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    Bizarre reason why Juventus star Paredes couldn’t come on as sub sparking furious bust-up with Allegri

    JUVENTUS manager Massimiliano Allegri was left fuming after Leandro Parades was not immediately able to come off the bench.The midfielder did not have a shirt on him and the switch was delayed as he ran back to the dressing room.
    Furious Allegri was not happy at having to delay his substitutionCredit: Reuters
    Paredes did eventually come on after grabbing a new shirtCredit: Getty
    Leandro Paredes thought he was not coming on and offered his shirt to a fan.When he was ordered to enter, in the 85th minute, he had to run to the locker room to get another shirt and enter the game. Allegri wasn’t happy with him… Again. pic.twitter.com/BBy28viAv9— Sporting160 EN (@Sporting160_EN) April 14, 2023

    Juventus were leading Sporting Lisbon 1-0 heading into the final stages of their Europa League first-leg quarter-final tie.
    Allegri was attempting to manage the final minutes of the game and turned to his subs bench – only to find one star was completely unprepared.
    Parades did not have a shirt with him when the Italian boss attempted to make the switch.
    One report suggests he had given it away to a fan in expectation that he would be left on the bench.
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    The 28-year-old, on loan from PSG, had to jog back to the dressing room to retrieve the right kit.
    But footage shows his manager absolutely raging on the touchline.
    Allegri can be seen shouting and gesturing wildly before re-taking his position in the dugout.
    Paredes did manage to get on and replaced Manuel Locatelli with five minutes to go in a double switch that also saw Paul Pogba come on for Angel Di Maria.
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    The Old Lady managed to see out the game and Federico Gatti’s second-half strike gives them a lead to take back to Portugal next week.
    But the incident appears to have further strained the relationship between Paredes and Allegri.
    The pair reportedly had an argument after training earlier this week with Paredes believed to be upset at his lack of minutes.
    The Argentine is not expected to stay at Juve beyond his loan spell and will return to PSG at the end of the season.
    He has appeared in 18 of Juve’s 29 league games with the Italian giants looking to storm into a European place after their points deduction. More

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    Zlatan Ibrahimovic is ‘ready to star in a movie’ as he’s filmed performing incredible fighting stunt routine with sword

    ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC proved his talents transcend the football field as he showed off his impressive stunt work. The Swedish legend is in his 24th season – currently signed to AC Milan – and is rumoured to be retiring in the summer.
    Zlatan Ibrahimovic proved his talents transcend the football fieldCredit: instagram: @iamzlatanibrahimovic
    Zlatan Ibrahimovic showed off his stunt talentsCredit: instagram: @iamzlatanibrahimovic
    And if the 41-year-old fancies a change in career, he looks to have the makings of a movie star.
    Ibrahimovic posted a clip online fending off would-be attackers with a shield and sword.
    The striking sensation fights off his rivals with Kung fu strikes and some unlikely swordsmanship.
    ESPN captioned the video: “Zlatan Ibrahimovic is ready to star in an action movie.”
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    Ibrahimovic is a known martial arts fan and even has a black belt in taekwondo.
    And he is also set to make his movie debut this year, with a cameo role in upcoming French film Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom.
    The forward re-joined Milan in 2020 from LA Galaxy, and last year helped them win Serie A.
    But he has managed only four appearances this season – scoring once – amid a series of injuries.
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    His only goal this campaign came against Udinese from the penalty spot, which broke a record.
    Ibrahimovic became the oldest scorer ever in Serie A at the age of 41 years and 166 days.
    It beat Alessandro Costacurta’s previous record of 41 years and 25 days.
    Zlatan Ibrahimovic became the oldest ever scorer in Serie A historyCredit: Getty More

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    Fans wonder what AC Milan corner flag is made of as Napoli boss left fuming by Rafael Leao

    AC MILAN and Napoli’s match was delayed after Rafael Leao smashed the corner flag to bits – and fans were left wondering what it was made of.The two Italian giants collided tonight in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
    Rafael Leao crushed the corner flag in frustration during Milan’s clash with NapoliCredit: BT Sport
    However, during the early stages of the contest at the San Siro, play was briefly halted after the Milan forward’s attack on the flag.
    The 23-year-old Portuguese star had almost put Milan ahead but he fired his shot narrowly wide.
    Moments later he took out his frustrations by lashing out and kicking the corner flag.
    Unbelievably, Leao’s punt caused it to explode into pieces.
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    Almost instantly viewers expressed their shock at how fragile it was – especially seen as though he did not seem to strike it with that much power.
    One tweeted: “Is the Milan corner flag made of wet paper?”
    While another asked: “What kind of corner flags do we have in Milan?
    “That seems impossible to shatter it like Leao did.”
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    But others were more bemused by the fact that the Manchester United transfer target escaped being cautioned by the referee.
    One fan wrote: “Is that not always an automatic card? Feel like I’m going crazy over here.”
    And they were not the only ones fuming at the lack of disciplinary action.
    Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti was spotted remonstrating with the fourth official and asking why no yellow card was dished out.
    His mood got even worse just five minutes before the break when Ismael Bennacer fired Milan into the lead. More

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    Bournemouth star confirms free transfer to Serie A club a day after being ‘banished from first team training’

    JORDAN ZEMURA has agreed to join Udinese this summer on a free transfer from Bournemouth.The Zimbabwe international, 23, will move after his Cherries contract expires in June.

    Jordan Zemura left Bournemouth and joined Udinese as a free agentCredit: Rex
    He will replace wing-back Destiny Udogie, who will return to Tottenham following the end of his season-long loan.
    Whizkid Udogie, 20, was signed by Spurs last summer for around £16million from Udinese before being farmed back to the Serie A club for the campaign.
    Left-back Zemura was born and raised in London, playing for Charlton and Queens Park Rangers’ academies before joining the Cherries in 2019.
    He has racked up 59 appearances for the south coast side, including 22 this season.
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    But with his deal up this summer, Udinese swooped in to sign him.
    It was reported earlier this week that Zemura was sent to train with the development squad for the rest of the campaign amid his impending move to Italy.
    Zemura has signed a four-year deal at Udinese.
    The Italian giants made the deal official on their official social media channels.
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    Udinese tweeted a picture of the defender wearing the club’s official home kit.
    The Serie A outfit also included a short message that made the move official.
    It read: “Welcome Jordan Zemura.” More

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    Tottenham ‘to DROP Hugo Lloris to bench as Spurs chief targets shock transfer for £40m-rated superstar goalkeeper’

    TOTTENHAM are ready to DROP Hugo Lloris as the club eye a transfer for Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret, according to reports.The 36-year-old is the current club captain and he is into his 11th season at Spurs.
    Hugo Lloris could be dropped to the bench if Tottenham land a new goalkeeper this summerCredit: Getty
    Alex Meret is wanted by TottenhamCredit: Alamy
    However, Tottenham are looking for a new younger No1 and are lining up a £40million deal for Meret.
    NapoliCalcioLive claim that even if the Italian arrives, Lloris will not leave the club.
    Instead, he is likely to be benched for next season.
    Tottenham are said to be preparing to speak to the Meret’s representatives ahead of a summer move.
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    Napoli would not like to lose him but are aware the stopper’s contract expires at the end of next season.
    The report states that Spurs have been massively impressed by Meret, who has kept 17 clean sheets in 37 games for the Serie A leaders in all competitions.
    The 26-year-old has helped Napoli gain an incredible 16-point advantage at the top of the table and make the Champions League quarter-final.
    Meret has been capped by Italy three times in his career.
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    It appears that Spurs chief Daniel Levy is ready to open negotiations despite it being unclear who will manage the club next season.
    Antonio Conte was sacked after his explosive rant and Crisitian Stellini is in interim charge until the end of the campaign.
    Champions League football could help tempt Meret to North London and Spurs currently sit in fifth place, three points behind Newcastle and Manchester United in third and fourth respectively.
    Tottenham face Bournemouth on Saturday before huge clashes with the Red Devils and the Toon this month. More

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    I’m a former Arsenal star who joined AC Milan – I was struck by humble Maldini’s simple act of kindness when we met

    MATHIEU FLAMINI has revealed that he was “struck by humility” when he joined AC Milan.The retired French midfielder moved to the Italian giants on a free transfer from Arsenal in 2008.
    Mathieu Flamini (second in from the right) signed for AC Milan in 2008Credit: Getty
    He was welcomed in by Paolo MaldiniCredit: AFP
    And he has now spoken about his first encounter with the stars of AC Milan, such as Paolo Maldini.
    Flamini also revealed that the Italian legend gave him his phone number immediately after arriving.
    He told The Athletic: “Walking into the dressing room was exciting. I was struck by their humility.
    “I remember arriving and Paolo was sitting next to me. He gave me his number and said ‘If you need anything, you call me’.
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    “The humility and kindness of those champions struck me the most.
    “To be a football legend and also be so humble, so open, and act with such simplicity taught me a lot. It was a learning experience every day.”
    Flamini spent five years at the San Siro and won the Serie A title during the 2010/11 campaign, but playing in Italy was always a dream for him.
    He added: “I always wanted to play in Italy.
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    “When I had the opportunity to go there, I thought I would grow as a player and as a human being.
    “I would go to Italy, where we have roots, so it was a way of discovering myself to go back to my origins.”
    The Arsenal cult-hero also suggested that he would be interested in one day buying the North London club.
    He said: “We’ll see what the future is made of. I’m a believer.
    “If you want something very much, the universe usually brings it to you. Let’s see what the universe will bring.” More

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    Arsenal star Folarin Balogun wanted by AC Milan in summer transfer as Gunners set out their asking price for loan star

    AC MILAN are targeting a summer move for Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun, reports in Italy say. The American-born England Under-21 international has spent the season on loan with Reims and is shining with 18 goals in 29 league games.
    Folarin Balogun has spent the season on loan with Reims from ArsenalCredit: Getty
    And his form has attracted attention from across Europe, especially with Serie A champions Milan.
    According to Calciomercato, the Italian giants have added Balogun to their shortlist of targets in the summer.
    But they expect Premier League leaders Arsenal to demand a transfer fee of £26.5million.
    Milan are currently off the pace, only one point above rivals Inter in fourth.
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    Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, 36, leads the way as their top scorer this term with 12 in 34.
    And the Frenchman is close to confirming a new two-year deal with Milan, despite their interest in Balogun, 21.
    The Arsenal forward looks braced to return to London in the summer with the club already in fine scoring form.
    It means he faces a fight to compete with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, 26, and Eddie Nketiah, 23.
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    And the Athletic claim the striker has no interest in another season out on loan away from the Gunners.
    It leaves Emirates chiefs to decide whether to either sell Balogun permanently of give him the chance to compete in the squad.
    Gabriel Martinelli is Arsenal’s most prolific finisher this season, with 14 goals while Bukayo Saka is behind by one.
    Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are Arsenal’s top scorersCredit: Reuters More

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    Chelsea and Liverpool ‘target one of Serie A’s strongest players in £44m transfer with Inter Milan ace allowed to leave’

    CHELSEA and Liverpool are set to target Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella with the Italian giants prepared to sell for £44million, according to reports. The former Cagliari midfielder joined Inter on an initial loan deal in 2019 with an obligation to buy at the end of that season.
    Nicolo Barella is the subject of interest from Premier League clubs Chelsea and LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    The Italian international has made 127 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals but is being linked with a move to the Premier League.
    Italian outlet Calciomercato have reported that Inter would allow one of Serie A’s strongest players to leave but not for less than 50 million euros.
    The report adds that only at this price would Inter consider selling Barella with strong interest in the midfielder coming from the Premier League – particularly Chelsea and Liverpool.
    The Blues are enduring a torrid campaign and are looking to strengthen their midfield options in the summer despite splashing out a British record fee on Enzo Fernandez in January.
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    The Blues sold Jorginho to Arsenal in the winter and still haven’t agreed a new deal with N’Golo Kante – whose contract expires at the end of the season.
    Chelsea have been linked with moves for multiple midfield players including West Ham’s Declan Rice and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.
    Liverpool are looking to revamp their midfield in the summer and have been strongly linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham but face stiff competition from Europe’s top sides.
    Whomever the six-time European champions decide to bring in, improving the midfield will be vital as they look to rebuild next season following a very disappointing campaign to date.
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    Bellingham isn’t the only name Jurgen Klopp’s side hold interest in with Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Wolves’ Matheus Nunes also being linked with a move to Anfield.
    Barella has been in good form for Inter this season making 28 appearances in Serie A, scoring five goals and contributing seven assists. More