Serie A

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Paul Pogba ‘to agree contract termination with Juventus’ after drug ban reduction as former Man Utd star eyes new club

      by

      PAUL POGBA will reportedly agree to terminate his Juventus contract after his drug ban was reduced from four years to 18 months.Pogba, 31, tested positive for banned substance DHEA — which naturally boosts testosterone production — in August 2023.Paul Pogba is set to terminate his Juventus contract after having his drug ban reducedCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United star claimed he took it by accident.But the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office dismissed Pogba’s pleas and handed him a four-year ban in February — effectively ending the French World Cup winner’s playing career.However, Pogba was handed a major lifeline this month after taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.They reduced his ban from four years to 18 months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it means Pogba will be available to play again from March 2025, while he can train with his club from January.But it appears that will not be at Juventus, with Fabrizio Romano claiming all parties are now close to agreeing a deal that will see Pogba terminate his Turin contract.The midfielder played just twice at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, after rejoining from United.And new Juve boss Thiago Motta has since taken his squad in a fresh direction.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPogba himself is said to agree that a new start is the best course of action.And he will start looking for a club once he becomes a free agent.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice EvraJuventus chiefs certainly had a cool reaction to the news of Pogba’s imminent availability.Speaking before the 1-1 draw with Cagliari, boss Motta said: “The club will decide what to do with Pogba.“For me, he was a great player, he hasn’t played for a long time.”Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli added: “He was a great player but he’s been out of action for a long time.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag behind Man Utd’s worst two starts in Premier League history as job hangs by a thread

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG has now masterminded Manchester United’s TWO worst starts in Premier League history.The Dutchman’s job hangs by a thread after winning just two of his seven league games this season.Erik ten Hag has now overseen Man Utd’s two worst starts in Premier League historyCredit: ReutersUnited big wigs including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Dan Ashworth and Sir Alex Ferguson watched on as the team stumbled their way to a 0-0 bore draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.And the result saw Ten Hag pick up only his eighth point of the campaign.It means the Dutchman has recorded United’s WORST-EVER start to a season.But incredibly, Ten Hag has was beating his own record.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnly last season, he made history by taking just nine points in the first seven games.That had only been done once before, by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 2019/20 season.And after matching the Norwegian last term, Ten Hag has managed to go one better and secure one less point.Fans reacted in disbelief to the news, having also seen their boss bring in more big-money signings this summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne said: “This guy is breaking his own records.”Another declared: “He keeps on challenging himself.”How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?One noted: “If this man survives this week, then we are done.”Another added: “Trust the process.”Speaking after United’s draw with Villa today, Ten Hag himself said: “We (the management) always speak, every week we speak. “We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through it’s a long-term process.”We have come through two very tough away games. This is a team, we showed the belief and faith we have.”I think it’s the fourth clean sheet this season. You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness. There was good character and good spirit as a team. Determined, resilient.”We almost didn’t concede a chance, when you defend like this and get some luck, in the end they had a big chance but it was almost the only chance I think.”We created some chances, also not so many chances. We hit the crossbar and also Rashford had chances. But the two teams were really balanced.”In Porto our build-up was brilliant, so good in the first 25 minutes, we out-played Porto. “Also Palace, in possession we were so good, we have had games this season where we are good. But today we didn’t create too many chances, but also we played a great team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We create loads of chances in our seven games but we have to step up. We have to take into consideration Hojlund is returning, he’s still coming up to full fitness. “But others are stepping up. I was impressed from Rashford, also Garnacho is so good, and Antony at the end.”Man Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let downMANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.JONNY EVANS – 9Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.DIOGO DALOT – 7Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here! Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.SUBSMATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans prepare for ‘unholy conversations’ as Scott McTominay takes just 25 seconds to score for Napoli again

      by

      SCOTT MCTOMINAY continued his brilliant start to life in Italy by bagging his first Serie A goal last night.The former Manchester United midfielder has had Italian fans purring since completing his £25million Napoli switch.Scott McTominay fired Napoli into an early leadCredit: RexThe Scotland international is loving life in ItalyCredit: RexHis performance in Napoli’s 0-0 draw with Juventus last month earned rave reviews.He then opened his account in the Coppa Italia by scoring in his side’s 5-0 win over Palermo.Last night, McTominay took just 25 seconds to give Napoli the lead against Como.The 6ft 4in powerhouse brilliantly controlled Romelu Lukaku’s pass before rifling the ball into the bottom corner.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAntonio Conte’s side went on to win 3-1 courtesy of further goals by Lukaku and David Neres, with Gabriel Strefezza netting for the visitors.The win saw Napoli extend their lead at the top of Serie A to four points, although Juventus do possess a game in hand.In recent weeks, Conte has ditched his famous 3-5-2 system to implement a 4-2-3-1.Rather than fielding McTominay as a deep-lying midfielder, the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss has deployed him as a No10, encouraging him to get into the box whenever possible.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Scotland international is in magnificent form, having also scored for his country in matches against Poland and Portugal last month.Seeing McTominay’s performances, several Man Utd fans had their say on social media.Man Utd ‘only do stupid things & kill stars, someone should be arrested’, rants journalist amid McTominay’s red-hot formOne wrote: “McTominay being a key player to his first league title in his debut season after leaving United is going to cause unholy conversations.”To which a second replied: “I’m here for it as much as it hurts my soul.”A third joked: “Giving Scott McTominay to Antonio Conte is the equivalent to giving Oppenheimer a science book. It could be the end of the world as we know it.”Another added: “Every player starts balling the moment they leave Man U.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Simone Inzaghi ‘REJECTS’ Man Utd offer after Sir Jim Ratcliffe lined up Inter boss to replace Erik ten Hag immediately

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED were turned down by Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi after lining him up as under-fire boss Erik ten Hag’s replacement, reports claim.Ten Hag, 54, has been enduring another turbulent campaign in charge of United, who are winless in their last four matches across all competitions.Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi turned down the Manchester United top jobCredit: EPAMan Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe offered the manager’s position to Inzaghi with immediate effectCredit: PAMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag’s position has become increasingly untenableCredit: GettyThe Dutchman suffered a miserable 3-0 loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford, right after a shocking 1-1 home draw with minnows Twente in the Europa League and a goalless tie at Crystal Palace.And things got even worse on Thursday at Porto where the Red Devils surrendered a 2-0 lead and drew 3-3 thanks to a last-gasp equaliser by Harry Maguire, while Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second time in just four days.Ten Hag’s position is becoming increasingly untenable and transfer insider Tancredi Palmeri revealed the Manchester giants’ chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is holding “frantic talks” regarding the managerial position.Palmeri claims United could move for a new head coach during the upcoming international break, which starts on Monday.Read More on Man UtdAnd the Premier League giants reportedly offered the top job to Inzaghi, who won the Serie A last season and led Inter to the Champions League final the previous term.The Italian tactician was asked to take over with immediate effect but he declined.Palmeri tweeted: “Frantic talks underway at Manchester United to decide whether to proceed with a manager change during the break.”Manchester United in recent days offered the bench to Simone Inzaghi to take over immediately during the break but Inzaghi declined”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInzaghi’s Inter are currently fourth in the Serie A table with only two points separating them from leaders Napoli.The Nerazzurri won three and only lost one of their first six league matches.Erik ten Hag bemoans defensive lapses as Man Utd waste flying start in Porto The Italian champions are also impressing in the Champions League as they drew 0-0 at Manchester City – in an unofficial rematch after losing the 2023 final – and destroyed Red Star Belgrade 4-0.Simone Inzaghi’s managerial careerHere’s Simone Inzaghi’s full managerial career by the numbers:2016-21 LAZIOGames: 244Wins: 131Draws: 43Losses: 70Titles: Coppa Italia (2018-19), Italian Super Cup (2017, 2019)2021- INTER MILANGames: 166Wins: 108Draws: 31Losses: 27Titles: Serie A (2023-24), Coppa Italia (2021-22, 2022-23), Italian Super Cup (2021, 2022, 2023), Champions League final (2022-23)Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League referee suspended after sickening ‘threat’ to KILL player during game

      by

      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE referee has been suspended from officiating after allegedly threatening to kill a player during a game.Italian referee Fabio Maresca has been removed from refereeing duties in Serie A for a month and was also taken off of Tuesday’s Champions League clash between PSV and Sporting CP.Referee Fabio Maresca has been suspended from officiating in Italy for one month and taken off of Champions League dutiesCredit: GettyAccording to Corriere della Sera, an incident occurred during a brief conversation in English between Maresca and Al-Arabi star Khald Al Mershed on Friday.Maresca had taken charge of the Kuwait Premier League fixture between Kuwait SC and Al-Arabi, which ended in a 2-0 win for the home side.Conflicting accounts of the conversation have arisen in the report, with the player lodging a serious complaint against him.It has been claimed Maresca said something along the lines of “see you next time”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Al-Mershed accused the ref of saying: “See you next time, I’ll kill you.”Maresca is reportedly unlikely to face further punishment in Kuwait following the incident because it was resolved with “on-field diplomacy”.The 43-year-old started off officiating in Italy’s professional league in 2011 and has been involved in European competition since 2018.In May he sent off then-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri in the Coppa Italia final after he furiously confronted the fourth official.Most read in FootballMaresca has taken charge of one Serie A match this season.This was the 2-2 draw between AC Milan and Torino on the opening weekend. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Alex Ferguson ‘recommends six-time league-winning manager’ to succeed under-fire Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has recommended a six-time title-winning manager to be Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United replacement, according to reports.Ten Hag, 54, has faced increased scrutiny following the Red Devils’ 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last Sunday.Erik ten Hag has come under increasing pressureCredit: PAReports in Italy claim that Sir Alex Ferguson has recommended a new bossCredit: AlamyMan Utd’s Ineos chiefs have so far opted to stick with the Dutchman.But bad results in upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa could seal Ten Hag’s fate.With pressure growing on their manager, United chiefs may already be looking elsewhere at potential replacements.And reports in Italy claim that they have identified a former Juventus manager.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAccording to Gazzetta dello Sport, Massimiliano Allegri has emerged as a key contender to land the role, should Ten Hag be axed.They claim that the Italian, 57, has even been recommended by Ferguson – ahead of another contender like Thomas Tuchel.Allegri has been out of work since being sacked just two days after winning the Coppa Italia with Juve back in May.It’s claimed that he was involved in angry exchanges with officials, a reporter and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli after the 1-0 win over Atalanta – which largely contributed to him receiving the boot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMassimiliano Allegri left Juventus at the end of last seasonCredit: RexAllegri managed AC Milan between 2010 and 2014, winning Serie A in the 2010-11 season.He then coached Juventus between 2014 and 2019, before returning in 2021 to manage them for a further three years.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part.The decorated coach won five Serie A titles with Juve, as well as five Coppa Italias.He also reached two Champions League finals during his first stint in charge.Gazzetta’s report also claims that Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi could be in the frame.Inzaghi, 48, has managed Inter since 2021, winning the Serie A title last term to add to two Coppa Italia triumphs.He also won the Coppa Italia during his previous term with Lazio.’I’M NOT ANXIOUS’Ten Hag, meanwhile, has defiantly defended his position as United boss.Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League trip to Porto, Ten Hag said of his future: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years.Ten Hag, 54, defended his position at Man UtdCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Scott McTominay reveals key difference between Napoli and Man Utd after blistering start to life in Italy

      by

      SCOTT McTOMINAY has revealed the main difference between playing for Manchester United and Napoli.The Scotland midfielder, 27, said an emotional farewell to Old Trafford in the summer as he left the club after more than two decades.Scott McTominay has made an impressive start to life in ItalyCredit: RexHe joined Serie A giants Napoli in a deal worth £25million and has hit the ground running in Italy.Napoli have not lost in McTominay’s first four appearances – winning three and drawing with Juventus.McTominay also assisted against Monza and scored in their 5-0 win over Palermo in the Coppa Italia.It comes after Erik ten Hag was largely utilising him as a bit-part player.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd McTominay, who is now being coached by Antonio Conte, has admitted the tactical side of the game is something he has had to learn in more depth since joining Napoli.Speaking to Radio CRC, he said: “They are very different, in Serie A I would say there is much more tactics that you need to know, your role within the team and with your teammates.”Physically you make your presence felt, the Premier League is very different but also Serie A.”The tactical work is more intense in Italy. I was very impressed by the level of the Italian championship, from England I wasn’t always able to realise how I can do it now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I was impressed by the technical level of the teams but also of the players, starting with my teammates.”McTominay played 255 games for Man Utd, scoring 29 goals and assisting eight.Man Utd fans sob ‘don’t make me cry’ as Scott McTominay gets emotional after he’s given parting gift by supporterBut his former club now sit 13th in the Premier League – while McTominay’s Napoli are top of Serie A after six games.They are not in Europe after they finished 10th last season in what was a dismal defence of their league title. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Legendary former Man Utd striker’s son wins first international call-up… only a year after dad quit the game aged 42

      by

      THE son of legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has earned his first international call-up for Sweden.Maximilian Ibrahimovic, 18, will make his debut for Sweden’s U18s in the upcoming international break.Maximilian Ibrahimovic has been handed his first professional call-upCredit: GettyHe will be following in the footsteps of his dad, Zlatan IbrahimovicCredit: GettyThe team is set to face Japan twice next week before taking on the United States in a third friendly.Youth coach Andreas Pettersson this week revealed that he and his colleagues have been monitoring Ibrahimovic’s progress for some time.He told Swedish newspaper Expressen: “I’ve been following him for a year now.”He started to play more and more with Milan’s under-18 team. Then he progressed and did well.”Read More in FootballIbrahimovic followed in the footsteps of his father by signing his first professional contract earlier this year.He signed a three-year deal with Serie A giants AC Milan.Ibrahimovic Snr retired from professional football last year following a final three-season spell with the Rossoneri.He scored 93 goals and provided 34 assists in 163 appearances for the Italian giants.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 42-year-old also spent two years at Manchester United, scoring 29 goals in 53 appearances.He established himself as one of Sweden’s all-time greats on the international stage, netting 62 goals in 122 outings.Ibrahimovic decided to hang up his boots last summer after suffering an injury.Fans love Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s hilarious Hot Ones appearance as football legend reveals why Man Utd fans are ‘crazy’ More