Serie A

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares104 Views

      in Soccer

      Scott McTominay could be greatest EVER Brit in Serie A… Man Utd got it badly wrong letting him go, says former star

      by

      AC MILAN legend Joe Jordan reckons Scott McTominay is on course to become one of the best British exports to Italy.And he accused his former club Manchester United of blundering by flogging him to Napoli for a bargain £25million last summer.Scott McTominay has moved up a gear from his Man Utd daysCredit: RexBilly Gilmour now starts in Napoli’s midfield next to McTominayCredit: RexDavid Beckham had loan spells at AC Milan in 2009 and 2010Credit: AFPThe late Denis Law was a famous success in Serie ACredit: Hulton Archive – GettyEngland icon Paul Gascoigne was a fans’ favourite at LazioCredit: GettyWhile the Red Devils have tumbled down the table without McTominay, the Scotland midfielder is on a title charge in Italy, where his inspirational form has lifted Napoli to within three points of leaders Inter Milan.Tomorrow it is an Auld Enemy clash in Serie A, with McTominay and fellow Scotland star Billy Gilmour taking on AC Milan’s quartet of Englishmen — Kyle Walker, Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori.Jordan, now 73, was affectionately dubbed Lo Squalo (The Shark) by Milan fans, after finishing top scorer in both of his seasons at the San Siro and is still worshipped in Italy, for his exploits with AC Milan and Verona.However Napoli’s fanatical fans have given McTominay the ultimate accolade, dubbing him McTomadona  — after their idol Diego Maradona.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow Jordan claims McTominay is on course to eclipse himself and previous greats such as Denis Law, John Charles, Graeme Souness, Trevor Francis, Ray Wilkins, David Platt and Paul Gascoigne, to become Serie A’s greatest ever Britalian.He told SunSport: “I would say Scott McTominay has made much more of an impact in Italy than I did in my first season.“He’s already much more popular than I ever was.“I got on well with the Milan fans but it took me a bit of time to settle down to the Italian game. Since his introduction the Napoli supporters have taken to Scott right away.Most read in FootballPaul Ince was an all-round midfield star for Inter MilanCredit: AP:Associated PressDavid Platt played for Juventus, as well as Bari and SampdoriaCredit: GettyRay Wilkins was a pass master for AC Milan from 1984-87Credit: Getty – ContributorBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“He has done exceptionally well, in a team that is consistently winning.“They love him in Naples and I know what the Napolitani, are like, they’re incredible fans, absolutely fanatical about their club and their heroes. In Naples, they only support one team and that’s Napoli.”Napoli fans try and fail to prounce ‘Scott McTominay’Jimmy Greaves left Chelsea for a year at MilanCredit: GettyAnother England ace, Mark Hateley, also played for MilanCredit: AP:Associated PressMcTominay made 178 Prem appearances for the Old Trafford outfit after coming through their youth academy, scoring 19 times and Jordan added: “I was really surprised United let Scott go during the summer.“I don’t know all the circumstances but I thought he was doing OK at United. But, at Napoli, he’s lifted his game to another level.“His form is consistent, his front play is good, he’s scoring goals and providing assists.”McTominay, 28, has started in Napoli’s last 27 Serie A games, and is their second top scorer behind Romelu Lukaku — another United old boy — with seven goals and four assists.Jordan said: “He’s hit the ground running. He’s a player who is playing with confidence and he is working under a good coach in Antonio Conte.“Napoli did very well to sign him — but  Manchester United did very badly letting him go. United’s loss is Napoli’s gain.“He has been helped by having Gilmour alongside him. Whenever I’ve seen Billy play for Napoli he’s done well and he has forced himself into the starting team now.“That’s no surprise to me because he’s a good player, and crucially for an Italian coach, he keeps the ball well.”Rarely can a battle of the Brits have meant so much to Italian supporters as both clubs desperately need three points to keep their Serie A season on track. McTominay has started Napoli’s last 27 top-flight matchesCredit: RexKyle Walker is in the opposition camp with AC MilanCredit: GettyMilan are currently ninth — five places and six points off a Champions League qualifying place — and must win to keep their slim hopes alive.But they also know by beating Napoli they will virtually hand the Serie A title to their deadly rivals Inter Milan, who could push six points clear of the Neapolitans with eight games remaining.Meanwhile, Napoli know they must keep up the pressure on Inter by beating their Milanese rivals.Jordan’s heart is with his old club Milan but his head tells him that Napoli’s home advantage gives their Scots the edge.He said: “By chance, I actually saw the reverse game at the San Siro in October.“My daughter lives in Milan with my two grandkids and when I visit I go to watch my old club and occasionally Verona too.“Unfortunately Napoli were the better team on the day and deserved to win 2-0.“They will be favourites to win at home to keep the pressure up on Inter as the two clubs fight it out for the Scudetto.Ruben Loftus-Cheek has impressed for Milan after injuryCredit: GettyStriker Tammy Abraham is on loan at Milan from RomaCredit: Getty“Napoli haven’t won it too often but, with Scott and Billy in the team, they have a great chance provided they can handle the pressure of the run-in.“The heat is on them to win at home. But when you have got a team as talented as Conte’s and a passionate home support, Napoli should win.”For once, Jordan will be hoping England come out on top of Scotland — thanks to his Rossoneri roots.He added: “I know Kyle Walker because I coached him at Tottenham, when Harry Redknapp was the manager and we sold him to Manchester City.“He may be in his 30s now but he is a fantastic athlete — some players have pace, some have stamina, but Kyle’s blessed with both.“Kyle’s an experienced operator so, as much as he will learn from the Italians, he’ll be passing on a wealth of knowledge to Milan’s younger players too.“Tammy Abraham is another of Milan’s Brits who I used to watch in his Bristol City days, because I’ve lived in the city for years now.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s likely to be on the bench alongside Fikayo Tomori who has lost his starting place since he was red carded against Empoli.“But Ruben Loftus-Cheek did well on his return from injury against Como recently when he came off the bench and helped turn the game around. Forza Milan!”Milan fans dubbed Joe Jordan ‘the Shark’Credit: AP:Associated Press More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League title winning manager says ‘yes’ to becoming next Juventus boss with Thiago Motta on verge of sack

      by

      JUVENTUS are ready to sack manager Thiago Motta and replace him with Roberto Mancini, according to reports.The Juve boss has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks.Roberto Mancini was sacked by Saudi Arabia last OctoberCredit: GettyThiago Motta has been under increasing pressure in recent weeksCredit: RexThe Old Lady were handily beaten 3-0 by Fiorentina last weekend.While in their previous match they were thumped 4-0 at home by Atalanta.According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Motta’s position has been left hanging by a thread.They claim that the former midfielder will almost certainly be axed after Juventus’ next match against Genoa, barring something miraculous.READ MORE FOOTBALLIn his place, Juve could turn to experienced former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini.The former Premier League title winner, 60, has been out of work since leaving his role as Saudi Arabia national team boss last October.Mancini is believed to have said yes to the prospect of taking charge of Juventus until the end of the season.Juve chiefs are reportedly said to be keen on bringing Mancini in on a four month contract.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe report adds that the deal would only be renewed into next season if the Euro 2020 winner were to guide them into the top four.Juventus are currently fifth in the Serie A table.Roberto Mancini brutally sacked from job as highest-paid manager in the world just days after clashing with fansThey trail Motta’s former side Bologna by a single point in the race to qualify for the Champions League.Juve chiefs are also said to have considered ex-Lazio boss Igor Tudor as another possible interim manager.While they would like to target the likes of Antonio Conte, Gian Piero Gasperini or Stefano Pioli in the summer.Last weekend, Motta’s agent Dario Canovi admitted that his client has made mistakes at Juve.He told Telelombardia: “It’s been a troubled experience so far, last year everything good was said, now everything bad.”He’s making mistakes, but no one has made an objective analysis of what’s happened in the last 8 months at Juventus.”Juve have endured a difficult seasonCredit: Rex More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I was scared’ – Forgotten Premier League ace reveals horror moment he suffered panic attack on pitch

      by

      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Marko Arnautovic has revealed he was struck down by a panic attack during a key international game.West Ham paid a then club record £20million to sign the winger from Stoke City in 2017.Ex-Premier League star Marko Arnautovic was struck down by a panic attackCredit: RexArnautovic took part in Austria’s Nations League clash with Serbia on ThursdayCredit: GettyArnautovic went on to play for Chinese side Shanghai SIPG and Bologna before joining the Italians’ Serie A rivals Inter Milan two years ago.He took part in Austria’s Nations League clash with Serbia in Vienna on Thursday night.But the 35-year-old needed medical intervention early on after severe knee discomfort triggered a bout of panic disorder.”I had all the symptoms,” Arnautovic said.  “I first felt pain in my knee, then had huge pressure in the upper part of my stomach.Read More on Football”At the same time I had a panic attack.  I felt nauseous and dizzy, and I was scared.”I have no idea why it happened.  Maybe it was connected to the extreme pain in my knee.”The team doctor took a look at me, and gave me a remedy.”I carried on playing, and thankfully was OK at the end of the game.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAustria, managed by ex-Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, drew their Nations League play-off 1-1.Michael Gregoritsch gave them a 37th-minute lead, only for Serbia to level just past the hour through Lazar Samardzic.Arnautovic makes personal calls to West Ham fans to win back their heartsArnautovic, a £2m Stoke buy from Werder Bremen in 2013, scored 26 goals in 145 games for the then Premier League side.The Vienna-born ace however failed to live up to expectations at West Ham, and joined Shanghai SIPG after scoring 22 times in 65 appearances. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Which striker should Arsenal buy? We rate the contenders and name the man Arteta must sign in the transfer window

      by

      INJURIES have forced Arsenal to play Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, adding fuel to the fire around their lack of signings.However, even if Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz had not been injured the Gunners would still be lacking in firepower.Mikel Arteta is desperately searching to find the next great goalscorerCredit: GettyEven with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus available the Gunners lacked some punchCredit: GettyNeither Jesus or Havertz completely fit the profile for the position Arteta wants to lead the line of his team in dropping deep or running into the channels.Modern football’s development in recent seasons means strikers need to be capable of breaking a game open on their own.They are athletic, strong and capable of playing on the last line and threatening to attack space behind the defensive line.Arsenal’s issue is every top club appears to be in a similar situation as they search for the next great goalscorer; there simply are not enough top strikers to go around at the moment. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle ace Alexander Isak would have been the natural top target, but last weekend’s Carabao Cup final win means the Swede is now unobtainable.We take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the strikers that Arsenal will be considering this summer.Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting Lisbon and SwedenVictor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s top strikersCredit: EPAThe first name on the list is a striker who Arsenal have been linked with several times in recent seasons, 26-year-old Victor Gyokeres.The Swedish ace has been one of Europe’s top strikers in the last two seasons, hitting 50 goal contributions in 41 games this season after his 58-goal contribution tally at club level last season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesRightfully so, the former Coventry star is being billed up for a possible transfer fee of £83million.He already has experience in English football with Brighton and Coventry, contributing to 60 goals or assists in 116 games for the Sky Blues, while he scored just one for the Seagulls.How Arteta’s Merino experiment is surprising defenders and crucial to Arsenal’s attackGyokeres is far beyond the level of the Portuguese top-flight and his ability to score goals from a variety of positions and situations have really stood out for Sporting.His biggest strength comes in his ability to lead the line and to attack in moments of transition, working the channels effectively and gathering loose balls.Meanwhile, his strength and athleticism means he can drive through the final third towards the opposition area to create danger – a quality Arsenal are missing in their squad.Gyokeres typically finds himself in situations stretching the play and leading the lineHowever, there are genuine questions about how effective a striker like Gyokeres would be with a team that is more possession-dominant.His technical level when receiving in tight areas and when under pressure on his touch can be slightly loose. There is no doubt that he is better when he has space to attack as opposed to when he is trying to unlock a deeper defensive block.Victor Osimhen – Galatasary and NigeriaVictor Osimhen is itching for a transferCredit: GettyVictor Osimhen, 26, is a very experienced Nigeria international with 39 caps and 23 goals at senior international level as well as stellar at club level with 166 goal contributions across 253 games.His time at Napoli, which of course culminated in the club’s first Serie A win since Diego Maradona, looks to have come to a difficult end with Osimhen ending up on loan to Galatasaray.This season alone he has scored 26 goals and added five assists in 30 games in all competitions, including six goals in seven matches in the Europa League.He has clear similarities with Gyokeres in terms of profile, with both being strong and athletic strikers who are adept at playing on the last line and disrupting opposition defensive lines.But while Gyokeres excels when he has space to attack, Osimhen is more effective in tight spaces looking to receive and break down a deeper defensive block.Here we see how Osimhen likes to position himself between the defensive playersOsimhen is extremely powerful with the ability to receive under pressure and create chances for himself with creative touches and movements to create separation for himself.These qualities give weight to his £62m price tag despite having just one year left on his contract with parent club Napoli, and he is the exact type of striker Arsenal should be looking for.The biggest area of weakness for Osimhen comes in his out-of-possession work, with him being far from a monster in that respect. Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt and FranceHugo Ekitike looks set to be the next big money striker to be sold by FrankfurtCredit: ReutersEintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga have developed something of a reputation as a finishing school for strikers with several players being sold for big money.The France Under-21 international Hugo Ekitike, 22, appears to be the latest gem on that conveyor belt, with an estimated potential fee of £67m.Ekitike has scored 19 goals in 38 matches in all competitions so far this season, having moved to Frankfurt last summer from Paris Saint-Germain in France.The 22-year-old is extremely similar to Isak in that he is comfortable in a variety of situations.He can receive back to goal in deeper areas and link the play and he is comfortable in the channels. Here we see Ekitike receiving a forward pass before he turns, holds off defenders and pressure and then creates a shooting angle for himselfCrucially, however, he is strong when receiving on the last line with the ability to make space for himself and to get shots away.At the moment the biggest area of development that Ekitike has is improving his consistency and decision making in the final third. He is obviously younger than both Gyokeres and Osimhen with more development to come from him, but it can be argued Arsenal need a ready-made forward sooner rather than later.Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig and SloveniaArsenal have already been linked with Benjamin SeskoCredit: GettyThe fact Arsenal need a striker has been common knowledge for some time now and as such there have been players who have been consistently linked to a move to the club.One of those is the 21-year-old RB Leipzig and Slovenia star Benjamin Sesko.The Gunners were rumoured to be interested in the striker both in the summer and in the winter transfer window, although Sesko was keen to see the season out in Germany.So far this season Sesko has scored 17 goals in 36 games including four goals in eight Champions League games.Sesko is tall, powerful and fast and he combined the ability to play in space and transition with the ability to play on the highest line and to receive the ball with back to goal. Here Sesko shows his shot power as he receives and gets turned to face the opposition goal on his first touchThere is no doubt that his biggest strength as a striker though comes through his ball striking and the power that he can generate from shots.Sesko’s biggest area of development is his technical ability, patience and consistency when he receives the ball. At the moment there is still a sense with him that he has a tendency to try to force the game too aggressively as opposed to being more composed and calm in possession of the ball.Sehrou Guirassy – Borussia Dortmund and GuineaSehrou Guirassy’s form has exploded in the last two seasonsCredit: AFPThe next player we have shortlisted is 29-year-old Sehrou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmunda and Guinea, who could cost as much as £40m.After a slightly slower start to his career Guirassy exploded last season while at VfB Stuttgart before making a move across Germany to sign for Dortmund.Guirassy has scored 24 goals in 36 matches this season including 10 goals in 12 Champions League appearances.It would be fair to say Guirassy is very much a last-line striker, and there is no doubt he would improve Arsenal’s forward play with his ability to play high and receive the ball under pressure.He has impressed in recent seasons with his ability to get on the ball and create space and angles to get shots away around the penalty area.Here we see Guirassy positioned between the two central defendersHis movement and ability to get little pockets of separation from defenders help him to create shooting opportunities.Despite the impressive performances that we have seen from Guirassy in recent seasons there is still some doubt as to his ability to perform at the highest level. Does he have the ability to play with his back to goal and then to attack space against the more athletic profiles of defenders in the Premier League?Samu (Omorodion) Aghehowa – Porto and SpainSamu Aghehowa has already been linked with a top Premier League moveCredit: GettyThe rise of Samu Aghehowa, also known as Omorodion, to this point has been nothing short of spectacular.From playing in the fourth tier of Spanish football just two seasons ago to being recognised as one of the most promising young strikers in European football.The young striker moved initially to Atletico Madrid having just broken into the first team at Granada, leading to heavy links with Chelsea before he moved to join Porto.So far this season he has scored 20 goals in 34 games this season with six goals in nine games in the Europa League.Aghehowa, 20, is extremely powerful and he is at his best in the final third and around the opposition penalty area.He is very strong when it comes to attacking the ball in the air and he routinely displays the ability to dominate opposition defenders from crosses or high balls into the area. Here we see how Aghehowa can excel in tight areas as he performs an overhead kick under tight pressureRated at potentially £84m, he can also shield the ball and bring others into the game as his team attacks.At the moment Aghehowa still has to refine and improve his technical level.He needs to improve his ability to receive and outplay defenders and add more to his game in terms of his passing when he comes into deeper positions.Liam Delap – Ipswich and EnglandLiam Delap has had a solid season despite his team’s looming threat of relegationCredit: GettyIt would be fair to say the performances of Liam Delap have been one of the real highlights of Ipswich’s first season back in the Premier League.The 22-year-old, England Under-21 star is a product of the youth academy at Manchester City but moved to Ipswich on a permanent deal last summer.He is another striker who has real power and pace with the ability to stretch the game and provide threat with his off-ball movement to attack space around the final third.So far this season he has scored 10 goals in 31 matches, a strong return for a team facing relegation from the Premier League this season.Delap has the ideal profile for a modern striker. Here we see where Delap actually picked the ball up deep before starting to drive forwardHe has the frame to attack with real power and he is quick when he gets into stride and can run to attack space in advanced areas.As a striker he can carry the ball over longer distances and drive past opposition players with real pace and power.He still needs to develop his consistency and at the moment it is unclear whether he would be as effective when playing against a team who sit in a deeper and more compact defensive block or for a team that are more possession-dominant.ConclusionThere are several players who are options for Arsenal going forward as they look to add a striker to their current squad. The issue is that there will be significant competition for any of the seven players that we have discussed in this article.Arsenal will have to be aggressive in terms of securing the right target. Given the position Arsenal are in they need to add a proven winner and goalscorer who can give them the edge and help them to win the Premier League. While there is every chance that a forward like Ekitike would thrive at Premier League level, we believe Osimhen is the striker who would have the biggest impact next season for Arteta’s side.His experience of leading Napoli to the Serie A title just a couple of seasons ago and the fact Napoli would be very keen to do a deal. are key factors.The fact he is not a pressing monster can be worked around, as we saw in his time at Napoli under Spalletti.Two seasons ago, he was the man who led the press for Napoli, and there is no reason why he cannot do it again.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis tactical approach is something that Arteta could easily replicate given the nature of the players that would be either side of Oshimen.And his attacking prowess at both holding the ball up and also stretching that last line of defence make him a very interesting match for Arsenal.We reckon Osimhen would be the perfect fit for Arsenal’s striker problemCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment Scotland hero Scott McTominay has LASER pen flashed in his eyes by Greece fans before coolly opening scoring

      by

      SCOTT McTOMINAY was coolness personified as he ignored LASER pens being shone in his eyes to give Scotland a Nations League playoff lead in Athens. The penalty award was debatable as the Napoli midfielder appeared to stand on the ball and accidentally initiate the contact himself – but there was no arguing about the finish as he notched his 12th goal for his country.McTominay ignores the laser pen i his eyesMcTominay ignores the laser pensThat’s despite BBC footage clearly showing fans attempting to shine a green laser in the midfielder’s eye as he prepared to take the penalty.Scotland boss Steve Clarke last night hailed his talisman for holding his nerve in the cauldron. He said: “It’s something that happens but it didn’t put him off. We are delighted with the result, 1-0 coming away to a difficult place. We had to dig in throughout the second half.”We saw two sides to the team tonight.”The first half we were excellent and played the ball around really well.”We created some good chances and could maybe have been a little further in front at half-time.”In the second half, to be fair to the Greeks, they came out and got about us. They stopped us playing and we went too long.”We didn’t get a hold of the ball enough. Then we were asked to defend and we defended quite well.Most read in Football”We defended our box and coped with what felt like a lot of pressure.”But Craig Gordon didn’t have too many saves to make. It was credit to the team defensively in the second half.Steve Clarke likes Lennon Miller’s stated ambition to become one of Scotland’s top players”It’s now game on for Sunday. I don’t see the game being closed at all. I was impressed with the Greeks in the second half.”Their away record is good too. They went to Ireland and Finland and won comfortably, while also going to Wembley and winning. The game is still wide open.”BBC pundit Steven Naismith said: “The laser pens are brought out frequently there too so Scotty was probably used to it.”McTominay has been a massive hit out in Italy, where they currently sit 2nd, three points ahead of Atalanta but three behind leaders Inter Milan.But excelling in a much more attack-minded role, McTominay has struck seven times in Serie A this season – with one of them coming against Inter in a 1-1 draw back in November.And there’s been reports in Italy that the midfielder is already a target for Napoli’s title rivals Inter.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Napoli ‘make contact with Man Utd over Rasmus Hojlund deal that would open door to stunning swap transfer’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED striker Rasmus Hojlund has emerged as a target for Napoli, according to reports.The 22-year-old is being heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford prior to the summer window.Napoli are considering a swoop for Rasmus HojlundCredit: AlamyMan Utd could attempt to sign Victor Osimhen as a replacementCredit: GettyHaving scored just eight goals in 39 appearances for United so far this season, the striker has failed to impress new head coach Ruben Amorim and the club hierarchy.He was even listed among the group of “inherited” players that Sir Jim Ratcliffe considered to be “not good enough” during an interview last week.As the co-owner plots a rebuild, Hojlund is expected to be let go for a fraction of the £72million fee they paid for him.Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that Napoli want to sign him.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMan Utd allegedly want £50m for the striker, who is understood to be open to a return to Italy.Napoli believe that convincing Hojlund to complete the switch will not be difficult.Should the Denmark international swap United for Napoli this summer, it may open the door for a huge swap deal that could see Victor Osimhen head the other way.The 26-year-old was loaned out to Galatasaray last year after being axed from the Napoli squad.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHojlund has struggled to impress this seasonHe is set to return to Naples at the end of the season but will likely be sold before the 2025-26 campaign kicks off.And talkSPORT has reported that Osimhen could become a target for United.Man Utd legend spotted consoling Rasmus Hojlund and giving Man Utd striker pep talk after 14-minute cameo vs Arsenal Transfer journalist Alex Crook said: “I think (Victor) Osimhen is the most likely because I think he’s going to be available for the type of price that United can afford.”I think his wage demands have come down from where they were a year ago, obviously he’s been playing in Turkey, and I think he has that proven pedigree.”So it wouldn’t surprise me if Hojlund goes back to Italy, and there’s interest from the likes of Napoli I’m told, and Osimhen comes in the opposite direction.”Osimhen has scored 26 goals and provided five assists in 30 appearances this term for Galatasaray.Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘My family agreed’ – Gianluigi Buffon’s son Louis, 17, explains why he plays for Czech Republic instead of Italy

      by

      GIANLUIGI BUFFON’S son Louis has pledged to play for the Czech Republic, rather than Italy.His legendary father, 47, played 176 times for the Azzurri and won the 2006 World Cup.Louis Buffon made his first team debut for Pisa earlier this monthCredit: RexLouis, second from right, is the son of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi BuffonCredit: GettyInstead of following in his old man’s footsteps, however, Louis will represent the Czech Republic, where his mother Alena Seredova hails from.Louis, 17, earned his first team debut for Pisa in Serie B earlier this month, playing under his father’s former Italy team-mate Filippo Inzaghi.The winger has been rewarded with a first call up to the Czech Under-18s squad.His side will face England, France and Portugal during this international break.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSUpon receiving his maiden call-up, Louis explained his decision to the Czech media team.He said: “I was very happy to come to the meeting and curious about the different football culture.”I spoke with my family and together we decided that it would be better for my football career and my development as a player to play for the Czech Republic.”My mother, of course, was very happy, but my father was also excited because it was my first call-up for the national team.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGianluigi began his relationship with Czech model and TV presenter Alena in 2005.The pair wed in 2011, before splitting up three years later.‘Pack it in and retire’ – Watch Gianluigi Buffon commit biggest HOWLER of 27-year career as fans beg Italy legend to quitLouis was born in Turin and is not fluent in his mother’s language.Although he has vowed to keep working on his linguistic skills.He continued: “I don’t speak Czech very well yet, but as soon as I found out I could come here, I started learning it.”I spend about 10 minutes on Duolingo every day.”Louis could come up against the country of his birth while playing for the Czech Republic.But he claims that he would not treat such a match any differently.Louis added: “I was born and raised in Italy, but I think that in order to be a 100 per cent professional and do my job as well as possible, every match has to be important for me, whether it is against Italy or any other national team.”Louis’ mother is Czech model and TV presenter Alena SeredovaCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Serie A star who became armed robber before turning life around with acting career dies in his sleep at 39

      by

      FORMER Serie A star turned armed robber and actor Bruce Dombolo has died in his sleep – aged just 39.The Marseille-born midfielder played for Ancona in Italy’s top flight.Former Serie A star turned armed robber and actor Bruce Dombolo died in his sleepCredit: GettyAuxerre academy product Dombolo went on to appear for Italian side Pro Vasto and French club Marignane before falling into crime.He landed a two-year prison term aged just 20, then was jailed for a further eight years for his part in a 2010 jewellery heist.But Dombolo turned his life around, appearing in a series of French TV shows and becoming a Connect 4 champion.He said in 2023: “Some people fall into robbery of their own accord, and sadly I was one such person.Read More on Football”I didn’t think, but instead went to see some friends who were doing stupid things and asked them to include me.”That was how I joined a gang of armed robbers.”Dombolo was released in 2020.  He told French TV: “I was a lad from Vitrolles in Marseille, promised a career as a professional footballer, but I took a wrong turn.”I fell from the academy into the prison, from the stadiums of Serie A into robberies.Most read in Football”But in jail I turned my weaknesses into strengths.  I have since become an actor and producer, and got involved in violence prevention.”My journey proves that anyone can turn their life around, no matter where they are from.”Moment Aberdeen & Dunfermline fans join together to pay tribute to legendary former manager Jimmy CalderwoodTragically Dombolo’s agent told Le Parisien at the weekend that he had passed away in his sleep.Online tributes have since flowed in for the Congolese-origin former footballer, speaking of his “heart of gold,” “talent” and “amazing kindness.” More