Serie A

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ‘agree transfer with Napoli to sign Kalidou Koulibaly’ as Italians look set to miss out on replacement Gabriel

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have agreed a deal with Napoli for defender Kalidou Koulibaly, according to reports.
      The Napoli defender, 29, is wanted by a number of clubs this summer as they look to bolster their back lines.

      1

      Manchester City have reportedly tied up a deal to sign Kalidou Koulibaly from NapoliCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, it is City who will sign the Senegal international.
      Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has been in constant contact with his agent over a possible switch.
      But it looks as though Koulibaly will instead choose Pep Guardiola at City.
      Reports earlier this week suggested the Etihad side were ready to splash out £63million for Koulibaly.

      The Premier League runners-up signed Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for £41m earlier in August as they look to resolve their defensive woes and mount another title charge in the new season.
      Napoli had hoped to bring in Gabriel Magalhaes as Koulibaly’s replacement.
      They even had a £22m bid accepted by the Serie A club.

      However, they may have to turn their attention to other targets.

      The Gunners’ Shkodran Mustafi and Shakhtar Donetsk man Mykola Matviyenko are both in contention, with negotiations underway with the latter who is also targeted by Leeds.
      Arsenal remain favourites to land the Gabriel from Lille – but Manchester United made a last-ditch swoop to snatch him.

      Kalidou Koulibaly scores brace for Napoli vs Chievo in Serie A More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Romelu Lukaku refuses to collect runners-up medal as cruel own goal costs Inter in Europa League final vs Sevilla

      by

      ROMELU LUKAKU refused to collect his runners-up medal as his stunning debut season for Inter ended in late heartbreak in the Europa League final.
      The striker scored the unluckiest of own goals as Sevilla ran out 3-2 winners in a thrilling game.

      6

      Romelu Lukaku refused to collect his runners-up medal after a heartbreaking late own goal handed Sevilla the Europa LeagueCredit: Friedemann Vogel

      The former Manchester United man – who gave Inter the lead with a penalty after just five minutes – accidentally diverted into his own net after an audacious bicycle kick by Diego Carlos to hand the La Liga side their winner.
      Nothing can be taken away from Carlos’ miraculous acrobatics but his eye-catching effort was going wide.
      Lukaku instinctively stuck a foot out to block it, only to guide the ball into the net, giving Sevilla the lead with just 15 minutes to play.
      The final in Cologne could not have started better for the Belgian, who continued his red hot form early on.

      Romelu Lukaku equals Ronaldo’s Inter record 🙌2️⃣2️⃣ years apart, the pair both struck 34 times in their debut season at the club! 🔵⚫️#Club2020 pic.twitter.com/anjA1yvU5d
      — Football on BT Sport #Club2020 (@btsportfootball) August 21, 2020

      Romelu Lukaku was not at the post-match medal and trophy presentation with his Inter Milan teammates.@Carra23 and his national team coach, Roberto Martinez share their perspective. pic.twitter.com/Zes6wrq0e4
      — Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) August 21, 2020

      6

      A disappointed Antonio Conte collects his runners-up medal Credit: Reuters
      The striker made no mistake to coolly tuck away from 12 yards and get Antonio Conte’s men rolling – reaching some personal milestones in the process.
      That was Lukaku’s 34th goal of his first season with Inter, a feat only matched by Brazilian maestro Ronaldo in 1998.
      It meant the Belgian had scored in a record ELEVEN successive Europa League games.
      While he also became the first player to score in six consecutive knockout stage matches in major European competition since Cristiano Ronaldo between 2012 and 2013.

      Lukaku’s joy was short-lived, as Sevilla hit back seven minutes later after former Newcastle flop Luuk de Jong brilliant nodded home from inside the box.
      And the Premier League flop was again on the scoreboard following another brilliant header to give Sevilla the lead.

      6

      Belgian striker Lukaku diverted into his own net after an audacious bicycle kick by Diego CarlosCredit: Reuters

      6

      It had started so well for Lukaku, who scored his 34th goal of the season after just five minutesCredit: EPA
      The Dutchman expertly looped the ball over Samir Handanovic after a deep cross from a free-kick.
      But the first-half drama did not stop there, as yet another headed goal brought the teams level once more.
      Diego Godin’s effort from a set-piece 10 minutes from half-time levelled up the match.
      With it all to play for both teams pushed for a winner – but a moment of misfortune saw Lukaku deflect Carlos’ spectacular effort beyond a helpless Handanovic.

      Romelu Lukaku has scored in 11 consecutive Europa League matches. ELEVEN!🆚 Sevilla: ⚽️🆚 Shakhtar: ⚽️⚽️🆚 Leverkusen: ⚽️🆚 Getafe: ⚽️🆚 Ludogorets: ⚽️🆚 Ludogorets: ⚽️🆚 D. Kyiv: ⚽️🆚 D. Kyiv: ⚽️🆚 Young Boys: ⚽️⚽️🆚 Young Boys: ⚽️⚽️⚽️🆚 Wolfsburg: ⚽️#Club2020 pic.twitter.com/ijOETybmMu
      — Football on BT Sport #Club2020 (@btsportfootball) August 21, 2020

      Sevilla secured their SIXTH Europa League while it was heartbreak for Antonio Conte’s Inter again.
      The Italian’s finished just a point behind Juventus in Serie A and again came runners up in Germany.
      And it was all too much for Lukaku, who was not present as Inter collected their silver medals.

      6

      Lukaku opened the lead but his own goal won it for Sevilla Credit: Getty Images

      6

      It was heartbreak for Antonio Conte’s Inter in Cologne Credit: Getty Images

      Watch furious Antonio Conte scream ‘see me after the game’ after Sevilla’s Ever Banega takes mickey out of his hair More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal eye shock swap transfer with Juventus involving Alexandre Lacazette and Man Utd target Federico Bernardeschi

      by

      ARSENAL could eye a transfer swap with Juventus involving Alexandre Lacazette and Federico Bernardeschi.
      The Italian champions are searching for a forward under new manager Andrea Pirlo, who released veteran striker Gonzalo Higuain.

      2

      Arsenal are willing to offer Alexandre Lacazette to Juventus in exchange for Federico Bernardeschi

      2

      Bernardeschi has been linked with Manchester United
      Wolves’ Raul Jimenez – who hit 27 goals last season – remain Juve’s No1 target.
      But according to Nicolò Schira, Arsenal striker Lacazaette has emerged as an alternative.
      And with the Serie A kings looking to reduce their wage bill, they may try to include attacker Bernardeschi in any deal with the Gunners.
      Bernardeschi has been linked with Manchester United and despite playing 38 times last term the Italian’s career in Turin remains uncertain.

      Reports in Italy say Pirlo has a seven-man shortlist as he targets a new centre-forward.
      Alvaro Morata, Karim Benzema, Edin Dzeko, Arkadiusz Milk and Duvan Zapata also feature.
      Pirlo has already stamped his mark with Juve having terminated the contracts of three players.

      Blaise Matuidi was the first to go, joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami in MLS.

      Now Higuain and Sami Khedira have followed, with talks between the club and the unwanted pair are ongoing as they seek a payout.
      Old Lady bosses have been under pressure to cut wages, leading to several stars facing an uncertain future. 

      Juventus stars Aaron Ramsey, Douglas Costa and Alex Sandro linked with shock Wolves transfer in swap for Raul Jimenez More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruthless Andrea Pirlo terminates contracts of Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira a year early in Juventus revolution

      by

      ANDREA PIRLO has ruthlessly terminated Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira’s contracts a year early, reports say.
      The club legend this month took over from Maurizio Sarri, who was axed after Juve’s Champions League exit despite a title win.

      2

      Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira’s contracts have been terminated early Credit: Getty Images

      Pirlo, who is yet to manage a game since embarking on a coaching career, has put down a marker after getting rid of three players already.
      Blaise Matuidi was released to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami in MLS and now Higuain and Khedira have followed.
      According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between the club and the unwanted pair are ongoing as they seek a payout.
      Sacked Sarri led the Italian kings to their ninth consecutive Serie A title, but the club have been deeply financially impacted following the coronavirus pandemic.

      Old Lady bosses have been under pressure to cut their wage bill, leading to ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey facing an uncertain future.
      It is understood the Welshman pockets £400,000-a-week after joining on a free transfer last summer.
      Veteran striker Higuain is the club’s third highest earner with an annual salary of £6.7m.

      The Argentine – who flopped in a loan spell at Chelsea last season – could join Matuidi in the States after discussing a move to MLS.

      Pirlo, 41, has already put in place his plans for a new project in Turin, but will be dealt limited funds.
      As a result, the manager will take home just £1.6million-per-year.

      2

      Pirlo took over from Maurizio Sarri Credit: Getty Images

      Cristiano Ronaldo no longer ‘untouchable’ at Juventus and could be sold for £54m with Paris Saint-Germain considering shock transfer More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Juventus 2020-21 third kit leaked online as Cristiano Ronaldo shows off horrific ‘tiger print’ design compared to Hull

      by

      JUVENTUS’ third kit for the new season has been leaked and slated online – with some blasting the Italian giants for copying Hull City.
      Photos emerged online of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala, Matthijs de Ligt and Juan Cuadrado modelling the ‘tiger print’ number.

      3

      Juventus’ new third kit has reportedly been leaked and features a ‘tiger print’ effect

      3

      Fans were not overly pleased with the orange and black design for the Old Lady
      The shirt, leaked by Footy Headlines, is orange with black trim and splattered with various black and orange splodges across the front and shoulders.
      It is certainly a bold choice of design and contrasts to the sleek, stylish home and away jerseys for the 2020/21 campaign – the classic black-and-white stripes with gold trim and navy with white trim respectively.
      But judging by the majority of fans’ reactions on Twitter, they will be hoping the alleged third ket does not get too many run outs.
      It was labelled as “embarrassing”, “atrocious” and “a disgrace” by some.

      One user compared the shirt to the East Yorkshire club: “@HullCity called. They want their kit back.”
      A Tigers fan joked: “Closest we’ll ever get to Ronaldo in a Hull shirt.”
      Another wrote: “It’s one of the ugliest shirts Juve ever had. Maybe the ugliest. At least the other two look not bad. I hope we won’t use the third one more than once or twice.”
      A fourth added: “Looks like used toilet paper was thrown into a tie dye barrel.”

      One simply said: “Terrible, utter garbage.”
      And a final user commented: “This is worse than our season.”
      Juventus may have won a ninth Serie A crown in a row but the 2019/20 campaign ultimately ended in disappointment.
      Defeat in the Coppa Italia final was compounded by a shock Champions League last-16 exit to Lyon – enough to see Maurizio Sarri sacked.
      Andrea Pirlo replaced him and has plenty of work to do before the season starts.
      Most importantly, Ronaldo’s future needs securing following reports of the Portuguese hero’s unrest and links with a stunning transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

      Elsewhere, Dybala is another name being tipped for a departure from the Allianz Stadium – with Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Manchester United all reportedly interested.
      Douglas Costa, Aaron Ramsey, Federico Bernardeschi, Alex Sandro and Gonzalo Higuain are all at risk of being let go by the new boss.
      The Old Lady have been tipped to make moves for a new No9 with Alexandre Lacazette and Raul Jimenez among the contenders – and now Luis Suarez, too.

      3

      Fans on Twitter compared the leaked kit to that of League One side Hull CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That kit is a disgrace.
      — Rafael Aparicio (@rafaapariciogt) August 20, 2020

      Aaron Ramsey scores for Juventus in football training ground match More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Inter Milan plot Lionel Messi transfer after Europa League final following Barcelona legend’s crisis talks with Koeman

      by

      INTER MILAN are plotting to launch a sensational Lionel Messi transfer after the Europa League final, according to reports.
      The Serie A giants take on Sevilla in the Europa showpiece in Cologne tonight.

      2

      Lionel Messi is being lined up by Inter Milan for what would be an incredible transfer this summerCredit: AP:Associated Press
      But after the match is done, La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon their attention will turn to their transfer window and landing Messi.
      The Barcelona great, 33, could be on course to leave his boyhood club after a series of disagreements and fallouts with the board.
      He held crisis talks with new manager Ronald Koeman on Thursday, cutting his holiday short for the personal chat.
      And according to RAC1 he dropped the bombshell that he sees his future away from Barcelona, the club he joined aged 13 and for whom he has scored 634 goals.

      Even though Barca president Josep Bartomeu said on Tuesday that he will be staying put, Messi is thought to be giving serious consideration to leaving.
      He has one year left on his current contract and reportedly added that he sees himself more “out of the club than in it”.
      And despite links surrounding a reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Inter are the favourites should Messi leave.

      The Argentine icon’s dad, Jorge, has even splashed out on a luxury pad in an exclusive region in Milan, further suggesting a move for his son could be imminent.
      And their former president Massimo Moratti reckons Suning Holdings, Inter’s current owners, have “everything it takes” in their power to prise Messi away from the Nou Camp. 
      Barcelona are very interested in signing Lautaro Martinez so there is the outside possibility of a swap deal of some kind being agreed, although a clause in his Nou Camp contract could see him quit for free.

      2

      La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon Inter’s attention will turn from the Europa League final straight to signing Lionel Messi

      A look at the career of Lionel Messi as rumours circulate the Barcelona captain is looking to leave Camp Nou More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Mauricio Pochettino is becoming football’s forgotten man after Barcelona and Juventus rejection

      by

      WHEN Juventus fired Maurizio Sarri last week, they were widely reported to want Mauricio Pochettino as their next head coach.
      But those ‘expert’ predictions had barely made it online before the Italian Champions appointed club legend Andrea Pirlo.

      3

      Mauricio Pochettino was overlooked by both Barcelona and Juventus
      The same thing happened the other day, when Barcelona reacted to their Champions League humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich by sacking coach Quique Setien.
      Once again we were reliably informed that Pochettino was top of their wanted list — until it was announced that Ronald Koeman would be taking over at the Nou Camp.
      Poch, it seems, had barely registered in the thoughts of two of football’s biggest clubs before being passed over.
      And now the out-of-work Argentine must be wondering exactly when his big chance is going to come.

      It is more than nine months since he left Tottenham with a £12million pay-off.
      So at least he’s not short of a few bob as he awaits his next opportunity.
      But all those elite manager’s jobs which were supposed to be awaiting him have yet to materialise.
      And we’re rapidly approaching the point where Poch is in danger of becoming the forgotten man of football.

      3

      Juventus appointed club legend Andrea Pirlo as their new manager
      The Argentine Alan Curbishley, if you like.
      Pochettino could never have envisaged such a situation when he was dismissed by Spurs last November.
      After all, hadn’t he worked a minor miracle during his five years in North London?
      Surely he was destined for the very top after leading Tottenham to second place in the 2016-17 campaign — their highest Premier League finish — and to last season’s Champions League final while working to a limited budget.
      The general consensus at the time was that he was all set to replace struggling Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.
      Yet just when it seemed the writing was on the Old Trafford walls for Ole, he seized the wheel to turn the United ship around, aided by the signing of £55million man Bruno Fernandes and a s***-load of penalties.
      Now we’re being told it’s actually Manchester City who are lining up Pochettino, if Pep Guardiola decides he wants a new challenge.

      3

      Ronald Koeman replaced Quique Setien at Barcelona
      But that’s a big ‘if’, because Guardiola still has a year of his Etihad contract to run and Sheikh Mansour is doing everything in his considerable power to secure a new deal.
      And even if Guardiola does leave City next summer, can Pochettino really afford to wait that long?
      Football club owners, like goldfish, tend to have very short memories and Poch’s previous achievements are rapidly fading into the mists of time.
      He needs to make his managerial return sooner rather than later but if you look across Europe’s elite teams, it’s the same tale of blocked roads.
      Former club Paris Saint-Germain aren’t going to be sacking Thomas Tuchel after getting to Sunday’s Champions League final.And Zinedine Zidane looks equally secure at Real Madrid.
      Bayern Munich are in love with new boss Hansi Flick and none of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ will be in the market for a new boss any time soon.
      Even Newcastle have had to curb their fanciful big-time ambitions after the collapse of their proposed Saudi-backed takeover.

      So that leaves maybe one of the lesser French, German or Italian teams — but none who would be regarded as a step up from Spurs, nor able to pay him the £170,000 a week he was getting in his previous job.
      At 48, Pochettino is far from finished and surely it’s only a matter of time before his star is back in the ascendancy.
      But the anticipated stampede of clubs beating a path to his door has not transpired and that must be a painful blow to his self-esteem.

      Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman says he doesn’t know if he has to convince Messi to stay More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea blow as PSG icon Thiago Silva, 35, ‘agrees £70k-a-week Fiorentina transfer and begins house hunting in Florence’

      by

      CHELSEA have been dealt a transfer blow with Thiago Silva agreeing a £70,000-a-week deal at Fiorentina, according to reports.
      The Blues were linked with a move for the veteran Brazilian defender.

      1

      Thiago Silva has been linked with a move to Fiorentina with his PSG contract expiring after the Champions League finalCredit: AFP or licensors
      With his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expiring after the Champions League final, he could have provided some much-needed experience to Frank Lampard’s defence.
      Chelsea were reportedly offered Silva and were planning to open talks over a two-year deal.
      Arsenal, who are set to sign Gabriel Magalhaes, and Everton, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, were also linked.
      But according to Corriere dello Sport, Silva, 35, is on his way to Fiorentina.

      He is on course to take a major pay cut, too.
      The PSG legend, who has broken records galore during his eight years at the Ligue 1 giants, is set to slash his weekly cheque from £325,000 to £70,000.
      On top of that, the reports suggest he has even started house hunting in Florence to help smooth the transition if he does complete the switch.
      Silva lived in Italy during his time with AC Milan between 2009 and 2012.

      It is thought Franck Ribery has been key in trying to lure Silva to Fiorentina, who have one of the youngest squads in Europe’s top-five leagues.
      So the Brazilian would again add plenty of trophy-winning quality and know-how as he looks to end his career where he has enjoyed so much success.

      Speaking earlier this week, the Brazilian said: “I have already said a lot of times before I wanted to, that I want to finish here in Europe.
      “A decision was taken, now things are calm in my head.
      “It will be in another club, but my heart will stay here.”

      Thiago Silva trains hard with fellow players at PSG workout More