Serie A

ROMA defender Evan Ndicka was stretchered off after collapsing off the ball during their clash with Udinese.The 24-year-old was taken away by medical staff in the 74th minute of the Serie A clash, before the match was abandoned.Evan Ndicka was carried off by medics in the 74th minute before the game was abandonedCredit: TNT SportsThe referee discussed the situation with both sets of playersCredit: TNT SportsNdicka reportedly gave a thumbs-up as he was stretchered offCredit: GettyNdicka was pictured in hospital in good spirits later in the eveningCredit: X @ASRomaEN
He went to ground while Roma had possession of the ball and could be seen holding his chest.It has since been confirmed by his club that he is conscious and has been “transported to hospital for checks”.A Roma statement read: “Following an illness suffered on the pitch by Evan Ndicka, #UdineseRoma was suspended.”The player is conscious and was transported to hospital for checks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Come on Evan, we’re all with you! 💪”The game was 1-1 at the time of the suspension.The Roma players huddled together, before both teams were talked through the situation by the referee.After some discussion, the official blew his whistle and instructed the players to leave the field.Most read in FootballWho is Evan Ndicka?Evan Ndicka has been with Roma since 2023.

The 24-year-old joined the Italian outfit from Eintracht Frankfurt on a five-year deal.
The big centre-back started his career at Auxerre in France.
As he rose through the youth ranks, he represented France at every level up to the Under-21s.
But he has since represented Ivory Coast at international level, making 14 appearances for the African giants.
He’d made 27 appearances in all competitions prior to the medical scare vs Udinese.

Fans from both clubs applauded the decision.And those on social media were quick to share messages of support for the Ivory Coast international.One said: “Thoughts and prayers with Evan Ndicka 🙏🙏.”Another added: “Thoughts are with Ndicka and his friends and family as he’s stretchered off due to collapsing on the pitch. Get well soon 🧡🙁.”A third replied: “Forza Evan Ndicka! We are all with you brother ❤️💛❤️💛.”While a fourth responded: “Prayers up for Ndicka 🙏.”Hours later, the club gave another update with a picture of Ndicka sitting up in his hospital bed.The defender could be seen tensing his arm after being visited by his team-mates.The update read: “The squad went to visit Ndicka at the hospital.”Evan is feeling better and is in good spirits.”He will remain in the hospital for further observations. Forza Evan!”Roberto Pereyra had given Udinese a 23rd-minute lead on Sunday evening.But ex-Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku levelled midway through the second period, shortly before Ndicka went down.Roma came into the game sitting in fifth place, four points adrift of Bologna in fourth.Ndicka joined Roma from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer having played 183 games for the German side, winning the Europa League in 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has earned 14 caps for Ivory Coast since making his debut in 2023.And he played every minute of his country’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph earlier this year.Romelu Lukaku scored Roma’s equaliser before the game was abandonedCredit: AP More

ADEMOLA LOOKMAN has worked hard to get to where he has in football — at times, maybe even a little too hard.The Nigeria star, born in Wandsworth, London, club-hopped to better himself and takes on Liverpool on Thursday as one of Atalanta’s best players.Lookman has been a shining light at AtalantaCredit: GettyHe earned a move to Charlton at the age of 16Credit: PA:Empics SportEx-Everton winger Lookman was only spotted by Charlton at 16 in Sunday league football — perhaps this led to his pursuit for self-improvement.And there have been moments when he has had to be persuaded to curb his enthusiasm in training so as not to impact his matchday displays.That was the case during his loan spell three years ago at Fulham, where he was a rare shining light in a season that ended in Premier League relegation.Stuart Gray, Scott Parker’s No 2 at the Cottagers that term, told SunSport: “He’s one of the most dedicated professionals I’ve seen who just wanted to work hours and hours on the training pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He was first in the building and would leave when the staff did.“The biggest thing was trying to educate him that Saturday when we played was most important. We had to drag him off the training ground!“He would stay back for hours working on technical work, taking free-kicks, crossing or shooting.“It was a case of restricting the time he wanted out on the training pitch, the amount of shots he would take, to make sure he had enough energy for us at the weekend.Most read in FootballStuart Gray coached Lookman at FulhamCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It was knackering for our goalkeeper who had to face him!”Lookman, now 26, sealed an £11million switch to Everton in January 2017.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersHe netted on his Toffees debut in a 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City — which remains Pep Guardiola’s heaviest defeat in the Premier League — but left for RB Leipzig two years later for £22.5m.Limited game-time saw back-to-back loans to Fulham and Leicester.But it is at Atalanta where the former England Under-21 star has blossomed.Lookman boasts 24 goals in 64 games for the Serie A side and outshone Napoli’s £100m-rated striker Victor Osimhen in the recent Africa Cup of Nations, with Nigeria finishing runners-up.Italy seems to suit his style, while Atalanta chief Gian Piero Gasperini uses him well in the three positions behind the striker, exploiting his relentless pressing, cool finishing and devastating ability in one-on-one situations.Lookman could be on the move again this summer, as Atalanta tend to sell their stars, like Rasmus Hojlund, who moved to Manchester United in a £72m deal in July.Napoli have been touted as a possible destination and a bid of £20m could convince Atalanta to part with the Londoner.Gray, 63, remembers a shy lad who let his football do the talking at Fulham.He said: “He’s become physically stronger. His brain seems to be working quicker, his first touch, his receiving of the ball.“His confidence as well, the boy can take anyone on and think he’s going to beat them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s like a golfer with the amount of hours they put in. It’s credit to him that he’s not just stayed in this country.“He’s got off his backside and gone abroad. He’s only 26, he’s not even peaked.” More