Serie A

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon facing ban for BLASPHEMY as keeper is investigated over alleged rant in Parma clash

      by

      JUVENTUS legend Gianluigi Buffon faces a one-game ban for using a blasphemous word towards a team-mate.
      The ex-Italy keeper, who will be 43 on Thursday, reproached midfield starlet Manolo Portanova late in the 4-0 Serie A win at Parma on December 19.

      Italy’s most legendary keeper Gianluigi Buffon is being investigated for alleged blasphemy, which could lead to a one-match suspensionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Italian FA opened an investigation after a clip of the incident went viral on social media.
      And they confirmed on Tuesday they are sending the case to the country’s federal court. 
      Several sports aces have been punished since Italy brought in the “Blasphemy Law” 11 years ago.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      And a one-match suspension is the expected sanction for 176-cap Buffon, if found guilty.
      Blasphemy is often considered the worst type of swearing in the Italian language.
      All-time great Buffon certainly showed he has all the fire of his sporting youth as he yelled out in the 80th minute when champions Juventus were already coasting 3-0 up at his old club.
      He reportedly told 20-year-old Portanova: “I want to see you stay there, running and suffering.” 

      Then came the alleged blasphemous word or expression before, it’s claimed, Buffon rounded off his instructions to the Italy Under-20 man with: “I don’t care about anything else.” 
      Such outbursts are easier to hear since the coronavirus pandemic, due to games being played without fans.

      Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante was banned for a game last month for a blasphemous phrase during a 5-1 win over Bologna.
      And in 2019 Sassuolo’s Francesco Magnanelli and Parma’s Matteo Scozzarella, who is now with Monza, were punished for a similar offence.
      A year before that, former Juve midfielder Rolando Mandragora was also penalised for a blasphemous word.

      Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates 760th career goal helping Juventus to Supercoppa win over Napoli More

    • 263 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd drop out of Deloitte Money League top three for first time since 2013 as 10 richest clubs are revealed

      by

      EUROPE’S biggest clubs are facing a whopping £2BILLION price for the Covid-19 pandemic.
      The analysis by football finance experts Deloitte lays bare the impact of the crisis on even the game’s elite giants.

      And one significant victim was Manchester United, who dropped out of the top three of Deloitte’s ‘money league’ for the first time since 2013.
      According to the Deloitte number crunchers, the immediate consequence of the virus outbreak was to knock £1.05bn off income for the leading 20 European clubs last year.
      But Deloitte expects 2021 will see a similar impact on TV revenues and with crowds not expected back in grounds until next season at the earliest – and even then likely to be limited – anticipates the total cost will exceed £2bn.
      Analyst Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: “There is no doubt that this is one of the most testing times the football industry has ever had to endure.

      “While no football club has been immune to the challenges of Covid-19, and other clubs have suffered more in relative terms, those in the Money League have borne the greatest financial impact in absolute value terms.
      “In this year’s edition, the top 20 clubs generated an average of £363m per club, a decline of £49m compared to 2018-19.”
      Barcelona remain top of the money table despite income dropping £111.5m to £627.1m, less than £200,000 ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid.
      But United’s £119.1m fall, to £509m – a consequence of missing out on the Champions League – saw them drop below Bayern Munich into fourth place, although the Old Trafford club were still English football’s highest earner.

      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

      Other Premier League sides in the top ten were Liverpool, whose £489.9m took them into the top five for the first time since 2001-02, with Manchester City sixth on £481.6m, Chelsea eighth on £411.9m and Spurs ninth with £390.9m.
      Yet the figures are unlikely to recover over the next 12 months as Jones added: “The safe return of fans to stadia in significant numbers is one of the highest priorities across global football.
      “Matchday operations are a cornerstone of a club’s business model and help drive other revenue-generating activity.
      “The final size of the financial impact of the pandemic on football will depend, in no small part, on the timing and scale of fans’ return.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solskjaer believes he has fab four to fire Man Utd top again More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s model Wag and ex-clothes shop assistant Georgina Rodriguez launches her own fashion range OM by G

      by

      GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ has followed in the footsteps of her partner Cristiano Ronaldo by launching her own fashion range.
      The 26-year-old made the announcement to her 23.1 million Instagram followers, though she failed to state when her products will be available for purchase.

      Georgina Rodriguez announced on social media that she is launching her own fashion rangeCredit: Instagram @georginagio

      Rodriguez knows the fashion industry having worked at a Gucci storeCredit: Instagram @georginagio

      She posted three pictures of herself in a nude colour tracksuit showing a picturesque view of Turin in the background.
      Captioning the upload, she simply said: “Coming soon, OM by G.”
      Rodriguez is no stranger to the fashion industry having caught the eye of Ronaldo when she worked as a sales assistant at a Gucci store in Madrid.
      And her exciting news lead to a number of messages of support, including former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina’s sister Daniela.

      The ex-wife of James Rodriguez commented: “Nice friend! Yaaaa I want!”
      One of Rodriguez’s fans then wrote: “I’m looking forward and excited about this moment.”
      Another said: “Wow I just can’t wait for this!”
      A fourth added: “I want it all now!”

      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Rodriguez boasts more than 23.1 million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @georginagio

      Rodriguez will be hoping her own fashion line is just as successful as Ronaldo’s, as his ‘CR7’ range continues to grow.
      The Argentinian-born Spanish beauty was recently left stunned after she revealed she received a Christmas card from the former Queen of Spain.
      And she set pules racing earlier this month when she wowed in a photo shoot wearing black lingerie.

      Georgina Rodriguez stuns in sparkly red dress as she arrives at Dubai Globe Soccer awards More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Mario Balotelli branded ‘classless’ in X-rated banner by Brescia fans after returning to old club with new side Monza

      by

      MARIO BALOTELLI has had to run a gauntlet of hate on returning to his old club…despite the absence of fans.
      The ex-Manchester City and Liverpool maverick joined Italian club Monza last month.

      Mario Balotelli faced the wrath of Brescia fans when he returned to watch his former clubCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Striker Balo had spent last season with Brescia, but ended his contract following their relegation and a bitter fall-out last summer.
      He was not part of Monza’s squad for their Serie B trip to Brescia on Monday, but opted to drive back to his old stamping ground to support his team-mates.
      However the 30-year-old was greeted with banners bearing abusive messages.
      And Brescia officials banned Balotelli from parking his car at their Mario Rigamonti stadium.

      Hardcore Ultra fans also reportedly harassed the Italy international, despite the game being played behind closed doors due to a Covid-19 lockdown.
      One banner read: “Balotelli, other players have loved this city.  You are worth nothing to us.
      “A man with no class.  You are f****d.”
      Balotelli grew up in Brescia before his career first took off at Inter Milan in 2007.

      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      The frontman watched Monza lose 1-0 to his old club before excusing himself on social media.
      He wrote: “I am sorry about those banners, but the truth is Brescia has always been a home to me and will always have my respect.
      “I agree that my performances for Brescia last season were not the true Mario. I’m sorry at how things turned out.”

      Balotelli joined Italian club Monza last month after leaving Brescia

      Mario Balotelli scores for Monza after just 4 minutes against Salernitana More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Shkodran Mustafi in talks with Arsenal to rip up £90k-a-week contract amid transfer interest from Lazio

      by

      ARSENAL are reportedly preparing to terminate a third star’s contract by releasing Shkodran Mustafi.
      Mesut Ozil and Sokratis Papastathopoulos have already agreed early exits as the Gunners look to trim their wage bill.

      Shkodran Mustafi is nearing an end to his Arsenal careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Next up to be cut is said to be German defender Mustafi, who has six months to run on his contract.
      Mikel Arteta has rarely called upon the 28-year-old this season other than as a rotation option in the Europa League.
      According to Football.London, Mustafi’s representatives are in talks with the club to settle his contract early.
      That would allow him to find a new team in January, with Lazio one side touted as a destination.

      However, Mustafi’s father and agent Kujtim has refuted the termination talk – but insists the centre-back will leave North London soon.
      He told Transfermarkt: “To clarify, there are currently no discussions about a contract termination.
      “The fact is Shkodran will leave the club by the summer at the latest.”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The player is thought to earn £90,000-a-week at Emirates Stadium having signed a five-year contract when arriving from Valencia for £35million.
      With 151 Arsenal appearances to his name, he did not feature in either squad for last year’s FA Cup final and Community Shield wins.
      And his departure looks set to be strikingly low key, just as it was with Sokratis and Ozil.
      Fenerbahce signed the playmaker after he took a whopping 80 per cent pay cut to move to Istanbul.

      Meanwhile, Sokratis has returned to Greece with Athens club Olympiacos.
      Allowing Mustafi to leave would take Arsenal’s winter departures up to six with Matt Macey sold, and both William Saliba and Sead Kolasinac loaned out.
      Despite that tally, Arteta still has a wealth of centre-backs to call upon for the second half of the season.
      David Luiz, Rob Holding, Pablo Mari, Calum Chambers and Gabriel Magalhaes will compete for places, while the club looks set to add Martin Odegaard to their midfield options.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Arsenal sign Mat Ryan on loan transfer from Brighton until end of season More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd drop out of Deloitte Money League top three for first time since 2013 as 10 richest clubs revealed

      by

      EUROPE’S biggest clubs are facing a £2BILLION price for the Covid-19 pandemic.
      The analysis by football finance experts Deloitte lays bare the impact of the crisis on even the game’s elite giants.

      And one significant victim was Manchester United, who dropped out of the top three of Deloitte’s ‘money league’ for the first time since 2013.
      According to the Deloitte number crunchers, the immediate consequence of the virus outbreak was to knock £1.05bn off income for the leading 20 European clubs last year.
      But Deloitte expects 2021 will see a similar impact on TV revenues and with crowds not expected back in grounds until next season at the earliest – and even then likely to be limited – anticipates the total cost will exceed £2bn.
      Analyst Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: “There is no doubt that this is one of the most testing times the football industry has ever had to endure.

      “While no football club has been immune to the challenges of Covid-19, and other clubs have suffered more in relative terms, those in the Money League have borne the greatest financial impact in absolute value terms.
      “In this year’s edition, the top 20 clubs generated an average of £363m per club, a decline of £49m compared to 2018-19.”
      Barcelona remain top of the money table despite income dropping £111.5m to £627.1m, less than £200,000 ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid.
      But United’s £119.1m fall, to £509m – a consequence of missing out on the Champions League – saw them drop below Bayern Munich into fourth place, although the Old Trafford club were still English football’s highest earner.

      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

      Other Premier League sides in the top ten were Liverpool, whose £489.9m took them into the top five for the first time since 2001-02, with Manchester City sixth on £481.6m, Chelsea eighth on £411.9m and Spurs ninth with £390.9m.
      Yet the figures are unlikely to recover over the next 12 months as Jones added: “The safe return of fans to stadia in significant numbers is one of the highest priorities across global football.
      “Matchday operations are a cornerstone of a club’s business model and help drive other revenue-generating activity.
      “The final size of the financial impact of the pandemic on football will depend, in no small part, on the timing and scale of fans’ return.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solskjaer believes he has fab four to fire Man Utd top again More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum lets slip he gorges on pizza once a WEEK despite Juventus star telling son off for eating crisps

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S mum has revealed the Juventus star tucks into pizza once a week.
      Dolores Aveiro says the ripped footballer’s favourite dish is bacalhau a bras, a Portuguese dish made with salt cod, potatoes and eggs.

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum reveals he binges on pizza once a week

      The Portuguese star has a strict eating regimeCredit: The Mega Agency

      But she let slip his weekly pizza treat after inviting TV presenter Pedro Fernandes into her home in Madeira.
      Dolores, who has bounced back from a life-threatening stroke last year, admitted as she and her star guest ordered pizza takeaways: “My son also likes pizza. He eats one once a week but afterwards he does loads of sit-ups.”
      She added: “His favourite dish is balcalhau a bras.”
      The 35-year-old striker admitted earlier this year his guilty pleasure was eating pizza with his eldest son Cristiano Jr.

      But he claimed it only happened ‘sometimes’ so his life would not be so boring.
      The Portuguese talisman told YouTube channel Chris MD: “The key is to take care of your body, train, do your recovery and eat properly.
      “Although sometimes I do eat pizza with my son otherwise it would be boring.”
      Ronnie also revealed promising footballer Cristiano Jr eats crisps and drinks coke which annoys him.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Ronnie and mum Dolores are very closeCredit: Instagram @cristiano

      Ronaldo is a regular at Turin’s Case Fiore restaurant – a Piedmontese restaurant which serves Italian and Mediterranean dishes
      And Cristiano’s partner Georgina Rodriguez revealed earlier this year Dolores was giving her cookery lessons.
      The 26-year-old model and influencer posted a photo of her with Cristiano’s mum in the kitchen and wrote: “Learning to prepare a good cod dish. With the best teacher.”
      The footballer claimed in 2018 he had a ‘biological age of 23’ and wanted to continue playing into his forties.
      Last year it emerged he can eat up to six small meals a day and nap five times to keep in tiptop shape.
      Fish is a big part of his diet. For his breakfast Ronaldo likes cheese, ham, low-fat yoghurt and plenty of fruit.
      He has said of his eating habits: “If you train regularly it’s important to keep energy levels high to fuel your body for better performance.
      “I sometimes eat up to six smaller meals a day to make sure I have enough energy to perform each session at top level.”

      Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez are very focused on their dietCredit: EPA

      Ronaldo and Messi are both named in the Ballon d’Or all-time best XI

      Cristiano Ronaldo rejects £5.3million-a-year to be face of Saudi Arabian tourism with fears over human rights record More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Edin Dzeko wanted by West Ham and Everton after falling into exile at Roma following bust-up with manager

      by

      ROMA outcast Edin Dzeko is wanted by West Ham and Everton, according to reports.
      The former Manchester City man has been training alone after a bust-up with Roma manager Paulo Fonseca.

      Edin Dzeko is ‘wanted by West Ham and Everton’ Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Man City striker has fallen out with Roma boss Paulo FonsecaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The Bosnian confronted his boss about the recent departure of team manager Gianluca Combar, according to Goal.
      And as a result, he was left out of Roma’s squad for Saturday’s win over Spezia.
      West Ham and Everton are both keen on bringing the 34-year-old back to the Premier League, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
      But Dzeko is said to be desperate to stay in Italy and not interested in a move back to England – especially to West Ham.

      Ex-Wolfsburg man Dzeko has scored 114 goals in 242 Roma appearances since joining from City in 2015.
      He won two Premier Leagues, the FA Cup and the League cup during his time at the Etihad.
      The experienced Bosnia and Herzegovina international has also been linked with a £15million move to Juventus.
      Elsewhere, West Ham are close to signing Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard with the Hammers favourites to land the attacking midfielder.

      FANCY A PUNT? TODAY’S BEST ODDS BOOSTS FROM THE UK’S LEADING BOOKIES

      And the East Londoners are also keen on Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.
      The Hammers are desperately looking to sign a centre-forward after allowing Sebastien Haller to join Ajax on a permanent deal.
      Celtic would be prepared to part ways with Edouard should they receive a fee in the region of £35m.
      The 23-year-old – who has chipped in with 11 goals and four assists in 23 games this term – is in the final 18 months of his contract in Scotland.
      And David Moyes’ side will look to bring him to West Ham, with the player being scouted by the club on a number of occasions.
      And in a boost for the Hammers, it has been said that the France youth international is keen on making the move to London.

      Guardiola reacts to Lampard’s sacking and says you have to win or you will be replaced More