially returning to the helm.
      Allegri won five consecutive league titles between 2015 and 2019 in his initial spell at the Allianz Stadium but has been out of work since leaving nearly two years ago.
      He won four domestic doubles in a row and finished with a win percentage of over 70.
      And Allegri is a big a fan of Argentine Dybala as well as Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata who could form the basis of his new attack if Allegri can make his move from Atletico Madrid permanent.
      Ronaldo never got on that well with Allegri and publicly welcomed the arrival of Maurizio Sarri by saying ‘Now we are more attacking’.
      CR7 is unlikely to hang around if he is no longer the main attraction.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £60 IN FREE BETS FOR PUNCHESTOWN
      Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club

      And with Juve in need of cash amid the pandemic and the Portuguese superstar earning £540,000 a week – a rumoured transfer, even back to Manchester United, could be mutually beneficial.
      Allegri could revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Morata leading the line and Dybala playing as a No10 in behind.
      Federico Chiesa and Dejan Kulusevski may be used as the widemen.
      AS reports Allegri will look to add another central midfielder with Sassuolo’s Italy international Manuel Locatelli a key target and he could end up partnering former Arsenal ace Aaron Ramsey.
      And there is hope Gianluigi Donnarumma may arrive as a free agent after the keeper’s extension talks with AC Milan hit a stumbling block and he could take over as No1 from ex-Gunner Wojciech Szczesny.
      With reports Giorgio Chiellini, 36, could retire at the end of this season, Allegri may partner Matthijs de Ligt with Leonardo Bonucci in the heart of defence with Alex Sandro and another former Chelsea man in Juan Cuadrado as the full-backs.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘looking carefully’ at Man Utd transfer if Juventus fail to make the Champions League More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      On-loan Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori’s £25m AC Milan transfer ‘in doubt’ after series of costly errors

      by

      CHELSEA star Fikayo Tomori has nearly blown his chance of making his loan to AC Milan permanent, according to reports.SunSport revealed the centre-back was set to sign for the San Siro outfit for £25million at the end of the season, but after a string of costly errors Milan are said to be having second thoughts.
      Fikayo Tomori’s permanent transfer to AC Milan is at risk after some mistakesCredit: Getty
      Tomori joined Milan on loan in January.
      And the 23-year-old England ace had been outstanding in defence for the Italian giants – cementing a place in their starting XI.
      But club officials believe he has ‘crumbled’ and made ‘too many errors of late’, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
      In the last fortnight, Tomori handed Genoa’s Mattia Destro the equaliser in Milan’s 2-1 win.
      He was also at fault during Sassuolo’s 2-1 victory at the San Siro last week, as well as in the recent 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Lazio.
      Blame is being spread among the Milan squad but Tomori is reportedly considered ‘much more responsible than others’.
      Tomori met with Milan directors Frederic Massara and Paolo Maldini on Wednesday and discussed his future.
      The feeling at Milan is still that they would like to make the deal permanent – but the owners are reportedly going to take a little more convincing after recent events.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      SunSport understands the Rossoneri have a £25m option to buy Tomori at the end of the season, through a clause inserted in his loan.
      But due to the coronavirus pandemic, AC are struggling financially and are looking to negotiate a lower fee.
      And Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has been keeping tabs on the ex-Derby loanee and mulling over his plans for him in the coming years.
      Earlier this season, Maldini said: “Fikayo is a player with particular characteristics, pace and intensity.
      “From a physical standpoint we believe he’s a guy who can make the difference.
      “He has this ability to be aggressive and defend in a back four. Football is headed more and more in the direction of teams playing man to man.
      “Within that, though, it’s still important to stay compact and not lose your shape. Tomori is able to do both of these things very well.”
      Elsewhere, AC Milan could put Alessio Romagnoli up for sale this summer to raise much-needed transfer funds.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Petr Cech shows off his skills on the drums playing the Foo Fighters More