Serie A

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment humiliated Serie A stars trudge over to own fans to get scolded after 4-0 loss.. alongside giant flamingo mascot

      by

      SERIE A side Cagliari suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Napoli, and paid a grovelling apology to fans.The club, based in southern Italy, currently sit second bottom of the table following their thrashing by Antonio Conte’s side.Cagliari’s mascot ‘Pully’ joined the players as they were scolded by home fans following defeat to NapoliCredit: ESPNGoals from Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Romelu Lukaku and Alessandro Buongiorno compounded them to a four-goal walloping in front of their own supporters.Following the game, the players walked over to the home crowd to apologise and listen to the fans as they scolded them.While it is a tradition in Serie A for the home side to apologise to fans following a defeat, the players were joined by the club’s flamingo mascot “Pully”, who could be seen standing behind the team.Social media users were left in disbelief at the mascot joining the club, with one user saying: “Nah the mascot had a POTM performance.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second said: “No one is safe.”A third added: “Sometimes, even mascots feel the pressure.”Another said: “When even the mascot gets scolded, you know it’s serious.”A fifth said: “Cagliari’s 9-foot flamingo mascot ‘Pully’ getting ripped into after losing 4-0 to Napoli is making me lose my s***.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReacting on social media after the game, midfielder Gianluca Gaetano said on Instagram: “It’s hard to explain a 0-4. It’s hard to explain that we deserved more. “We know we have to improve. We know where our path will be.”Piers Morgan says ‘even our mascot is harder than Tottenham’s’ as Arsenal kid pushes counterparts before derbyFormer Everton star Yerry Mina added: “A difficult and complicated match, but this team is strong and we will continue to work hard to achieve positive results in what lies ahead.”Manager Davide Nicola, told reporters: “If you see the result you think that Cagliari did nothing, but that’s not the case.”For 65 minutes – he adds – we played a good game, the 0-2 goal came after many of our chances. “Then it’s obvious that everything becomes more difficult, you have to continue to create but maintaining balance. “On one hand I’m very satisfied, because I see that the team is starting to do what we train. But we have to reduce the lapses in concentration and be more practical.”I don’t want us to get discouraged, we have to recover and defend with courage.”The Rossoblu play Empoli in their next match.Who is Pully?Cagliari’s mascot Pully joined the players as they apologised to fans following a 4-0 home defeat to Napoli, but who are they?The name Pully, which derives from pullo, as small birds are called, was chosen by the children of the Typhus School.The flamingo has always been a symbolic figure of the city of Cagliari, loved by locals and tourists, an elegant and frequent presence in our skies, particularly during the summer. Pull is an enblem of freedom and balance between urban spirit and wild nature.The mascot stands at nine feet tall.Merchandise for Pully, including pencils, puzzles, t-shirts and mugs, can be brought from the club store from €2.20. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘snubbed chance to sign Victor Osimhen after Gunners placed price cap on new striker transfer’

      by

      ARSENAL turned down the opportunity to sign star striker Victor Osimhen in the summer because they thought he was too expensive.Osimhen, 25, has put the whole world on notice the last four years thanks to some stunning performances with Napoli whom he led to their first Serie A title in 33 years.Arsenal turned down the opportunity to sign Victor Osimhen in the summerCredit: RexArsenal opted against Osimhen because of his staggering release clauseCredit: GettyThe Nigeria international attracted immense interest this past summer transfer window and came close to Chelsea who made him their top target.The Blues made a final bid in the dying hours of the transfer market last month but did not hear back from the centre-forward, while there were even reports of club chiefs flying to Naples to hold talks.Osimhen ended up moving to Galatasaray on loan much to the surprise of everyone after he fell out of favour in Naples and new manager Antonio Conte gave his shirt number to Romelu Lukaku.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal also had the chance to land the Nigerian.Read More on ArsenalHowever, the Gunners opted against meeting his staggering release clause, which is said to have cost £109million.The North Londoners also decided against going for a striker altogether with manager Mikel Arteta placing his faith on Kai Havertz as a false nine.That is despite Eddie Nketiah moving to Crystal Palace and Gabriel Jesus still dealing with fitness issues.Arsenal looked determined to land a centre-forward from the top shelf in the early days of the summer transfer window.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta’s side was strongly linked with the likes of Victor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.But Gyokeres and Sesko ultimately stayed put at Sporting Lisbon and RB Leipzig respectively.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch outAccording to The Times, however, Arteta looks set to sign a star forward in the next two transfer windows after penning a new deal at the Emirates which ties him until 2027.That could see Arsenal going back for Sesko, while Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams and Bayern Munich ace Jamal Musiala have also been linked. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Unemployed ex-Premier League star, 35, lined up for Serie A transfer after leaving old club four games after signing

      by

      A FORMER Tottenham star is reportedly being lined up for a move to Italy.The 35-year-old is looking for a new club after being made a free agent by Croatian outfit Hadjuk Split.The player left Spurs in the summerCredit: GettyHe joined Hajduk last January on loan from Spurs, before ripping up his contract in north London to make the move permanent this summer.But after playing just four games as a permanent addition to his hometown club, he was cut loose following a fallout with new boss Gennaro Gattuso last month.Now he is searching for a new club after being left in limbo, and it looks like a return to Serie A could be on the cards.According to reports, Monza are looking to sign the experienced star as they search for a new full-back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMonzas boss Alessandro Nesta is said to be keen to bring in a new left-back with his side yet to win a league game this season.And according to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Monza chairman Adriano Gallini is “dreaming” of signing the player to fill the void.However, it’s also claimed that the former World Cup finalist is hesitating over the move.136-time Croatia international Ivan Perisic previously played in Serie A for Inter Milan – winning the Scudetto with the Italian giants in the 2020/21 season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPerisic joined Spurs from the Inter in 2022 with the club managed by Antonio Conte at the time.But the arrival of Ange Postecoglou at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium ultimately saw the veteran lose his place in the side and join a number of high-profile players in mass exodus from the club.Perisic left Spurs having made 50 appearances and scored one goal.Premier League stadium given subtle makeover during international break More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘linked with incredible swap transfer’ to solve their striker woes with Gabriel Jesus moving the other way

      by

      ARSENAL have allegedly expressed an interest in signing Marcus Thuram from Inter Milan.The Gunners failed to sign a new striker this summer despite being linked with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen.Arsenal allegedly want to sign Marcus ThuramCredit: AFPThe Gunners have been linked with a swap deal that could involve Gabriel JesusCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta is still understood to be keen on the idea of signing a striker in January or next summer.And French forward Thuram is reportedly a target.According to Inter Live, the Gunners have been linked with a swap deal that would see Gabriel Jesus join Inter Milan.However, the Italian giants would also likely demand a “substantial” fee.Read More in FootballJesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City two years ago but has struggled with several injury issues.Arteta now regularly starts Kai Havertz in the No9 position.Arsenal could decide to sell the Brazilian next year if they can find a strong enough replacement.Meanwhile, Thuram has four goals and two assists in just three games so far this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Frenchman joined Inter from Borussia Monchengladbach last summer and has since made 49 appearances.Thuram also has 26 France caps.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealed More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital

      by

      ITALY World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital.The former Juventus striker hit six goals at Italia 90. He denied England a bronze-medal finish by scoring the Azzurri’s winner in the third-place match.Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has been admitted to hospitalCredit: GettySchillaci was taken to hospital after reportedly suffering from pneumoniaCredit: GettySchillaci denied England a bronze medal at the 1990 World CupCredit: AFPSchillaci, 59, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022. He has since undergone two operations.And the 16-cap international was taken to the Civico hospital in his home city Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.His first wife Barbara, who he has remarried, has been the only person allowed to visit him.She told reporters: “There’s no fresh news, either negative or positive, about Toto. His situation is stationary.Read More on Football”I know how much he is in people’s hearts. I understand all the concern for him.”But I ask you to respect our private moment.”Schillaci, whose official name is Salvatore, won UEFA Cups with both Juve and Inter Milan.His family issued a statement on social media.Most read in FootballThey wrote: “Given the innumerable calls from media and the confused reports doing the rounds, we confirm that our beloved Toto is in a stable condition.”He is being continually looked after by a team of doctors, day and night. Stay strong, Toto.”Schillaci was little known outside Italy before the country staged the 1990 World Cup finals.But he went on to score against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina before denying England in the third-place game in Bari. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Victor Osimhen is ‘a few little details’ away from joining Chelsea, claims Mikel as he hints at January transfer

      by

      CHELSEA legend John Obi Mikel claims Victor Osimhen remains “very, very close” to joining the club.The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move from Napoli to Stamford Bridge over the summer.Victor Osimhen nearly joined Chelsea and talks are set to resume in the futureCredit: GettyChelsea legend John Obi Mikel lifted the lid on negotiationsBut the switch failed to materialise and after he was left out of the Italian side’s squad, he joined Galatasaray on loan until the end of the season.However, the transfer saga is not over yet as Mikel hinted that Osimhen could still join Chelsea.The retired icon, who knows the striker from their days together in the Nigeria team and was involved in talks, told his podcast: “We were very, very close to getting this deal done.”But it was just slight issues, slight little problems that we just couldn’t get over the line. READ MORE ON CHELSEA”I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, I know where we got to.”We finally got to a compromise. Both sides had to compromise – paperwork, medical and a few issues that we just couldn’t get over the line and then we didn’t have much time.”I think both sides really played their part in terms of getting the deal done and I commend Chelsea for that because I could see the ambition of where they can take this club.”Also on Victor’s side, I think we have to pick this up again. Whatever it is, January or next summer. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We know where we are, we know where we’ve stopped and it’s just little details that need to be finalised and the deal will be done.”So for me, the club is in a very happy place with Victor and he is in a very happy place.”Chaos as Victor Osimhen is greeted by flare-wielding Galatasaray fans as he leads them in chant at 4am after transferMikel said playing in the Premier League is Osimhen’s dream.But SunSport revealed that the player’s astonishing £500,000-a-week wage demands held up the deal.It would make Osimhen, who has a £110million release clause in his Napoli contract, the highest paid player in the Prem.Mikel said: “Victor is not a greedy boy. He’s not a greedy guy.”He just wants to play football and get what he deserves and that’s not a problem. “A player knowing what he’s worth and demanding to be paid what he what he’s worth, that’s not a problem.” More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham suffer major Europa League blow with key man suspended after getting red card two seasons ago

      by

      TOTTENHAM’S Europa League hopes have been hit by a long-delayed ban for a key defender.Cristian Romero will miss Spurs’ group opener against Qarabag on September 26 – due to being sent off in the Champions League TWO SEASONS ago.  Cristian Romero’s absence will further weaken Spurs options in defenceCredit: RexIt’s all because Romero saw red for two bookings on Tottenham’s last European game, a Champions League draw at home to AC Milan in March 2023Credit: RexUefa have confirmed that European bans can kick in as late as two years after an offence – which adds to headaches at the back for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Romero was sent off for two bookings in Spurs’ last European adventure, in March 2023.Having lost 1-0 away to AC Milan in the Champions League round-of-16, the Argentinian World Cup-winner’s woe then helped kill off their hopes in the second leg.Romero, now 26, earned his first yellow card after just 17 minutes of a poor Tottenham display.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd a reckless challenge on Theo Hernandez late on meant his second booking in a tame 0-0 draw.Spurs have been out of Europe since then, so it’s only now that Romero’s suspension comes into play.His absence at home to Azerbaijan Premier League side Qarabag later this month means Postecoglou could face selection problems at centre-back.Dutch centre-back  Micky van de Ven has been troubled by injury.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Postecoglou is confident the 23-year-old will be back by the end of September.He said: “Micky was close in training this week but with the international break he’s not quite 100 per cent.”Tottenham flop Steven Bergwijn signs for Saudi Arabian club Al-IttihadRadu Dragusin is Tottenham’s other main option in central defence.And if needed Ben Davies, usually a left-back, could switch inside.Spurs decided to leave right-back Djed Spence out of their 23-man Europa League squad. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Everton star Ben Godfrey ‘already rejected’ by Atalanta and could be axed in January transfer window

      by

      BEN GODFREY could be axed by Atalanta in January, it’s been sensationally claimed.The defender joined the Italian outfit from Everton in June for a fee in the region of £10million.Ben Godfrey joined Atalanta from Everton earlier this summerCredit: GETTYBut the Serie A club are reportedly not impressed with the 26-year-oldCredit: REXLast season’s Europa League winners had high hopes for the 26-year-old, who can play across the backline.But the Serie A club are said to have not been impressed by what they’ve seen of him so far.According to TuttoAtalanta, Godfrey is “struggling” to adapt to the system deployed by manager Gian Piero Gasperini.And they claim he could be lined up for a loan move after being “rejected” and deemed a “flop” by his gaffer.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSGodfrey’s Italian adventure hasn’t gone to plan, with the England international only playing 22 minutes of first-team football this season.But he was full of optimism after his move to Bergamo was announced, writing on Instagram: “My new home @atalantabc.”So happy to be here, looking forward to meeting everyone at the club! Forza Atalanta!!!”Shortly after expressing his delight at moving to Serie A, he issued a heartfelt message to the Goodison Park faithful.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBen Godfrey has only played 22 minutes of football so far this seasonCredit: GettyHe said: “When I joined the club in 2020, everyone at the club from fans, staff and players made me feel welcome.”I’ve made some great memories at this football club and will always appreciate my time there.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model”And I feel like I can leave knowing I gave 100%.”Now it’s time to move onto my next challenge.”Thank you for all your support. All the best Everton.” More