Serie A

DELE ALLI has been sounded out over a move to a Serie A club, according to reports.The midfielder has barely played in the last few years and is now on the lookout for a new club.Dele Alli is being targeted by an Italian clubCredit: GettyHe could be set to join Genoa after the Italian side enquired about his availability, report Il Secolo XIX.Dele, 28, is currently a free agent after his contract with Everton ran out in June.He made just 13 appearances for the Toffees in two-and-a-half years following a £5million move from Tottenham.The former England star also had a spell on loan at Besiktas during the 2022-23 campaign which was cut short by injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDele has admitted he’s been dealing with a hard time the last few months due to his injury.But the playmaker is adamant he is not finished as he “knows his level” and is determined to regain his old fitness in order to earn back a place in the England squad in time for the 2026 World Cup.Dele previously said: “I know how good I can be when my head is in the right place and I’m feeling good. Obviously, I’m disappointed with the injury right now but I’m excited to get playing.“It’s hard for me to even watch football. It’s been tough for me, I’d say, this past eight months has been hard to watch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDele Alli career statsDele Alli has made quite an impact in the Premier League as the stats below show:2011-2015: MK Dons – 44 apps – 8 goals – 4 assists2015-2022: Tottenham – 269 apps – 67 goals – 58 assists2015: MK Dons (Loan) – 44 apps – 16 goals – 11 assists2022-2024: Everton – 13 apps – 0 goals – 0 assists2022-2023: Besiktas (Loan) – 15 apps – 3 goals – 0 assists2015-2019: England – 37 apps – 3 goals – 7 assists“You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says, ‘World Cup 2026’.“That’s my aim for now. I think that people will be like, ‘He hasn’t played in a year’ but I don’t care, I know my level.”Dele Alli’s ex-girlfriend Ruby Mae recounts terrifying home burglary More

SCOTT MCTOMINAY has quickly endeared himself to the Napoli fans.But he’s had an even greater impact on boss Antonio Conte – who has performed a major tactical transformation in order to see the Scot flourish at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.Scott McTominay is loving life under Antonio Conte at NapoliCredit: GettyThe Italian is making the most of the Scot’s talentsCredit: AlamyAnd he’s repaying that ingenuityCredit: GettyMcTominay, 27, joined the Serie A giants last month in a £25.7m transfer – a deal that made him the most expensive Scottish player of all-time.On his first start for the club last week, McTominay left the Italian media in awe of his virtuoso performance.He then bagged a goal in his next game, coming off the bench in style to help Napoli to a 5-0 win over Palermo.Conte has been in management for almost 20 years now and in that time has coached Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan, among others.One thing the 55-year-old is known for perhaps more than anything is his use of the 3-5-2 formation.Conte was credited with reviving the use of three-man defensive units to great success, particularly with Juventus and Chelsea.He has generally varied between a standard 3-5-2 and a 3-4-2-1, 3-4-3 and 3-5-1-1 but this year his set up at Napoli is markedly different.Conte has ditched his trademark playing style in favour of a 4-3-3 this season, with McTominay operating in a mezzala role as one of the advanced central midfielders.Most read in FootballThe role allows McTominay to make the same trademark runs into the penalty area as he does for Scotland, with his boundless energy in the middle of the park also being utilised as he covers ground from box-to-box.Conveniently for McTominay – and Scotland – the man playing behind him in midfield this season for Napoli is Billy Gilmour.Kris Boyd explains how Tartan Army hero Scott McTominay can get even better for ScotlandThe 23-year-old former Rangers wonderkid deployment in the deeper playmaking role allows McTominay to go and cause havoc in the opponents’ half, whilst Gilmour sits and recycles the play, a blueprint Steve Clarke knows can yield results.Napoli have lost just once this season and that was before McTominay arrived in Naples.Indeed, in the matches McTominay has been involved in Napoli have only dropped points against Juventus (a 0-0 draw) and sxored 11 goals in the process. They also haven’t conceded.Gli Azzurri are top of Serie A at the moment and Conte is excited at what McTominay is bringing to the team.He said: “Scott is a player who has goals in his blood, he is very good at getting into the game.”He has very good technical qualities, as well as a significant physical build.”And he makes his presence felt in the air. He has quite a few goals in his DNA.” READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

CESC FABREGAS’ Como have proudly showcased the breathtaking views from their home ground Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.A viral video reveals that when fans take their seats they are greeted by the stunning backdrop of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Como has proudly showcased the breathtaking views from their home ground Stadio Giuseppe SinigagliaCredit: XA viral video reveals that when fans take their seats they are greeted by the stunning backdrop of Lake ComoCredit: ReutersFans have dubbed it the stadium has an ‘absolutely stunning view’Credit: GettyThe club is managed by Premier League legend Cesc FabregasCredit: APThe club shared the video with the caption, “Lake+Sinigaglia=😍.”While Italian Football TV described it as “Como’s stadium with an absolutely STUNNING view.”After finishing second in Serie B last season the team was promoted but the stadium initially did not meet the top-flight standards. One fan noted: “The view may be stunning when you look towards the lake, but it is a complete disaster once you turn around. This is surely one of the worst stadiums in Serie A.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLComo’s first three games of the 2024-25 Serie A campaign were played away from home due to the stadium’s unfit condition.Fabregas’ team faced Juventus, Cagliari, and Udinese, resulting in a draw and two defeats. Earlier this month, the Arsenal legend experienced his first Serie A match at Stadio Sinigaglia after the stadium received the all-clear.Reconstruction work – which began in May right after their promotion – has been completed, expanding the capacity from 7,498 to 10,584 seats.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs part of the adaptation work, glass windows protecting against the wind were installed and the stadium entrance was renovated.The club secured their first Serie A win of the season away on Sunday with a 3-2 victory against local rivals Atalanta.Cesc Fabregas shuts down England position debate as World Cup winner ‘shows why he got over 100 caps’ After the victory, Como currently sits 10th in the 20-team league.The Como squad includes former Premier League stars Pepe Reina, Alberto Moreno and Patrick Cutrone.Raphael Varane was also on their books earlier this season before his shock retirement. More

NAPOLI fans instantly fell in love with summer signing Scott McTominay following his passionate goal celebration last night.McTominay, 27, joined the Italian giants in a £25million transfer from Manchester United on deadline day.Scott McTominay scored his first goal for Napoli on ThursdayCredit: GettyThe midfielder kissed the badge after scoringCredit: GettyFans loved his celebrationCredit: GettyHe received a hero’s welcome upon his arrival in Naples, with hundreds of fans flocking to the airport to greet him.The midfielder has since made three appearances, with the latest officially cementing his place in the hearts of Napoli supporters.McTominay was introduced to replace Giacomo Raspadori during last night’s Coppa Italia clash with Palermo.And just a matter of moments after coming off the bench in the 77th minute, he scored his first Napoli goal.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe immediately wheeled away in celebration, punching the air before kissing the Napoli badge directly in front of the home supporters.It was a bittersweet moment for Man Utd fans, with one person taking to social media to write: “Love Scott man… we’re so gonna regret selling him.”Another commented: “I still don’t understand how Casemiro is still at the club and McTominay isn’t.”While a third joked: “Man United should have a look at this lad.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcTominay penned an open letter to Napoli fans this week.On joining the club, he wrote: “The pride of playing here is really special and when I found out that Napoli was interested in me I felt the fire inside me.Watch Man Utd midfielder Scott McTominay passionately mobbed by Napoli fans as he jets in to seal shock £25m transfer”I wanted to come here and push as much as possible because the fans are crazy, I would say they are some of the best fans I have ever seen. Incredible.”I can’t talk enough about the fans, the people, the city and the welcome that my teammates and coaches gave me.” More

SCOTT MCTOMINAY has sent an incredible 1,000-word open letter to Napoli fans after joining the club.The midfielder completed a £25million move to the Serie A side from Manchester United last month.Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has written an open letter to Napoli fansCredit: EPAThe Scotland international joined the Serie A side on a four-year deal in AugustCredit: RexHe has made two appearances since signing a four-year deal, including his full debut vs Juventus on Saturday.Italian media outlets were left impressed with the 27-year-old’s performance as they dubbed him Napoli’s “next idol”.McTominay was also described as “a dominant all-rounder with physique, technique and personality”.He has also quickly become a fan-favourite after being mobbed by supporters on his arrival.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Scotland international has now boosted his hero status even further after penning an open letter to Napoli fans this week.He started by writing: “My name is Scott McTominay, I come from Lancaster, England and I am a central midfielder for Napoli.”My life and career have been focused exclusively on football. My family did everything they could to help me travel across England to play football with Manchester United as a child.”Then over the years I played in all categories until I made my debut in the first team and played a few games.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcTominay spent 22 years with the Red Devils before his summer switch,During that time, he made 225 first-team appearances, scoring 29 goals and winning two major trophies.Watch Man Utd midfielder Scott McTominay passionately mobbed by Napoli fans as he jets in to seal shock £25m transferMcTominay is already a fan-favourite after starring on his full debut against JuventusCredit: GettyOn joining Napoli, he added: “The pride of playing here is really special and when I found out that Napoli was interested in me I felt the fire inside me.”I wanted to come here and push as much as possible because the fans are crazy, I would say they are some of the best fans I have ever seen. Incredible.”I can’t talk enough about the fans, the people, the city and the welcome that my teammates and coaches gave me.”As for manager Antonio Conte, he said: “When a coach of Conte’s calibre wants to bring you into his team, it fills you with confidence and the desire to show him that you are capable of giving him a lot.”The conversations we have had between us have all been very positive. He is very demanding, which is very, very positive for a player of my age.”The 1,000-word letter touched on his excitement to work under Napoli boss Antonio ConteCredit: GettyThe former Chelsea boss took over at Napoli in the summer and has already got specific staff monitoring the diets of certain players.McTominay is amongst them, with the club pledging to take extra care of his nutrition.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe signed off his message to supporters by saying: “Hello to all Napoli fans, I’m sorry that my Neapolitan is not very good, I hope to learn very soon.”Thank you so much for the warm welcome, I am very happy to be here and ready to work for you. Thank you!”Scott McTominay’s open letter to Napoli fans“My name is Scott McTominay, I come from Lancaster, England and I am a central midfielder for Napoli.“My life and career have been focused exclusively on football. My family did everything they could to help me travel across England to play football with Manchester United as a child. Then over the years I played in all categories until I made my debut in the first team and played a few games.“I was a very competitive child, I would say to the point of being too competitive for a child. The feeling of defeat always hurts more than the feeling of pride when you win. So for me it is important to have control of this aspect. Obviously now that I’m here, I want to play very well and focus on helping the team. My football idols were Wayne Rooney and Zinedine Zidane, players like that.“I always watched them a lot and wanted to pay attention to everything they did in the game and try to emulate them even as a child. The emotions that football has given me have been so many. I love this game, I love playing it and I have a great desire to win and be successful. I want to give my best every time I train and every time I play to give the best of myself, to help my teammates and the coach.“The pride of playing here is really special and when I found out that Napoli was interested in me I felt the fire inside me. I wanted to come here and push as much as possible because the fans are crazy, I would say they are some of the best fans I have ever seen. Incredible. I can’t talk enough about the fans, the people, the city and the welcome that my teammates and coaches gave me.“When a coach of Conte’s calibre wants to bring you into his team, it fills you with confidence and the desire to show him that you are capable of giving him a lot. The conversations we have had between us have all been very positive. He is very demanding, which is very, very positive for a player of my age.“I am 27 now, I am not a kid but I am not old either. So I want to be pushed to the max and I want to play to the best of my ability to show that I care a lot and that I want to do really well. Yes, Italian football is different and I really enjoyed it. Obviously there are a lot of tactical aspects that you have to understand and study…. But for me football is football. If you apply yourself and train properly and you are fit enough to come in and you are willing to learn, then you can adapt quite quickly to the way the coach wants to play and the type of game the league is playing.“So for me, it’s about focusing and doing my best, learning as much as I can in a short period of time to keep up and doing my best with a smile on my face, hopefully making the fans happy. My biggest dream as a person is to be happy. I think happiness is the best thing to aspire to in life, and that’s the only thing I focus on and try to be happy with my family, with my friends and with my girlfriend. It’s very important for me to always have a smile on my face. And in the end, when you have a smile on your face, you also play better football.“In my free time, if I go to visit family, I like to spend it with my sister and her kids, my parents, my girlfriend and her family. I like to play golf, but when you train hard you can’t play golf because you have to keep your legs rested. I like to play pool, ping pong, darts. And also running. My father was a very avid runner when he was younger. He still runs now and I still can’t beat some of his five-kilometre and ten-mile times. And he reminds me of that a lot.“Yeah, my whole family is very ambitious about sports and they take it very seriously. Something about me that no one knows about… I play backgammon, the game… It’s a board game. And maybe when I retire from soccer, I’ll be a professional backgammon player. It’s about thinking. It’s a strategic game of Greek and Turkish origin. So, yeah, I love it. I play it all the time. All the time.“Italian is not easy to follow because… I speak fast but when I hear people speaking Italian they speak really fast and it’s hard to understand exactly what they’re saying. But as time goes by, in the last two or three weeks, I’ve learned something during the training sessions, in the hotel and in the city, and when I get a house I want to get a private tutor, because I really want to learn. I want to be able to understand everything the coach and the players are saying, which will also help me on the pitch. And in general, knowing other languages ​​is an important skill to have in life.“My dream is to win the Scudetto with Napoli, to win trophies and be successful. I just want to do my best to help the team, fight for the future and push my career to the max. I want to be as fit as possible and train as hard as I can for the rest of my career, which I hope will be very long.“Hello to all Napoli fans, I’m sorry that my Neapolitan is not very good, I hope to learn very soon. Thank you so much for the warm welcome, I am very happy to be here and ready to work for you. Thank you!” More