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      Serie A match delayed after players are evacuated due to FIRE in changing rooms

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      AN ITALIAN football match was delayed due to a fire in the dressing room. The top-flight Serie A clash between Empoli and Lecce was due to kick off at 6.30pm local time.
      Firefighters were on the scene at Empoli’s stadium after the fire broke outCredit: Getty

      However, it was pushed back by an hour after a short circuit caused a small blaze in the home changing room.
      Video footage of a fire engine outside the stadium and firefighters going on circulated on social media.
      Both sets of players and coaches were evacuated to safety as the emergency services got the fire under control.
      However, the fact that the fire was electrical meant a full investigation was required before they get the green light to allow thousands of people into the 16,800-capacity Stadio Carlo Castellani.
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      Empoli stars raised the alarm when they could smell burning in the dressing room an hour before kick-off.
      DAZN report they noticed it was coming from the panels in the ceiling and was spreading quickly.
      The media only became aware of a problem when Empoli player Tommaso Baldanzi used the toilet in the press area.
      And with 20 minutes to go before the original scheduled start time, visiting Lecce players including Samuel Umtiti strolled around on the pitch in flip-flops and trainers rather than their boots.
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      Empoli and Lecce went into the game knowing a win for either side would mean a huge step towards Serie A survival with ten games to go.
      The hosts were 14th on 28 points with Lecce just two places and a point behind.
      And it was Empoli who secured a vital three points when the game finally got under way, through Francesco Caputo’s second-half penalty.
      They are now 12 points above the relegation zone with ten games to go.
      The fire was started by a short circuit in the home dressing roomCredit: Getty
      Empoli players raised the alarm when they could smell burningCredit: Getty
      Lecce staff waited on the pitch for more newsCredit: Getty More

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      Jose Mourinho shows class as he pleads with own Roma fans to stop abusing rival Sampdoria manager

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      JOSE MOURINHO was forced to plead with his OWN Roma fans to stop racially abusing the opposition manager.Roma were struggling to find the deadlock in their Serie A encounter against Sampdoria at the weekend, locked at 0-0.
      Chants racistes à l’encontre de Stankovic, Mourinho est intervenu en plein match pour calmer ses propres fans : “Je l’ai fait pour un grand homme et un grand ami. Il a des enfants et une famille et ce n’est pas beau. Nos fans sont géniaux, mais on ne touche pas à mes amis.” pic.twitter.com/tjRwprwyzY— José Mourinho Show (@Jmshow10_) April 2, 2023

      Jose Mourinho was furious at the abuse coming from the Roma standsCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      Fans appeared to mock Dejan Stankovic over his heritage – but Mourinho was having none of itCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      Stankovic was full of respect for Mourinho’s actionsCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      Sampdoria boss Dejan Stankovic, who comes from Serbia, was fuming when his player Jeison Murillo was shown a red card.
      His protests appeared to enrage the Roma Ultras, who targetted 44-year-old Stankovic with racist abuse from the terraces concerning his heritage.
      This prompted a furious Mourinho to leap out of his dugout, and wave his hand at his own fans begging them to stop the abuse.
      And it appeared to do the trick as the Portuguese gaffer gave the thumbs up.
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      Stankovic was heartened by ex-Chelsea and Man Utd boss Mourinho’s actions, and beat his chest as a sign of respect to his opposite number.
      Speaking after the game, Stankovic told Football Italia: “I thank Jose, because I didn’t even notice, but as for the chants, I am proud of who I am. I am proud to be a gypsy.”
      And Mourinho, 60, added: “I did it for a great man and a great friend. He has kids and a family.
      “Our fans are great but my friends aren’t being touched.”
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      Stankovic was fuming when his player was sent off – which riled the Roma fansCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      Mourinho gives the thumbs up after the vile chanting stoppedCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      Stankovic played under Mourinho at Inter Milan, and was part of the side that won the Champions League, Serie A title and Coppa Italia in 2009-10.
      As for the game, Romas eased to an eventual 3-0 win with goals from former Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum, Paulo Dybala and Stephan El Shaarawy.
      That moved Roma into fifth spot in the table and level on points with Inter in fourth as both fight for that final Champions League spot.
      Sampdoria face a very different battle – against relegation – as they sit in 19th position. More

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      Man Utd transfer target Kim Min-jae apologises for shocking post-match interview after South Korea defeat

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      MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Kim Min-jae has issued a grovelling apology after saying he “didn’t want to focus on his national team” following a loss with South Korea.The defender, 26, made the controversial remark following his side’s 2-1 loss to Uruguay, which came just days after a draw with Colombia.
      Kim Min-jae has issued a grovelling apology to South Korea fansCredit: Rex
      Kim has been outstanding for runaway Serie A leaders Napoli this term as they close in on a first title since the Diego Maradona-inspired 1990 team.
      That has helped transform him into a national hero back in his homeland, but his legion of fans vented their anger towards him as he seemed to have little interest in discussing South Korea’s fortunes after their recent setback.
      According to Corriere dello Sport, he said: “I am mentally tired and I only want to focus on my club at the moment, not on the national team, I have nothing more to say now.”
      However, after the comments went down like a lead balloon, Kim has since apologised on social media as he blamed injury and fatigue for his response.
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      He said: “I apologise to them and the players who were surprised by my words.
      “I had a minor injury and I have recovered. I’ve played many games and I never spared myself.
      “I collapsed mentally and had an outburst. I apologise again and ask the fans always to support us.”
      United and Liverpool are two of the clubs eyeing a move for the centre-half, who has played 35 matches for Napoli since his £15.9m move from Fenerbahce last summer. 
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      However, he recently hit back at reports that he could leave at the end of the season.
      Kim, who has a £44m release clause in his contract, said: “As you know, those rumours are not true at all. I want to focus on my team. I have many tournaments to play.
      “It’s been four years I have had these rumours. It’s uncomfortable. I wish you don’t spread those stories.
      “I cannot be bothered by transfer rumours because they aren’t true. Now I’m focusing on the team, rather than that kind of nonsense.” More

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      Jose Mourinho could quit Roma in summer as ‘relationship with club chiefs has gone cold’ with no new contract on table

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      JOSE MOURINHO’S Roma future has been cast into doubt with no new contract on the table, reports suggest.Mourinho was appointed by the Italian outfit in July 2021, but after almost two years in Rome this season could be his last.
      Jose Mourinho’s Roma future is in doubtCredit: Reuters
      This is because his relationship with sporting director Tiago Pinto has “gone cold” according to Get Football Italy.
      Mourinho wants to sort out his future during the season, but Roma chiefs are yet to open negotiations.
      The report adds Mourinho’s vision for the club is not shared with Pinto.
      The three-time Premier League winner has been insistent in demanding reinforcements at the Stadio Olimpico as he tries to guide the team into the Champions League.
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      Among the recruits he has demanded a striker, midfielder and defender.
      Mourinho’s first summer in charge saw Roma spend £111million.
      This was followed up with a modest outlay of £6.1m last summer, although a number of free transfers were brought in, including Paulo Dybala, Nemanja Matic and Andrea Belotti.
      He won favour with the fans after winning the inaugural Europa Conference League – Roma’s first European trophy – as the waterworks flowed from Mourinho.
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      They also sit just one point off of a top four spot, which would secure Champions League qualification.
      Mourinho has been linked with shock returns to both Real Madrid and Chelsea, with their respective managers futures uncertain.
      Regardless, the 60-year-old can still show his temperament.
      He fumed as Roma lost the Derby della Capitale to fierce rivals Lazio.
      Mourinho has also been sent off THREE times this season. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal in Dusan Vlahovic transfer boost as Juventus ‘prepare for life without’ Serbia striker

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have reportedly received a huge boost in their pursuit to sign Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.SunSport revealed last month that Erik ten Hag has made Tottenham star Harry Kane his No1 transfer target this summer.
      Man Utd and Arsenal have received a boost in the chase for Dusan VlahovicCredit: Reuters
      Kane, 29, has less than 18 months remaining on his deal and United are hoping to take advantage of the England captain’s contract situation.
      But as we stated previously, they are still anticipating a “nightmare” pursuit as Spurs chief Daniel Levy is renowned as a tough negotiator.
      That has led to Ten Hag identifying striking alternatives, and Vlahovic is among his top picks.
      Now he has received a boost as La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Juventus are “preparing for life without” the forward.
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      And it also states that they have identified potential replacements for him.
      Juve are believed to be plotting moves for either West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca, who has struggled in the Premier league, and Galatasaray’s Nicolo Zaniolo.
      Vlahovic, 23, joined Juventus from Fiorentina back in January 2022 after snubbing the chance to move to the Premier League with Arsenal.
      Mikel Arteta’s side were desperate to bring the Serbian international to the Emirates – but he rejected them in favour of Turin – but they are still keen.
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      Vlahovic has scored eleven goals this term but has struggled for goals over recent weeks for his club.
      He has just one in his last eight appearances.
      And, after Juve’s early Champions League exit left them needing to raise funds, he could find himself as one of their stars to be sacrificed once the transfer window re-opens this summer. More

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      ‘Didn’t see him’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic reignites feud with ex-team-mate Lukaku as they face off after fiery Milan bust-up

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE admits it was  special sharing the pitch with two of the game’s greatest goalscorers on Friday.But one of them, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, clearly still cannot stand the other, former Manchester United team-mate Romelu Lukaku.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic reignited his feud with Romelu Lukaku during Sweden vs BelgiumCredit: AFP
      Inter Milan star Romelu Lukaku and AC Milan legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic first clashed in Serie ACredit: Getty
      Sweden star Ibra got a hero’s ovation from the Stockholm crowd as he returned to international football, aged 41, after 12 months out.
      But he was upstaged by Lukaku, who grabbed a hat-trick in Belgium’s 3-0 win in the Group F opener to make it 71 goals for his country.
      Manchester City playmaker De Bruyne, 31, is a huge fan of both.
      But a  feud between the pair that broke out in an Italian Cup quarter-final between AC Milan and Inter Milan in 2021 — when they headbutted each other and exchanged vile insults — is still simmering.
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      Asked about Lukaku’s treble, a sniffy Ibrahimovic could not bring himself to mention his rival’s name, let alone praise him.
      He said: “I didn’t see him. I didn’t get close to him here. He got situations where he should score.
      “He gets his goals, so he is happy. He wasn’t in the game much.”
      Lukaku, still on loan at Inter from Chelsea, was far more generous and conciliatory.
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      He said: “He  is a warrior. That he does what he does at his age . . . hats off. No hard feelings — just respect.”
      Red Devils captain De Bruyne is also impressed by Ibrahimovic’s 62 international goals  and 11 club league titles.
      He said: “There are only good things to say about Ibra. What he has done in his career is unbelievable.
      “But then we have Rom and he does the same things. He has 71 goals and is only 29 — where that total ends up depends on how long he wants to keep playing.”
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      Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku played together at Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
      KDB, leading the ‘Next Generation’ with Belgium’s Golden Generation now making way, added: “I may be the new captain but we have also a new system and new players.
      “On Monday it was like everything had changed for us. There were a lot of new young guys but we played really well.”
      Belgium travel to Germany for a  friendly on Tuesday, while Sweden host Azerbaijan in a qualifier tomorrow.
      Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic just missed on becoming the oldest player to feature in a Euros qualifier on Friday.
      At 41 years and 176 days — four days older than Ibra — Gibraltar’s Lee Casciaro passed the mark set by Italy legend Dino Zoff (41y 90d) in his side’s 3-0 loss to Greece. More

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      Pregnant Wag Diletta Leotta channels Pamela Anderson in red swimsuit as she shows off small bump on holiday

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      NEWCASTLE goalkeeper Loris Karius’ girlfriend Diletta Leotta channelled her inner Pamela Anderson with a stunning pic on social media.TV presenter Leotta posed in a red swimsuit on the beach with her small baby bump as she expects a child with Karius and shared the image on her Instagram account.
      Diletta Leotta channelled her inner Pamela Anderson on the beachCredit: instagram
      Diletta Leotta reminded fans of Pamela Anderson from BaywatchCredit: Rex
      Diletta Leotta is a TV presenter for DAZN and dates Newcastle’s Loris KariusCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta
      Diletta Leotta and Newcastle goalkeeper Loris Karius are expecting a childCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta
      The 31-year-old looked very much like famous actress Anderson on her role as CJ Parker on Baywatch.
      The American sex symbol won the hearts of millions of fans across the world as part of the famous TV series where she played the iconic bombshell lifeguard.
      This comes after fans compared the Italian presenter to Anderson on social media following some pics she shared during her time in Naples.
      Fans took to the comments’ section to compliment Leotta amid her ongoing pregnancy.
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      One supporter commented: “What a beauty.”
      Another wrote: “Another curve has been added… the most beautiful!”
      A third said: “Love for children will make u more beautiful than ever.”
      This fan posted: “Karius you are my hero.”
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      And that one commented: “Excellent quality, you are beautiful beyond perfect.”
      Leotta currently covers Serie A for DAZN, while Karius plays for Newcastle in the Premier League.
      The ex-Liverpool goalkeeper has played once for the Magpies since joining the club in September.
      The 29-year-old stepped in for the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United last month with Nick Pope suspended and Martin Dubravka cup-tied.
      Leotta jetted into London to watch the German keeper in action at Wembley.
      Diletta Leotta flew to London to watch Loris Karius in action at WembleyCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta
      Diletta Leotta received a lot of compliments on Instagram from her fansCredit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta
      Diletta Leotta and Loris Karius will soon become parentsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/ More

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      Dejan Kulusevski can join Tottenham for just £31m transfer fee from Juventus as long as Spurs meet one condition

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      TOTTENHAM star Dejan Kulusevski is set to join the club permanently providing they qualify for the Champions League, according to reports.The winger joined Spurs in January 2021 on an 18-month loan deal from Juventus that expires at the end of the season.
      Dejan Kulusevski could join Spurs permanently this summerCredit: Getty
      Tottenham paid £9million to have him temporarily and they already have an agreement in place to sign him for £31million.
      However, the deal only becomes possible providing Spurs finish in the top four this term, claim Calciomercato.
      The club currently sit fourth in the Premier League table but face a battle with Newcastle for the position.
      Eddie Howe’s men are just two points behind and have two games in hand.
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      There is also concern regarding Spurs’ current form as they have won just one of their last five matches.
      Additionally, the future of manager Antonio Conte is uncertain, which could prevent the team enjoying a strong finish to the campaign.
      Kulusevksi also reportedly needs to feature in at least 50 per cent of Tottenham games for the agreement to be in place come the summer, which he is set to do having played 27 games this season.
      The Swede has only found the back of the net twice this term.
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      However, he is supposedly still happy at the club and is open to staying.
      Juventus could also need to balance the books this summer amid financial pressure and Kulusevski is likely to be sold. More