Serie A

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares187 Views

      in Soccer

      Mario Balotelli, 34, closes in on shock Serie A return after four months unemployed

      by

      MARIO BALOTELLI is closing in on a major Serie A return after spending the last four months as a free agent.Balotelli, 34, has been without a club since his departure from Adana Demirspor in June, after seven goals and one assist in 16 appearances last season.Mario Balotelli is closing in on a return to Serie A with GenoaCredit: GettyBalotelli has been a free agent for four months after leaving Adana DemirsporCredit: GettyBut the striker now looks set for a return to elite football after three years out in the wilderness playing for Demirspor in Turkey and Sion in Switzerland.According to transfer insider Nicolo Schira, the ex-Italy international has been training in his bid to regain match fitness.And it looks like the Manchester City cult hero has impressed Genoa club chiefs, who are keeping a close eye.Read More on FootballSchira claims the former Liverpool star is now awaiting the “final green light” to put pen to paper with Alberto Gilardino’s side.And the Italian is “very excited” about a possible return to the Serie A.Balotelli has experienced tremendous success in Italy as he burst onto the scene with Inter Milan in 2007 at the age of 17.The centre-forward went on to amass a total of 28 goals and 15 assists during his three-year stint at Inter.Most read in FootballThat led to a lucrative move to City where he spent three turbulent years that saw him racking up 30 goals in 80 appearances as well as numerous on and off-field run-ins.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat included setting his own house on fire by letting off fireworks in his bathroom and the infamous ‘Why always me’ shirt celebration against Manchester United.But will remain in City folklore for setting up Sergio Aguero for his famous league-winning strike against QPR in 2012.Former Premier League bad boy Mario Balotelli takes up new sport as he ‘calls out former UFC champion’Balotelli moved to his beloved AC Milan in 2013 where he spent one year and registered 18 goals as well as eight assists in 41 appearances.A Premier League return soon followed to Liverpool but he couldn’t meet expectations and was loaned back to Milan in 2015 after only four goals in 28 games at Anfield.Stints at Nice, Marseille, Brescia and Monza soon followed as his star status started to dwindle.Balotelli also amassed 14 goals in 36 caps with Italy and shone bright during Euro 2012 as he helped his national team reach the final. More

    • 263 Shares197 Views

      in Soccer

      Serie A clash CALLED OFF at last-minute due to floods as club now face losing two key players for crunch clash

      by

      AC MILAN’S Serie A clash with Bologna has been postponed due to extreme weather conditions.The two teams were expected to face off on Saturday at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium.AC Milan Serie A clash with Bologna has been postponed due to extreme weather conditionsCredit: RexExtreme rain and flooding have hit Bologna in recent daysCredit: GettyHeavy rain has caused landslides, flooding, road closures and some power outagesCredit: GettySchools, parks and sports centres will remain closed in the cityCredit: GettyHowever, Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore announced that the game would not be played due to extreme rain and flooding that hit the region in recent days.Lepore added that heavy rains, which started on October 19, caused landslides, flooding, road closures and some power outages in several areas.The game between Milan and Bologna will be rescheduled, but no details are known at this point.However, it will be hard finding another time to host the Serie A clash due to the league and the Coppa Italia schedule as well as the fact both teams play in the Champions League this season.Read More on FootballThat unfortunate event will have especially serious ramifications for Milan, who will be without two key players in their upcoming crunch clash with Napoli.Those are Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez, who were due to serve a suspension at Bologna.Instead, the Rossoneri duo will now serve it on Tuesday’s crunch clash with Napoli at the San Siro.Paulo Fonseca’s side will be hosting the Serie A leaders, who are five points ahead of the fourth-placed Milan giants.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe municipality of Bologna said in a statement that the match would bring about 35,000 people near the most critical area of the city.Schools, parks and sports centres will remain closed in the city as a precaution.Napoli fans try and fail to prounce ‘Scott McTominay’_1But Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni said: “The match is postponed because with a decision that in my opinion is incomprehensible, the mayor has prohibited the match from being played even behind closed doors.”Bologna vs AC Milan will be rescheduled at a later dateCredit: APTijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez were suspended against Bologna and will now serve the ban against NapoliCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans moan ‘this is so sad’ after finding out which pair they sent scouts to watch in Serie A clash

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED allegedly sent a representative to watch two Serie A stars in action at the weekend – but fans are not satisfied.The scout flew to Italy on Sunday for Napoli’s clash with Empoli.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was being watched by a Man Utd scoutCredit: ReutersAlessandro Buongiorno is also a target for the Red DevilsCredit: GettyAntonio Conte’s side clinched a 1-0 win thanks to a penalty from Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.The 23-year-old was one of two players on United’s radar during the match, Italian outlet Tutto Mercato claims.Centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno was also being watched by the scout.However, several Man Utd fans are not excited by the prospect of potentially signing both stars – especially Kvaratskhelia.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne person took to social media to write: “Watching the wrong players.”Another commented: “Stop this! United don’t need another LW!”A third said: “We already have Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho for the LW. Go for proper RW and a ST.”While a fourth wrote: “This is so sad. You are sending representatives to watch Kvaratskhelia. Send representatives to watch Harry Kane, Messi, Ronaldo ffs the guy is in top 5 wingers in Europe just buy him.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite some claims that signing Kvaratskhelia would be unnecessary, other fans believe he would strengthen the squad.One person said: “Khvicha is one of the main ingredients to turn us to a serious consistent team again.”Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ While another suggested: “Would be a fantastic signing heir to the #7.”Man Utd have endured one of their worst starts to a Premier League season.The Red Devils currently sit 12th in the table with 11 points from eight games. More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Italy legend Francesco Totti teases Serie A return aged 48 after 7-YEAR retirement as he says ‘clubs have contacted me’

      by

      ITALY legend Francesco Totti has teased a potential return to professional football.The 48-year-old retired from the game back in 2017 after spending his entire career with Roma.Francesco Totti has teased a return to professional footballCredit: GettyThe 48-year-old retired in 2017 after spending 24 years at RomaCredit: ReutersHe scored 307 goals and provided 207 assists in 785 appearances for the Serie A giants.The ex-playmaker is now considered one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time.But despite calling time on his career seven years ago, Totti has not completely ruled out a return to the beautiful game.In fact, he is keeping the door wide open.Read More in FootballSpeaking at a recent event, Totti revealed: “Some Serie A teams have contacted me.”I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy. It would be difficult, but in life you never say never.”There are players who have played many years after the end of their career.”It also depends on where you play, with all due respect, but if I were to return to Serie A I would have to train really well.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAccording to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Totti also recently said: “Given the current level of Serie A, I could easily make an impact on the field.”However, he would not entertain a move to Roma’s rivals, Lazio.Inside stunning future stadium of football giants that includes impressive feature that will be the largest in EuropeThe Italian continued: “Lazio? I wouldn’t have even considered it.”I’d be ready in two to three months. I’m still playing at 48. Half an hour, twenty minutes. If I had to do something crazy, I’d do it in Italy, not abroad, but it’s crazy.”When you turn the page you never know what awaits you. It wasn’t my choice, but in that moment it has to be experienced differently from the context.”Maybe that’s also why I’ve had that thing inside me. It’s true that there’s a beginning and an end to everything.” More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Juventus forced to clarify after official account announces Arda Guler transfer from Real Madrid

      by

      JUVENTUS have been forced to clarify a tweet put out by the club’s official account announcing the signing of Arda Guler.Supporters of the Italian giants were thrilled when the club appeared to make the shock transfer of the Turkish superstar.Juventus have clarified a statement put out about Arda GulerCredit: INSTAGRAM @ardagulerThe Italian club appeared to announce the Turk as a new signingCredit: xGuler, 19, is viewed as one of the most promising youngsters in European football thanks to his performances at Fenerbahce.He earned a big-money move to Real Madrid and has slowly worked his way into the squad after overcoming some injury issues.The apparent transfer would have been a huge coup for Juventus if they had pulled it off.A tweet put out by the club’s official account claimed that the player had joined.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Welcome to Juventus, Arda Guler.”The rising star of football is now part of the Juventus family.”Ready to make history on this new journey?”This was accompanied by a picture of the attacking midfielder walking on the tarmac at an airport.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUnfortunately for fans of the Serie A outfit, the news is totally untrue.The club has revealed that the X account was hacked and confirmed that no deal for Guler has been done.Football royalty including Kaka, Seedorf and Rivaldo unite for legends match Guler has been struggled for game time at Real MadridCredit: GettyA club statement wrote: “Our Juventus English account has been compromised.”Please ignore the false information being published on this account.”We are working on the issue.”So far this season, Guler has made three appearances from the bench under manager Carlo Ancelotti.He remained on the bench during Real Madrid’s win over Celta Vigo on Saturday.He is a full international with TurkeyCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Champions League defender scores FIVE goals in just 34 minutes on sensational debut for non-league team

      by

      ROMA hero Kostas Manolas scored FIVE goals in just 34 minutes on his debut with a Greek non-league club he surprisingly joined after leaving Serie A.Manolas, 33, made a name for himself in Italy and Greece, which led to interest from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea throughout his career.Kostas Manolas scored five goals on his debut for Greek non-league side PannaxiakosCredit: Getty – ContributorManolas made a name for himself at Serie A with Roma and stood out in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty – ContributorThe centre-back burst onto the scene with Olympiacos and the Greek national team, whom he helped reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time ever in 2014.The defender joined Roma 10 years ago where he scored eight goals in 206 appearances.The ex-AEK Athens star also helped the Italian giants reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2018 with a sensational goal in a famous 3-0 win over Barcelona at the Olimpico.After brief stints with Napoli, Emirati outfit Sharjah and Salernitana last season, Manolas made the decision to relocate to his homeland of Naxos with his family.Read More on FootballThat led to him joining local club Pannaxiakos, who compete in the fourth division, after a few training sessions with them during pre-season.The ex-Greece international received a hero’s welcome and many within the club see him as the man that will lead them to the third division.And Manolas honoured their faith in a stunning debut, despite playing out of a position as a CENTRE-FORWARD against Marpissaikos on Sunday.According to Sport24, the ex-Napoli star started for the Cycladic outfit and scored a staggering five goals.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe versatile defender led his new team-mates to a stunning 12-1 win over Marpissaikos.That led to manager Giorgos Mostratos hauling him off after just 34 minutes in the first half.Kostas Manolas returns to LaLiga club Olympiacos to a hero’s return Manolas’ move to Pannaxiakos has been described across Greek media as the “transfer of the year”. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      I played Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane but I couldn’t sleep before facing little-known World Cup star

      by

      LEONARDO BONUCCI faced some of the football greats during his career including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – but he feared a lesser known star the most.The Italian defender hung up his boots at Fenerbahce at the end of last season after serving Juventus for 12 seasons, and now, aged 37, has looked back at his toughest-ever opponents.Leonardo Bonucci has named his toughest opponentCredit: GettyHe played with and against Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AFPAnd he gave a surprise name at the top of his list.Bonucci dreaded games against a certain former Atalanta forward.After competing against legends of the game such as serial trophy winners Messi and Ronaldo, it’s Torino star striker Duvan Zapata that gave him “nightmares”.Bonucci told Sky Sports Italy: “I have played against Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and many others.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But I was genuinely afraid of Duvan Zapata.”Before games against Atalanta, I couldn’t sleep at night.”Zapata’s power and physicality made him my nightmare.”Like Bonucci, Zapata has spent most of his career in Italy. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Colombian signed for Napoli in 2013, going on loan to Udinese and Sampdoria during his development. He signed for Sampdoria, which led to a loan and then a full-time switch to Atalanta where he dominated defenders.Cristiano Ronaldo ABSOLUTELY FUMING as he storms off pitch after Portugal draw with Scotland_1Scoring 82 and assisting 43 in 191 appearances, he proved a consistent performer and clearly played a key role in Atalanta’s success.And Zapata’s goal record against Juventus shows just how much he struck terror into one of Italy’s legendary defenders.He notched up eight goals against the Old Lady – including one where he brushed off Bonucci to fire home in a thrilling 2-2 draw.Now 33, Zapata signed for Torino on loan in 2023, before joining permanently this summer.Bonucci, meanwhile, made a humongous 502 appearances for Juventus as well as 51 for AC Milan, winning 9 Serie A titles, as well as five Italian cups along the way.He also starred for Italy, earning 121 caps for his country and winning Euro 2020 after defeating England on penalties at Wembley.Duvan Zapata scoring for Udinese against Bonucci’s Juventus in 2017Credit: EPAZapata is now with TorinoCredit: AFPBonucci won nine Serie A titles with JuventusCredit: GettyWho are these famous footballers? More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Champions League star who ‘changed club’s world image’ with goal vs Barcelona now playing in non-league at 33

      by

      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE hero has left elite football to return to his roots for a non-league club in Greece.The famous defender stood out in Serie A playing for Roma and Napoli as well as Salernitana most recently.Kostas Manolas has left elite football for non-league club PannaxiakosCredit: Getty – ContributorManolas is remembered for his legendary goal for Roma that eliminated BarcelonaCredit: Getty The ex-Greece international’s performances in Italy attracted the interest of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in 2018 and 2019.Reports at the time suggested the Premier League trio was willing to splash over £30million before the centre-back joined Napoli in 2019 and embarked on a three-year stint in Naples.That is none other than Kostas Manolas, who made headlines around the world in the Champions League six years ago when his late header led Roma to a famous 3-0 win over Barcelona at the Olimpico.It was thanks to the Greek star that the Giallorossi qualified for the semi-finals where they faced Liverpool, who moved on to the final.Read More on FootballManolas is now 33 years old and it looks like top-level football is over for him as he surprised the world with his decision to play for his local club Pannaxiakos in the Cyclades’ First Division until June.The Olympiacos legend returns to his place of birth in the isle of Naxos where he and his family have now settled to play in the fourth division, with his new team now hoping for promotion to the third division.The ex-AEK Athens star decided to help the team after a few training sessions with Giorgos Mostratos’ side.Pannaxiakos announced: “The President, the members of the Board of Directors and Pannaxiakos FC’s great family announce the arrival of Kostas Manolas to the men’s team with great joy, emotion and pride.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The player who wore the shirt of AEK, Olympiacos, Roma, Napoli, the player who honored the shirt of Greece’s Youth and Men’s National Team, the Greek central defender who has been admired by Europe, the Naxos native who has chosen his place of birth to reside with his family, will strengthen Pannaxiakos’ effort in this year’s championship. Welcome Kostas!”Manolas joined Roma in 2014 following two stunning years at Olympiacos in the Champions League and went on to amass a total of eight goals in 206 appearances before joining Napoli.Kostas Manolas shows off his football skills playing for Salernitana 1919 However, none of his goals are more famous than the one against Lionel Messi and co, which he claimed “changed Roma’s image in the world”.The ex-Greece star, who stood out in the 2014 World Cup and helped his country make it to the knockouts for the first time ever, claimed the Italian giants could have even made it to the Champions League final if VAR was available.Manolas said two years ago: “It changed Roma’s image in the world.“Yes, it was important. Not only because it was a 3-0 scoreline to qualify for a Champions League semi-final. “But because the whole world understood that Roma are a great team. Before, Roma had another image in Europe, another story.“But we too could have reached the final of that Champions League, if there had been VAR. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They didn’t give us a penalty on [Edin] Dzeko for an offside that wasn’t there. “They didn’t see a handball by [Trent] Alexander-Arnold which would have been a penalty and red card. A goal would have been enough to beat Liverpool.” More