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    Iceland’s trip to England comes under a cloud with star banned due to ongoing sexual assault case  

    ICELAND come to Wembley under a cloud with star player Albert Gudmundsson suspended again because of an ongoing sexual assault case.The attacking midfielder, 26, was the fifth top-scorer in Serie A last season with 14 goals for Genoa.Albert Gudmundsson is one of two Iceland stars missingCredit: GettyHe has been a target for West Ham and Spurs, as well as a host of Italian clubs.But under Iceland FA rules he was banned from playing for his country when the allegations — which he denies — first emerged in 2023.The case was dropped earlier this year and the recalled Gudmundsson scored in both Euro 2024 play-off games. But the alleged victim has successfully appealed.READ MORE ON EURO 2024So Iceland boss Age Hareide will have to do without his star player — as well as key defender Victor Palsson — for the game against England.Hareide, the former Norway, Manchester City and Norwich defender, said: “It’s always bad to lose players.”But we have to talk about the players who are there. We have a lot of talent here. “I think it’s every player’s dream — and it was mine as well in 1980 — to play against England at Wembley.”Most read in Euro 2024Friday’s clash is England’s final warm-up ahead of the Euros.Gareth Southgate’s men then launch their campaign in Germany against Serbia on June 16.Jack Wilshere, Gordon Strachan and Jurgen Klinsmann answer quickfire questions ahead of Euro 2024The Three Lions will complete their group action by taking on Denmark four days later and Slovenia on June 25.Southgate hopes defenders Luke Shaw and Lewis Dunk will be back to full fitness within a week.The duo made England’s final 26-man squad despite not yet being ready.In contrast, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire is “devastated” to miss out – as his calf problem would rule him out for out at least the group matches. More

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    Romelu Lukaku drops major hint over next club with Chelsea loanee to seal transfer ‘sooner than people think’

    CHELSEA loanee Romelu Lukaku hinted at a stunning transfer that will happen “much sooner than people think”.Lukaku, 31, returned to Stamford Bridge three years ago following a then record £97.5million deal with Inter Milan but quickly fell out of favour and was sent back on loan to the San Siro only a year later. Romelu Lukaku wants to return to Anderlecht in the near futureCredit: GettyLukaku’s Chelsea future is uncertain after returning from his loan stint at RomaCredit: APThe striker’s future with the Blues is uncertain after returning from his most recent loan stint at Roma.But the Belgium international is adamant he will return to Anderlecht one day.And the ex-Manchester United star insists that comeback is not far away as he misses his family in Belgium.Lukaku told RTL Sports: “Of course. That [a return to Anderlecht] will happen. That will happen, I think, much sooner than people think.Read More on ChelseaThe interviewer asked back: “Much sooner?”Lukaku responded: “Yes. I left Belgium at 18 years old.”The centre-forward was asked again: “Do you miss it? Do you miss Belgium?”Lukaku replied: “My mother, my children…”Most read in FootballThe Belgian star joined Anderlecht in 2006 when he was 13 years old and spent three years within the youth ranks.The ex-Everton star made his senior debut in 2009 and amassed a total of 41 goals and 17 assists in 98 appearances.Romelu Lukaku excels in shooting practice during Belgium training The former West Brom ace left the Belgian giants in 2011 and moved to Chelsea for his first three-year stint with the club. More

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    Jose Mourinho instantly rules out bringing two of his former players to Fenerbahce as ex-Chelsea boss plans transfers

    JOSE MOURINHO has rubbished rumours linking Fenerbahce with swoops for Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku.Mourinho, 61, was yesterday unveiled as boss of Turkish giants.Jose Mourinho addressed the press for the first time as Fenerbahce bossCredit: GettyWhile addressing the media for the first time as Fenerbahce boss, the Portuguese was asked about his former Roma stars Dybala and Lukaku.Tackling the issue head on, Mourinho said: “Names of my previous players of my previous clubs.”I want to make it 100 per cent my word, I have zero interest in any player of AS Roma.”Mourinho was sacked by the Serie A side in January following a series of bizarre antics and deteriorating results.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss received numerous red cards, substituted a player just 18 minutes after bringing him on and even referred to himself as Harry Potter.Roma went on to finish sixth in Serie A under Mourinho’s successor Daniele De Rossi.Lukaku, 31, netted 13 league goals during his loan spell from Chelsea, and 21 in all competitions.The Belgian has two years remaining on his Blues contract, but is not expected to play for Enzo Maresca’s side again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDybala, meanwhile, enjoyed a productive second season in the Italian capital.The Argentine, 30, scored 13 goals while also laying on nine assists. Inside the mad Fenerbahce world Jose Mourinho is entering with rioting fans, players walking off and notorious hooligansMourinho received a hero’s welcome as he arrived in Istanbul.Fans let off fireworks as their boss was shown around his new home stadium.The new Fenerbahce boss, who appeared on TNT Sports’ Champions League final coverage last weekend, launched a rallying cry to his new fans.He said: “I want to thank you for your love.”Normally a coach is loved after victories. In this case I feel that I am loved before the victories. That for me is a big responsibility that I feel.”I promise you from this moment, I belong to your family. This shirt is my skin.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Football is passion, and there is no better place [than here] to feel that passion.”Since the moment I met the president, I wanted to play for you because you are the soul of the football club. I want to be the coach of all of you.”Mourinho, 61, has received a hero’s welcomeCredit: Getty More

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    Watch Fikayo Tomori’s reaction as AC Milan fan yells ‘f*** Southgate’ after England star’s Euro 2024 snub

    FIKAYO TOMORI burst into laughter after an AC Milan fan started an X-rated chant about England manager Gareth Southgate.The centre-back was left out of Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024 last week, to the surprise of many.Gareth Southgate has left Fikayo Tomori out of his provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024Credit: GETTYA baffled AC Milan shout “F**k Southgate” to Tomori as he signed shirtsCredit: X@LOUISALISSAThe defender burst into laughter and smiled after hearing the fan’s chantCredit: X@LOUISALISSAMilan fans were left baffled by the omission of Tomori, who has come on leaps and bounds since his move to the San Siro two years ago.One conveyed that disappointment to the defender as he signed shirts for supporters, repeatedly shouting: “We love you Tomori, F*** Southgate!”Tomori, 26, tried his best to stay professional and contain his laughter.But the centre-back couldn’t help but let a wry smile slip, which didn’t go unnoticed by footie fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “He was feeling it.”Another said: “Fan ain’t wrong tho uno.”And another said: “Absolutely no idea how this guy isn’t even in the provisional squad, madness.”One remarked: “The fans are right Southgate even added [Jack] Grealish to the provisional squad.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother chimed in: “Poor guy.”Should have been playing Copa America in 2 weeks with Canada, had he chosen right.”England boss Gareth Southgate says playing in Italy is a good experience for AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori Tomori has five England caps to his name, the last of which came against Malta in November 2023.And the former Blues star has been left frustrated by lack his lack of opportunities in an England shirt.He said last year: “Most players will say once you come here, you want to stay here and when you get a taste for it, you want to you want to keep building on it.“My England career’s been a bit stop-start.”When I was 21 and I first got called up I made a few appearances off the bench and then after the COVID year, I wasn’t playing as much so obviously, I wasn’t getting called up.“Then I went to Milan and I’ve been in a few camps, out a few camps.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But this season started off really well and I’ve have managed to play a few games and I’ve come to every camp.So yeah, it has started off well and now I just want to keep it going and play more games, get more caps.” More

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    AC Milan announce Stefano Pioli will LEAVE as Champions League club are latest to join managerial merry-go-round

    AC Milan have parted ways with manager Stefano Pioli.The 58-year-old has been in charge of Milan for the last five years.Stefano Pioli has left AC MilanCredit: GettyHowever, he will leave following the club’s final match of the season against Salernitana on Saturday.An official statement from the club read: “AC Milan and Stefano Pioli announce that the Mister will be departing after the end of the current season, after having been in charge of the First Team since October 2019.”AC Milan extends heartfelt thanks to Stefano Pioli and his entire staff for leading the First Team over the past five years, securing an unforgettable League title and re-establishing AC Milan’s consistent presence in the top European competition.”Stefano’s professionalism and human touch have significantly contributed to the growth of the squad, embodying the Club’s core values ​​from day one. Read More on Football”Stefano Pioli expresses his gratitude to AC Milan for the opportunity to be part of the history of this glorious Club.”He is deeply grateful to the ownership, management, team, staff, and everyone at Milanello and Casa Milan for their support and outstanding commitment.”He also extends a special thanks to the many fans who have passionately supported AC Milan over the years, demonstrating unwavering dedication.”Pioli replaced Marco Giampaolo at the San Siro in 2019 and has since managed 239 games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAcross five years the Italian has recorded 132 wins, 55 draws and 52 defeats.He guided AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022 and earned his first major trophy.Watch tense moment AC Milan star Rafael Leao blasts ‘do your job’ at journalist after Europa League clash However, the Black and Reds have struggled to compete with local rivals Inter this season.They currently sit second in the table, 19 points adrift of their local rivals.According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Paulo Fonseca is expected to replace Pioli.Fonseca has been in charge of Lille since 2022 and has also managed the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk, Porto and Roma.The managerial merry-go-roundSOME of the biggest clubs in Europe are on the hunt for a new manager ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
    CHELSEA announced that Mauricio Pochettino had left by mutual consent earlier this week.
    The Blues are now determined to appoint his successor as quickly as possible, with Leicester manager Enzo Maresca, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank on the shortlist.
    BARCELONA are also scouting a new boss following the departure of Xavi.
    The Spaniard announced his intention to leave earlier this year but then allegedly agreed to stay at the Nou Camp.
    However, he recently completed another U-turn and is now set to move on.
    BAYERN MUNICH have been frantically looking for a new manager since Thomas Tuchel announced his departure in February.
    Having been rejected by the likes of Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick and Oliver Glasner they have now turned to Manchester City legend and Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
    BRIGHTON are also without a manager following the shock departure of Roberto De Zerbi.
    McKenna has been linked with the Brighton job.
    JUVENTUS announced the departure of Massimiliano Allegri last week, meaning he is now available.
    Although nothing has been confirmed, MANCHESTER UNITED are expected to sack Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup final.
    The Red Devils have been linked with Tuchel, Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate in recent months. More

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    Inside abandoned stadium left overgrown and vandalised years after hosting Olympics, Six Nations and TWO euro giants

    A SPORTS STADIUM that once hosted an Olympic Games, several Six Nations matches and two Serie A giants has been left completely abandoned.The Stadio Flaminio in Rome was once the home of Italy’s national rugby union team, but it has also been used for football.The Stadio Flamino is now in a state of disrepairCredit: RexThe stands of the stadium are crumblingCredit: RexThe stadium has been abandoned and the pitch has become overgrownCredit: RexBuilt on the site of the demolished Stadio Nazionale PNF – which hosted the 1934 World Cup final – it opened in 1959 ahead of the 1960 Olympic Games.It became a hugely popular venue during the 1980s when some of the world’s biggest music artists performed there.Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Pink Floyd and U2 took to the stage in the late 80s in front of 45,000 to 65,000 fans.Following the music season, Lazio and Roma temporarily moved there while the Stadio Olimpico was being refurbished.Read More on FootballLower league side Atletico Roma later called it home.Between 2010 and 2011 the Stadio Flaminio hosted Italy’s Six Nations matches.It was due to be redeveloped before the 2012 Six Nations with a 42,000 capacity planned.However, the proposed renovations fell through and the Italian Rugby Federation moved to a new home.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the years that followed, Stadio Flaminio became neglected.It is now in a state of disrepair with an overgrown pitch and crumbling stands.However, there is hope that given the adequate funding it can become a fully-functioning, multi-purpose venue once again.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe stadium previously hosted an Olympic games and Six Nations matchesCredit: RexMusic artists such as Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen have also performed thereCredit: RexThe pitch has become severely overgrownCredit: Rex More

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    Arsenal star’s former club attacked by furious ultras with youth player left injured and cafeteria ransacked

    FURIOUS fans of struggling Brazilian Serie B side Ituano smashed up the club’s headquarters following a defeat, reports claim.The alleged attack came after a 2-0 loss away from home to Mirassol. Leo Izidoro was injured during the alleged attackAccording to ESPN in Brazil, it took place while players who stay at the club were having dinner.A window in the cafeteria is said to have been broken, with 17-year-old defender Leo Izidoro injured by fragments of glass.Other objects from the site were thrown on the ground.Shocked onlookers blamed two members of an organised supporters group for the attack.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSItuano – who once has Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli on their books – will open a police report. The first-team squad had not yet returned from Mirassol at the time of the attack.They are currently bottom of Serie B, with just three points from six games.Martinelli made 17 senior appearances for Ituano after joining the club as a teenager in 2015. Most read in FootballHe moved to Italy after trials with Manchester United and Barcelona and had one year of first-team football before signing for Arsenal. The forward ended this season on eight goals from 44 matches. Gabriel Martinelli was signed for Arsenal from ItuanoCredit: YouTubeEcuadorian police bring end to terrifying live TV hijack and arrest several suspects More

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    Europe facing huge managerial merry-go-round as Juventus sack Max Allegri after touchline meltdown

    JUVENTUS have announced the sacking of Massimiliano Allegri.The dismissal comes following the Italian’s touchline antics during Coppa Italia success on Wednesday.Massimiliano Allegri has been sacked as Juventus managerCredit: ReutersA club statement read: “Juventus announces that it has relieved Massimiliano Allegri of his position as head coach of the men’s first team.”The exoneration follows certain behaviours during and after the Coppa Italia final that the club deemed incompatible with the values of Juventus and the behaviour that those who represent it should have.”It ends a period of collaboration, which began in 2014, restarted in 2021 and ended, after the previous three seasons together, with the Italian Cup final.”The club wishes Massimiliano Allegri good luck in his future endeavours.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAllegri was sent off during Juve’s 1-0 Coppa Italia final win over Atalanta on Wednesday night.The 56-year-old could be seen shouting in the face of the fourth official before angrily removing his jacket and throwing it down in a fit of rage.As he started walking off the pitch he did the same with his tie.And just as he was about to storm down the tunnel, Allegri began unbuttoning his shirt.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAllegri spent a combined eight years in charge of Juventus over two separate spells.And during his 420 games as the boss, he led the Old Lady to five Serie A titles.Watch one of the funniest reactions ever as Max Allegri loses it on touchline over Angel Di Maria’s miss for JuventusDespite such a long tenure with the Italian giants and delivering unprescedented success to the club, Juve have moved quickly to find a replacement.According to Fabrizio Romano the club are working on a deal to secure Thiago Motta as their boss from next season.For the meantime Paolo Montero will step in as interim head coach.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More