Serie A

FORMER Aston Villa star Nicolo Zaniolo has been accused of STRIKING two Roma youngsters after their match with Fiorentina.Zaniolo, who is on loan at Fiorentina from Galatasaray, is said to have visited Roma’s dressing room after the semi-final of the Primavera youth league title play-off, which La Viola won 2-1.Fiorentina ace Nicolo Zaniolo has been accused of striking two Roma youth players after a play-off matchCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKThe former Aston Villa loanee has denied the allegationCredit: PAAnd Roma claim their former midfielder struck two of their youth team players after he “‘engaged in provocative behaviour”.The Serie A big boys said in a statement: “AS Roma announces that, following today’s match, a regrettable incident occurred involving player Nicolo Zaniolo.”According to initial reconstructions, the player allegedly entered the Primavera team’s dressing room after the match and engaged in provocative behaviour towards some of the Giallorossi youth players.”During the confrontation, two players from the Primavera squad were reportedly physically struck.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”AS Roma cannot but firmly condemn any form of aggressive conduct or behaviour that does not align with the values of sport.”Italy international Zaniolo, who made 39 appearances for Aston Villa during a 2023/24 loan spell at Villa Park, has denied Roma’s accounts of the incident.The former Giallorossi star claims he was insulted after visiting his old dressing room and left after receiving a torrent of verbal abuse.He said: “At the end of the match, I went into the locker room to congratulate the Fiorentina lads, then passed through the Roma room to salute and compliment them on their season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNicolo Zaniolo spent the 2023/24 season on loan with Aston Villa and scored three goals in 39 appearances for the VillansCredit: GETTY”However, at a certain point, they started to insult me.”So at that stage, to avoid the situation degenerating, I preferred to simply leave.”Emi Martinez in tears as he waves goodbye to fans after Aston Villa’s final home gameZaniolo added another update today on Instagram, in which he apologised for his behaviour but denied being “physically aggressive”.In a statement he wrote: “I went there with the only intention of giving a positive message… Unfortunately, I was verbally provoked by a boy and, mistakenly, I lost my temper.”However, I would like to point out that the facts are far removed from what has been reconstructed and that on my part, apart from a verbal argument, there was no physically aggressive behaviour.”I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart for what happened yesterday. I know I reacted badly and I take responsibility for it.”Zaniolo joined Roma in the summer of 2018 from Inter Milan for a fee in the region of £4million.He’d spend four and a half seasons at the Stadio Olimpico – a stint which was blighted by injury – before a £13.5m move to Galatasaray in February 2023.Read More on The SunHe’d join Villa on loan six months later and would score three goals in his 39 appearances for the Brummie club.He started the 2024/25 season on loan at Atalanta but would end the campaign with Fiorentina, for whom he made 13 appearances in all competitions. More

THIS is the moment jubilant Napoli fans presented star midfielder Scott McTominay with a taste of home.Ecstatic supporters wildly celebrated and threw gifts up to acknowledge their heroes after they clinched the title following a 2-0 win over Cagliari on Friday night.Scott McTominay drinking whisky on open top bus parade in NaplesCredit: X @mctominay_HQScott McTominay and Billy Gilmour Napoli celebrate the victoryCredit: GettyScott McTominay’s stunning scissor kick against CagliariCredit: AFPAnd they had a touching moment for Scotland international Scott McTominay, when a video appeared to show him drinking from a bottle of whisky – apparently thrown up by one of the fans.McTominay is wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses and can be seen at the top of the bus with the rest of his team-mates. He delights punters below by raising the bottle and taking a swig before passing it back to fans, with the supporters chanting ‘Scott, Scott, Scott’. The 28-year-old has lit up Serie A, grabbing 12 goals including a stunning scissor kick against Cagliari on Friday.And after the sealing the title, McTominay capped off a remarkable a first season in Italy by being named the league’s Most Valuable Player.International team-mate Billy Gilmour also started in the title-winning victory on Friday and has played an important role in Napoli’s success.Meanwhile, former Rangers defender Lorenzo Amoruso has revealed what he believes has helped lead to McTominay flourishing at the Partenopei.Amoruso, who played more than 150 times for the Gers after signing from Fiorentina in a £4million deal in 1997, is now a football commentator in Italy.Most read in FootballHe was the skipper at Ibrox and won three league titles, three Scottish Cup and three Scottish League Cups during his six-year spell at Ibrox.The 53-year-old was full of praise for the former Manchester United midfielder, but believes the departure of one of Napoli’s top stars gave him the freedom to play.Georgian ace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia left Naples in January and joined Paris Saint-Germain after failing to agree a contract extension.Amoruso told Radio Goal on Kiss Kiss Napoli: “McTominay’s season rating cannot go below 8.’Only thing not erupting is Mount Vesuvius’ – Fans can’t believe how Napoli have been celebrating Serie A title”McTominay’s most important part came when Kvaratskhelia was sold. “I don’t know if that area of ​​the pitch would have been McTominay’s with the Georgian.”After Kvaratskhelia’s departure, the Scotsman found more space, the Georgian closed his runs. Every cloud has a silver lining.”Amoruso believes the development in McTominay is largely down to the influence of manager Antonio Conte who could leave the club according to reports in Italy. He added: “Those who don’t follow Napoli only see McTominay’s 12 goals, but the player must be evaluated in the possession phase, in the non-possession phase and in the defensive phase. “At the beginning, McTominay didn’t often score, but he was always there in the penalty area, he always arrived at the right time. “Let’s not forget that McTominay was criticised at Manchester United, it wasn’t easy for him to arrive in Italy and do so well. Read More on The Sun”Conte worked hard on him.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

ANTONIO CONTE is set to leave Napoli this summer despite guiding the club to the Serie A title this season, according to reports.Conte, 55, masterminded Napoli’s fourth ever Scudetto as they pipped Inter Milan to the title by a point on the final day of the season.Antonio Conte is set to leave Napoli despite leading the club to the Serie A titleCredit: GettyThe Italian tactician, who only joined the club last summer, is under contract with the Napoli until 2027.But it now seems like he is going to part ways with the champions two years prematurely.According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Conte is set for talks with the Napoli hierarchy but there is a feeling that the meeting will end in his departure.Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is thought to be keen on securing European success in the Champions League next season and Conte may not be the man to stick around and lead the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead, De Laurentiis has reportedly already lined up a preferred replacement for the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss.It’s claimed that the Napoli chief would like to bring in Massimiliano Allegri to take over should Conte leave.Reports have suggested that Conte and De Laurentiis have had a fractured relationship in recent months after disagreements over player recruitment plans and training facilities.It was one of Conte’s summer signings that made the difference as Napoli won the title in dramatic fashion on Friday.Most read in FootballScott McTominay scored a super scissor kick as Napoli won Serie ACredit: Shutterstock EditorialMcTominay was named Serie A Player of the Season for his contributions over the campaignCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSScott McTominay, who arrived in a £25m deal from Man Utd in the summer, scored a breathtaking scissor kick to put Napoli a goal ahead against Cagliari.While Romelu Lukaku bagged a second to put Napoli out of sight and finish off the 2-0 victory.Wild scenes in Naples as fans celebrate after Scott McTominay wins Serie A for NapoliAnd midfielder McTominay has been named Serie A Player of the Year thanks to his mammoth contribution across the title-winning campaign.He scored 12 goals and has been ever-present this year with 34 league appearances.Despite reports of not seeing eye-to-eye and claims that Conte will be leaving, De Laurentiis left the door open for the the manager to stay put next term.Asked by DAZN about Conte’s future after the title success, the 75-year-old said: “Never say never.”Coaches have their own character that must be respected and in my view you should never oblige them under iron-clad contracts. Napoli is Napoli, it deserves respect. “If he wants to put himself at the disposal of the club the way he has done this season, then we say welcome, we are ready to follow him like a great leader.”Next year, I would be very pleased if he made his mark in the Champions League, which since they modified the format has become even more important.”Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has left the door open for Conte to stayCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

THOUSANDS partied in the streets and fireworks were let off across the city as Napoli clinched Serie A glory.Antonio Conte’s side beat Cagliari 2-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last night to pip Inter Milan to the title.Naples erupted as the club won their fourth ScudettoCredit: SplashThousands lined the streets as the city partied all nightCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFans watched on big screens and celebrated in Piazza del PlebiscitoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFireworks and flares lit up the skyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAntonio Conte was thrown into the air by his playersCredit: GettyScott McTominay is a fans’ favouriteCredit: GettyNapoli celebrated the club’s fourth Scudetto in style as wild festivities carried on until the following morning.The stunning atmosphere began hours before kick-off as supporters without a match ticket rushed to the city’s main square Piazza del Plebiscito to watch the game on big screens.Incredible videos showed thousands filling the huge square within minutes of it opening as others gathered outside the stadium.Fireworks were lit across Naples when Scott McTominay scored an outrageous bicycle kick to put them 1-0 up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSmoke from flares engulfed the Maradona Stadium and the pitch could barely be seen on TV.Romelu Lukaku then sealed the title with a wonderful solo goal as the party truly started.Even more fireworks and flares were let off, as amazing footage taken from the mountains overlooking Naples showed the place erupting.As far as the eye could see there were lights vibrantly flashing as the football-obsessed city rejoiced. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFireworks were set off for Napoli in MilanCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHundreds partied in other cities across ItalyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFans were left stunned by the footage, with one saying: “Only thing not erupting is Mount Vesuvius.”Another added: “Best fans in Italy and home of the most iconic football player in history. Diego would be proud.”Wild scenes in Naples as fans celebrate after Scott McTominay wins Serie A for NapoliA third marvelled: “Scenes. They know how to celebrate.”The joy stretched as far as Milan as hundreds of Neapolitans emerged in front of the Duomo Cathedral late last night.At the final whistle, Napoli players threw Conte into the air as he and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis then shared an emotional hug and were close to tears.Fans were left in anticipation though as the manager was forced to do his post-match press conference before the trophy lift.But the Napoli squad gatecrashed the interview and soaked him in champagne.Every member of the team then dyed their hair blue and a guard of honour from the tunnel to the podium was formed by members of the backroom staff.Players re-appeared from the dressing room one-by-one when their name was called and all were serenaded by the crowd.Serie A player of the season McTominay got one of the biggest receptions, completing a remarkable turnaround since leaving Manchester United last summer.The Neapolitan party carried on long into the night as hundreds of banners with the number four were hung above the iconic narrow streets in the Quartieri Spagnoli neighbourhood. Read More on The SunMcTominay has been called the “darling of Napoli” after being one of the team’s main men en route to Serie A glory.There are Maradona-style shrines, flags and kits everywhere you look in the city based around the Scottish midfielder signed for just £25million a year ago.Conte’s press conference was ambushed by the jubilant playersIncredible footage showed the whole of the city letting off fireworksCredit: X formerly Twitter / @AzatAzadi3444Everything but Mount Vesuvius was lit upCredit: X formerly Twitter / @AzatAzadi3444Napoli won it with a last day victory over CagliariCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThousands rejoiced across NaplesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

SCOTT MCTOMINAY’s outrageous bicycle kick started a wild title party in Naples.The Scot’s first-half acrobatics raised the roof at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona as the hosts saw off Cagliari 2-0 to clinch the Serie A crown in a final day shootout with Inter.Scott McTominay opened the scoring as Napoli sealed the Serie A titleCredit: GettyThe Man Utd reject netted with a brilliant scissor kickCredit: ReutersThe flares were out in Naples as Romelu Lukaku doubled the hosts’ leadCredit: ReutersThe 2-0 win secured Napoli’s second title in three yearsCredit: ReutersMcTominay was spotted in tears at the final whistle after being mobbed by teammatesCredit: TNT SportMcTominay and Co knew three points would secure just a second title since 1990. After back-to-back draws, there were nerves in Naples ahead of kick-off against mid-table Cagliari.Inter Milan faced off with Como and were the only team that could catch Napoli, should they drop points. Napoli dominated the first half, coming close through Leonardo Spinazzola and Billy Gilmour. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd it was Manchester United outcast McTominay who would break the deadlock – in stunning fashion.Ghosting into the box, the Scot checked his run on the penalty spot to connect first time with Matteo Politano’s cross.McTominay rifled in a brilliant scissor-kick past Cagliari keeper Alen Sherri.The 28-year-old’s goal sparked wild celebrations in the terraces and across the south Italian city.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnother former Red Devil Romelu Lukaku doubled the lead just after the break to get the party truly started. McTominay was spotted in tears at the final whistle after being mobbed by team-mates. Incredible moment Scott McTominay’s car is mobbed by Napoli fans as punters rush to get glimpse of their heroNapoli lifted a second Serie A crown in three years after a dramatic final dayCredit: APTheir win sparked a massive title party across the cityCredit: ReutersSpeaking after the game McTominay said: “I’m lost for words.”It’s incredible you know, the sacrifice that every single player in the group has put forward to the cause.”And the people deserve it because they’ve been behind us from day one, and for me to come and experience this is a dream.”It has been a stunning turnaround for the Scot, who was deemed surplus to requirements by United chiefs just 12 months ago.McTominay joined Napoli for £25million last summer – a deal which now looks like a bargain. And boss Antonio Conte has employed him in a more attacking role, flourishing in the final third.The United outcast has bagged 12 goals in 34 Serie A matches, chipping in with 4 assists.Following Friday’s game, he was named Serie A’s Player of the Season.It marks the end of a dream season for McTominay who has cemented himself a fan favourite in Naples.He became the side’s main man and passionate supporters quickly found a variety of ways to honour their Scottish import – from Maradona-style shrines to tattoos, flags and even kilts.AC Milan legend Joe Jordan recently told SunSport that McTominay could ultimately prove to be Serie A’s greatest EVER Brit. Antonio Conte has now won five Serie A titles as a managerCredit: EPAJordan 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.“He has done exceptionally well, in a team that is consistently winning.Read More on The SunThey 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.” More