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      How one league could have staggering SIX teams in Champions League next season – and currently on course to do so

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      SERIE A are looking poised to enter SIX teams in the Champions League next season.In the reformatted edition of next season’s competition, two countries will be given an extra group-stage place.UEFA have revamped next season’s competition to keep it entertaining and more competitiveCredit: ReutersUnder the new rules, two leagues can earn an extra position in the Champions LeagueCredit: RexBut there is a way the Serie A could enter a SIXTH team after Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over LiverpoolCredit: RexItaly are poised to receive an additional Champions League place as one of two countries with the best Uefa co-efficient.Places will be assigned to the associations with the best collective performance – classed as their coefficient – by their clubs in Europe this season.The Italians – who have four teams left in Europe – are frontrunners to profit from the rule change that has come about ahead of the competition’s expansion to 36 teams.This means fifth place is set to qualify – which will currently benefit Roma – who have become somewhat Europa League staples.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, there is also a way in which Italy could enter a SIXTH team into the Champions League.That is if Roma or Atalanta win the Europa League AND finish outside the top four in Serie A.Atalanta currently sit sixth and stormed to a shocking 3-0 victory over favourites Liverpool in the Europa League first leg quarter-final at Anfield.An Atalanta European triumph would free up another Champions League spot for an Italian club, as the additional place only applies to a team’s domestic league finish.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe extra spot will not go to the Champions League or Europa League winners as they automatically qualify.In theory, Roma or Atalanta would be excluded from the list and bump the spot down to seventh place in Serie A.This means a seventh place finish in the Serie A could land Champions League football, if both the winners of the Champions League and Europa League are Italian clubs that finish outside of the top four.However, Uefa have not entirely clarified the way the extra spot will be assigned regarding the Europa League victor.Work out which global sporting icon lives in this waterside padIt is therefore possible the clubs will ask for further clarification before going into the final, especially considering it is very tight in the race for a top five spot in Serie A.Italy sit top with a coefficient of 18.714, with England – on 16.928 – now behind Germany on 16.875. Bayer Leverkusen’s first-leg 2-0 victory over West Ham and Liverpool’s heavy home defeat has changed the complexion on the coefficients.Aston Villa are in a commanding position in the Europa Conference League with their 2-1 win at home to Lille, while Arsenal and Manchester City’s Champions League ties could still go either way.How the coefficient looks after the Europe’s first-leg quarter finals More

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      Watch tense moment AC Milan star Rafael Leao blasts ‘do your job’ at journalist after Europa League clash

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      AC MILAN star Rafael Leao was involved in a heated blast with a journalist following AC Milan’s Europa League loss to Roma. The Italian giants were beaten by their league rivals 1-0 in the quarter-final first leg at the San Siro. Rafael Leao was involved in a heated blast with a journalistCredit: calciomercatoitLeao was captured walking past the mix zone following the loss when he told a reporter: “Do your job well.”It is unknown what caused the Portuguese star’s outburst. Leao was taken off along with ex-Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic in a tactical decision manager Stefano Pioli was forced to defend. He said: “Pulisic and Leao have confidence. Players like them, even on a difficult evening, can make an important play. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I made the changes when I thought it was right.” Pioli recently raised eyebrows when he gave a bizarre response when asked if Leao and Theo Hernandez were back to their best. He said: “Yes. Out of necessity Theo had made himself available to play as a central defender and in my opinion he did it brilliantly.“On the wing they hear each other, they smell each other, they know each other, they kiss each other, I kiss them too when they score a goal.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe added: “I think Theo had difficulty last year in getting over the disappointment of the World Cup final, the fatigue of the World Cup in that period.“This year when we restarted the season I found him to be very positive, very proactive.’That’s you out for Soccer Aid then’, say fans as Michael Owen tripped up his own dog in hilarious footage “He has become a leader of this team, he doesn’t talk much.“The games he played as a central defender made him understand how much more attentive and active he can be in the defensive phase.“He has such great potential that he absolutely must continue like this.” More

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      Ademola Lookman was TOO dedicated and had to be dragged off training ground as a kid – now he’s Atalanta’s star man

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN has worked hard to get to where he has in football — at times, maybe even a little too hard.The Nigeria star, born in Wandsworth, London, club-hopped to better himself and takes on Liverpool on Thursday as one of Atalanta’s best players.Lookman has been a shining light at AtalantaCredit: GettyHe earned a move to Charlton at the age of 16Credit: PA:Empics SportEx-Everton winger Lookman was only spotted by Charlton at 16 in Sunday league football — perhaps this led to his pursuit for self-improvement.And there have been moments when he has had to be persuaded to curb his enthusiasm in training so as not to impact his matchday displays.That was the case during his loan spell three years ago at Fulham, where he was a rare shining light in a season that ended in Premier League relegation.Stuart Gray, Scott Parker’s No 2 at the Cottagers that term, told SunSport: “He’s one of the most dedicated professionals I’ve seen who just wanted to work hours and hours on the training pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He was first in the building and would leave when the staff did.“The biggest thing was trying to educate him that Saturday when we played was most important. We had to drag him off the training ground!“He would stay back for hours working on technical work, taking free-kicks, crossing or shooting.“It was a case of restricting the time he wanted out on the training pitch, the amount of shots he would take, to make sure he had enough energy for us at the weekend.Most read in FootballStuart Gray coached Lookman at FulhamCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It was knackering for our goalkeeper who had to face him!”Lookman, now 26, sealed an £11million switch to Everton in January 2017.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersHe netted on his Toffees debut in a 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City — which remains Pep Guardiola’s heaviest defeat in the Premier League — but left for RB Leipzig two years later for £22.5m.Limited game-time saw back-to-back loans to Fulham and Leicester.But it is at Atalanta where the former England Under-21 star has blossomed.Lookman boasts 24 goals in 64 games for the Serie A side and outshone Napoli’s £100m-rated striker Victor Osimhen in the recent Africa Cup of Nations, with Nigeria finishing runners-up.Italy seems to suit his style, while Atalanta chief Gian Piero Gasperini uses him well in the three positions behind the striker, exploiting his relentless pressing, cool finishing and devastating ability in one-on-one situations.Lookman could be on the move again this summer, as Atalanta tend to sell their stars, like Rasmus Hojlund, who moved to Manchester United in a £72m deal in July.Napoli have been touted as a possible destination and a bid of £20m could convince Atalanta to part with the Londoner.Gray, 63, remembers a shy lad who let his football do the talking at Fulham.He said: “He’s become physically stronger. His brain seems to be working quicker, his first touch, his receiving of the ball.“His confidence as well, the boy can take anyone on and think he’s going to beat them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s like a golfer with the amount of hours they put in. It’s credit to him that he’s not just stayed in this country.“He’s got off his backside and gone abroad. He’s only 26, he’s not even peaked.” More

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      Anthony Martial ‘wanted by Inter Milan in shock transfer but Man Utd outcast second choice to little-known Iceland star’

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      INTER MILAN are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United star Anthony Martial.The 28-year-old will leave the Red Devils this summer when his contract expires.Anthony Martial is wanted by Inter Milan as he will leave Manchester United this summerCredit: GettyInter view Genoa’s Albert Gudmundsson as another optionCredit: GettyMartial is already on the lookout for a new club and Inter Milan are keen on the soon to be free agent.The Frenchman has been on the Italian giants’ radar for some time and there was talks about him moving to San Siro back in January.Rumours even suggested he could be used in a player plus cash swap deal as Man Utd had an interest in left-back Federico Dimarco.According Calciomercato, the potential signing of Martial is being discussed again by Inter chiefs.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, they are supposedly concerned over his poor form and injury record.Martial has played 19 times this season, scoring just twice in all competitions.Therefore, Inter view Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson as an alternative.The Icelandic striker has caught the eye in Serie A this term, finding the back of the net 12 times.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHowever, the 26-year-old is the more pricey option as it could take an offer worth £22million to force him out of Genoa.Gudmundsson has also been linked with West Ham and Tottenham.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowInter reportedly have no interest in signing both strikers, with a deal already agreed for Porto’s Mehdi Taremi. Should the club opt for Gudmundsson, Martial could reportedly find himself at Fenerbahce.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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      Forgotten ex-West Ham star, 30, set for stunning free transfer to former Champions League winners

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      FORMER West Ham winger Felipe Anderson is set to sign for Juventus, according to reports.The Brazilian forward, 30, is expected to bring his second stint with Lazio to an end in the summer when his contract expires.Felipe Anderson is out of contract with Lazio at the end of the seasonCredit: RexHe has nine goal contributions in Serie A so far this seasonHe has scored 56 goals and provided 63 assists in 318 games across his two spells with the Serie A side.And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano understands he is set to remain in Italy as Juventus are “one step away” from completing a deal.The two-time European champions are said to have sent a “formal proposal” to the winger, with a “verbal agreement at the final stages”.Romano also claims it is “set to be sealed soon”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnderson spent three years on West Ham’s books, the last of which was spent on loan at Porto.While in East London, he contributed 12 goals and 13 assists in 73 appearances. During this period he earned one of his two Brazil caps.He has not claimed any silverware since returning to Lazio, but they did finish second last season under Maurizio Sarri.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, ex-Chelsea boss Sarri quit last month with the club languishing in ninth place.Since then they have moved up to eighth but remain 12 points adrift of the Champions League places.Felipe Anderson greets his new Lazio team-mates after sealing transfer from West Ham And Anderson had already cast doubt on his future back in December when he hinted at a return to boyhood club Santos following their relegation from the Brazilian top tier.He said: “I haven’t decided [about my future]. We talked to find an agreement but we haven’t found it yet.”It’s an important moment for the club and my mind is only on the pitch. We’ll see what happens.”Like all the [Santos] fans I am devastated. We knew it was difficult and that we had to fight until the end. There’s a lot of sadness, but we need to stay united to recover as soon as possible.”It’s a team that has given me a lot. I would like to go back there one day to help Santos.” More

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      Mason Greenwood ‘leads European giants’ four-man transfer shortlist’ if Man Utd cash in on Getafe loanee in summer

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      MASON GREENWOOD is reportedly at the top of a four-man transfer shortlist at Serie A giants Juventus.The Manchester United striker is on loan at Getafe until the end of the season.Juventus have Mason Greenwood on the top of their transfer listCredit: GettyThe switch came after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault against the striker were dropped in February last year.The Red Devils are likely to sell the forward this summer and, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus hope to secure the 22-year-old for a discounted price as he has one year left on his contract at Old Trafford.Juventus are looking to reshuffle their attack and midfield over the summer and focus specifically on signing wingers.The club’s chiefs are preparing to build a team that could play with a 3-5-2 system or switch to 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThis means the Italian giants are likely to make some cuts to their squad this summer.England U20 star Samuel Iling Jr and Serbian international Filip Kostic are rumoured to be heading out the exit door.And in return, they hope to scout Greenwood alongside Edon Zhegrova, Felipe Anderson or Mattia Zaccagni.Kosovo international Zhegrova has racked up 11 goals and 9 assists with the Lille side from whom Juve has signed Timothy Weah and then Tiago Djalo in recent months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLazio star Zaccagni is yet to agree to extend his contract beyond 2025, while his teammate and ex-West Ham star Anderson is available on a free transfer as his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico runs out in June.Greenwood has impressed on loan at Getafe, making 28 appearances this term, scoring eight goals and creating five assists across all competitions.Man Utd and Liverpool’s Worst Ever Transfer XI worth £450m More

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      Man Utd ‘interested in Thiago Motta as manager to replace Erik ten Hag’ – whose philosophy is bizarre 2-7-2 formation

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in appointing Thiago Motta as Erik ten Hag’s replacement, according to reports.The Paris Saint-Germain legend has been defying expectations at Bologna this season, leading the Italian outfit in an unlikely top four charge.Thiago Motta has been linked with Man UtdCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag could be replaced by the Italian in the summerCredit: AlamyMotta’s football philosophy is underlined by a stunning ‘2-7-2’ formationCredit: RexAfter taking charge in September 2022, the 41-year-old led Bologna to ninth in his first season and now has them fourth with a five-point cushion ahead of the run in.Despite his remarkable achievements in northern Italy, founded by an unorthodox “2-7-2” formation, Motta’s contract expires in the summer. According to Gazzetta, Man Utd chiefs are among the biggest admirers of the former Barcelona and Inter Milan midfielder. Further reports have also seen Bologna ace Joshua Zirkzee, 22, linked to boost the firepower in the team’s ranks.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, the Red Devils will face competition from Juventus for his signature. Motta’s agent, Dario Canovi, recently declared he will coach in the Champions League one day.Therefore, Man Utd’s struggles in the Premier League – which has left them nine points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham who look set to claim the last Champions League spot – could be decisive.Regardless, Motta has not decided on his future at the Stadio Dall’Ara.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROld Trafford head coach Ten Hag remarkably received a boost to his prospects of keeping his job after reports emerged suggesting there were “a lack of viable interested alternatives”.Names touted for the Man Utd hotseat include the likes of former Chelsea coach Graham Potter and England boss Gareth Southgate.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Late collapses against Brentford and Chelsea this week have seen Man Utd’s hopes of earning a spot in the UCL next season all but mathematically end.They face Liverpool next in a rematch of their thrilling FA Cup quarter-final before the international break.What is Motta’s football philosophy?After hanging up his boots and stepping into coaching with PSG’s Under-18s in 2018, Motta shocked the world when he announced a brand new formation – the 2-7-2.The formation sounds extreme on paper, especially considering Motta treats his goalkeeper as a “midfielder”.But Motta reads his team from left to right rather than bottom up – so it is actually similar to a traditional 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.Speaking on his ideas in 2018, Motta said: “My idea it to play offensively. A short team that controls the game, high pressure and a lot of movement with and without the ball.Motta’s 2-7-2 reads from left to right with two left-sided players, seven midfielders including the goalkeeper and two right-sided players”I want the player that has the ball to always have three or four solutions and two team-mates close by to help.”The difficulty in football is, often to do things simply but to control the base, pass and get free.”I don’t like the numbers of the field because they trick you. You can be super offensive with a 5-3-2 and defensive in a 4-3-3.”Depending on the quality of the guys. I had a game a while ago where the two full-backs ended up playing as the 9 and 10.”But that doesn’t mean I don’t like people like Samuel and Chiellini, born defenders…”The goalkeeper counts as one of the midfield seven. For me, the attacker is the first defender and the goalkeeper is the first attacker.Motta’s managerial record
      Genoa (October 2019 – December 2019): Played 10, Wins 2, Draws 3, Losses 5
      Spezia (July 2021 – June 2022): Played 40, Wins 11, Draws 6, Losses 23
      Bologna (September 2022 – Present): Played 67, Wins 33, Draws 19, Losses 15.
      Overall win percentage: 40.91 per cent

      “The goalkeeper starts the play, with his feet and the attackers are the first to put pressure to recover the ball.”While opting for a more pragmatic approach at Spezia, Motta’s Bologna team have favoured a possession-dominant system this year.They are second in the division for most passes completed at an accuracy of 85.2 per cent. In build up they opt for a 1-3-2-5 formation but are proficient in rotating their options with 2-3-5 a common switch to help play through the lines. The 4-3-3-esque shape then sees the two No8s move wide to support the wingers and full-backs. But Bologna are far from direct and rank among the lowest in the division for crosses into the box, with Motta preferring his players to work the space and create from narrower positions where superior numbers can make their mark.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe formation is supplemented by players such as Zirkzee dropping into space to help progress the ball with Bologna’s box midfield.Defensively, Bologna press high but drop into a 4-1-4-1 mid-block.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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      ITVX announce major sporting broadcast change with top football league to be shown

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      SERIE A matches will be shown live on ITVX until the end of the season.The free-to-air broadcaster has confirmed that a deal has been struck to show one match from Italy’s top-flight each weekend until the end of the season.Fans will be able to watch top action from Serie A on free-to-air tellyCredit: GettyThe Saturday night match kicking off at 7:45pm UK time will now be made available on ITV’s streaming platform.Their offering will begin this weekend and eight matches will be shown in total.The first Serie A game to be shown on terrestrial TV this season will be Empoli’s clash with Torino.Further matches confirmed for the Saturday 7:45pm slot include Bologna vs Monza and Verona vs Udinese.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans will then hope to get a glimpse of the likes of AC Milan, Inter or Juventus as the season nears its conclusion.Serie A is the second major European league to be shown live on ITV this season, with LaLiga games also being broadcast.They have also shown live FA Cup games, EFL highlights and England Women’s games, while they will broadcast Euro 2024 alongside the BBC.Italian football gained a cult following in the UK when it was previously shown on terrestrial telly.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBetween 1992 and 2002, Serie A was shown on Channel 4 on their popular Football Italia programme.The rights subsequently moved to Eurosport in 2002, before heading to Setanta Sports and Bravo in 2004.Watch as Roy Keane left devastated in rare footage after Man Utd’s 1999 Champions League semi-final against JuventusIt returned to terrestrial TV with Channel 5 for the 2007-08 season before moving to ESPN.Serie A’s full rights are now owned by TNT Sports, who broadcast all matches outside of the 3pm blackout.Serie A matches on ITVXThree of ITV’s eight Serie A matches have already been confirmed
      Saturday 6 April19:45 Empoli vs Torino
      Saturday 13 April19:45 Bologna vs Monza
      Saturday 20 April19:45 Verona vs Udinese More