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    Shocking moment hooligans smack riot police with bats as eight arrested and nine rushed to hospital in ugly brawls

    HOOLIGANS attacked riot police with bats during ugly scenes in Italy on Wednesday night.Officers arrested eight fans as violent clashes marred the Derby della Lanterna between Genoa and Sampdoria.Hooligans smacked a police riot van with bats during ugly brawls in ItalyCredit: X formerly Twitter / @thecasualultraFans clashed before and after the Coppa Italia match between Genoa and SampdoriaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @hooliganscz1999Violent scenes saw fireworks and bottles thrown by fans on a bridgeCredit: X formerly Twitter / @hooliganscz1999The city rivals met for the first time in two years in the second round of the Coppa Italia at their shared home, the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.Off the field, though, violence erupted between supporters of each club both ahead of the match and into the night.Footage shared on social media shows hooligans walking the streets holding bats before fireworks and bottles were thrown on a bridge.Fans also clashed with riot police, including in a clip which showed a police van being attacked with bats.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy Thursday morning, eight arrests had been made with at least nine people rushed to hospital.However, this figure later rose to 40 including 26 injured police officers being treated.According to Calciomercato, the violence broke out after Genoa fans unveiled banners stolen from Sampdoria ultras in recent months.Riot police were then called in at full-time to control the clashes, with violent scenes continuing until around 2.30am in the city.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt had been the bitter city rivals’ first meeting since April 2022 due to Sampdoria’s relegation from Serie A.The Serie B side claimed victory on penalties in Wednesday’s meeting, though, following a 1-1 draw.Conference League clash suspended as police evacuate entire away stand after shameful scenesFootage of the ugly scenes were shared on social media ahead of Wednesday’s matchCredit: X formerly Twitter / @hooliganscz1999Riot police were called in to control the disorder in the city of GenoaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @hooliganscz1999Former Sunderland man Fabio Borini equalised with seven minutes remaining before team-mate Simone Romagnoli was sent off in stoppage time.Sampdoria will now travel to face Roma in the last 16 of the Coppa Italia in December.Police have made eight arrests whilst 40 people have been injured including 26 officersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @hooliganscz1999The violent clashes continued until around 2.30am local timeCredit: X formerly Twitter / @thecasualultraFans clashed before and after the Coppa Italia clash between the two city rivalsCredit: GettySampdoria beat Genoa on penalties to reach the last 16 after a 1-1 drawCredit: Getty More

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    Euros winner Giorgio Chiellini teams up with Eni Aluko as retired footballers invest in exciting business venture

    GIORGIO CHIELLINI is embarking on a new career venture after hanging up his boots. The Juventus legend has invested in women’s multi-club ownership group Mercury/13. Giorgio Chiellini is investing in women’s football after hanging up his bootsCredit: GettyHe has joined up with Mercury/13, who have former Lionesses star Eni Aluko on the booksCredit: RexNo-nonsense centre-back Chiellini enjoyed an illustrious career for both club and country.He won the Euros with Italy in 2021 and was a nine-time Serie A champion with The Old Lady. Chiellini retired last year after spending his final season in the US with Los Angeles FC.His experience over the pond helped demonstrate the “potential” of women’s football to the 40-year-old.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLChiellini announced his partnership with the consortium on Wednesday. He wrote on his Instagram page: “I’m really excited to share that I’ve joined Mercury/13 as an investor.”It’s a multi-club ownership group focused on supporting and growing women’s football globally.”After spending time in the USA, I saw the incredible strides women’s football is making there and how much potential it still has to unlock in Europe.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”That experience inspired me, and I’m proud to be part of a project that’s all about creating new opportunities for female athletes and taking the sport to the next level internationally.”Mercury/13 has pledged to invest more than £80 million into transforming women’s clubs around the world.Eni Aluko joins new US team Angel City owned by Hollywood big shots including Eva Longoria Former Lionesses star Eni Aluko is among those already partnered with the project.The group recently acquired Como Women, a mid-table team in Italy’s Serie A Femminile.They also describe investing in England and the Women’s Super League as an “absolute priority”.Mario Malave, Mercury/13’s co-chief executive said: “I would say there’s no higher potential than women’s football today.”If you give women’s football dedicated management, dedicated capital, and nurture it, it’s going to grow and blossom tremendously and become that sustainable business.”It’s nonsensical to expect it to be that today, if no-one’s invested in it over the last 100 years.” More

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    Police detain SIXTY armed fans with knives and other weapons after trying to avoid escort to Europa League clash

    GERMAN police have detained armed Lazio fans ahead of the Europa League clash with Dynamo Kyiv in Hamburg.About 60 away fans were stopped by the authorities after attempting to avoid a police escort.German police have arrested about 60 armed Lazio fans before the game with Dynamo KievCredit: GettyCops claim the supporters were found to be carrying knives, clubs and other weapons.Those fans were checked late Tuesday and detained until Wednesday.Lazio released a statement which confirmed the fans held overnight have been banned from attending the game at the Volksparkstadion.However, the Serie A giants also announced that there were no arrests.Read More on FootballUkrainian giants Dynamo are playing their home games in Hamburg this season because of the war in their homeland after Russia’s illegal invasion back in 2022.Lazio have been hit with numerous sanctions both in Serie A and Europe because of fan trouble throughout the years.Last March, a Lazio fan was arrested and fined for giving a Nazi salute inside the beer hall where Hitler founded the party before a Champions League match against Bayern Munich.A year earlier, a fan wearing a shirt with a reference to Hitler was slapped with a lifetime ban from attending Lazio matches by the Roman club. Most read in Europa LeagueAuthorities reviewed security camera footage from inside the Olimpico of the fan wearing a Lazio shirt that read “Hitlerson” and the No88, which is a numerical code for “Heil Hitler”.Football hooligans started the SPFL season with a brawl in Paisley as St Mirren met Hibs Two seasons ago, the Laziali were ordered to play a Serie A game with part of their home ground closed to spectators after fans directed racist chants at opposing players. More

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    Scott McTominay leaves commentator stunned in first Napoli start as fans say ex-Man Utd star ‘plays like prime Maradona’

    SCOTT MCTOMINAY has had a brilliant start to life in Italy.The Scotland international, 27, joined Napoli from Manchester United in a £25million deal last month.Scott McTominay has had an impressive start to life in ItalyCredit: GettyA compilation of McTominay’s all-action performance vs Juventus has gone viralMcTominay was mobbed by fans as he arrived in the Italian city upon signing.And he has endeared himself further to the Napoli faithful with his early performances.The midfielder was brought on a substitute for his debut against Cagliari earlier this month.Antonio Conte then brought him into his starting XI for Napoli’s clash with Juventus last weekend, fielding McTominay as a No10 in a 4-2-3-1 system.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match finished 0-0, but the Naples new-boy impressed with his all-action display.Italian broadcaster Riccardo Trevisani, who has long covered Serie A, even claimed that McTominay had made Juve stars look like “children”.He said: “Seeing McTominay live is incredible, impressive: he looked like Gulliver with children, they bounced off him!”I thought he was playing in place of (Matteo) Politano, instead Conte worked with Politano on the wing.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were also left in awe after a compilation was posted on X.One wrote: “This style of football suits Scott so much better. proud of the kid.”Watch Man Utd midfielder Scott McTominay passionately mobbed by Napoli fans as he jets in to seal shock £25m transferWhile a second joked: “I’m seriously worrying about Serie A quality. If McTominay can play like prime Maradona I don’t rate Osimhen at all then.”A third claimed: “Tidy shift from Scott, this league will suit him well.”And another added: “United is a Prison. How can every player that leaves them get 10x Better.”Next up, McTominay and Co will take on Palermo in the Coppa Italia tomorrow.Napoli then return to Serie A action on Sunday, when they face Monza.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More

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    Serie A clash involving Champions League club POSTPONED after torrential rain as 18-word statement released

    ATALANTA’S clash against Como has been postponed due to a torrential downpour.The Serie A clash was set to kick-off at 7.45pm – but everyone now has to come back at the same time tomorrow.Atalanta vs Como has been called off and it was no surprise in the endCredit: EPAThe ball struggled to roll in the grass leaving the officials little choiceCredit: GettyKick-off was delayed by an hour then fans were sent homeCredit: ReutersFans took shelter at the back of the groundCredit: ReutersSme braved the conditions but it was all wasted in the endCredit: ReutersA statement from league chiefs initially confirmed: “Atalanta vs Como has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Another pitch inspection will be carried out shortly.”The players from both clubs had gone out onto the pitch to warm-up ahead of kick-off.But the action was compared to “water polo” by one fan watching on.The referee then carried out an inspection of the pitch by rolling the ball on the surface as the two captains watched on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ball struggled to move, getting stuck on the waterlogged grass and huge puddles also began to appear.A second inspection was then carried out 15 minutes later, with the referee deciding the game should go ahead.But Atalanta skipper Maarten De Roon reportedly called the decision “madness” as the rain continued to fall.After another discussion, the ref postponed the game until tomorrow as supporters inside the stadium were sent home.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAtalanta are in this season’s Champions League and drew 0-0 with Arsenal on Thursday last week.As for Como, they are winless in four games since promotion from the second tier.They are managed by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini caught throwing SANDWICH out of car at AC Milan fans who were abusing him after game More

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    Dan and Ryan Friedkin forced to release shock statement on Roma website after announcing Everton takeover

    EVERTON’S potential new owners have released a statement on the website of AS Roma, who the Friedkin Group also own.It was announced on Monday afternoon that US billionaire Dan Friedkin had agreed to buy Everton – two months after their original £800million offer fell apart over debt concerns to Miami investment firm 777.Dan Friedkin has agreed a deal to buy EvertonCredit: GettyBut he and brother Ryan have released a statement addressing Roma – the other club the group ownCredit: GettyBut after entering exclusive negotiations, the Toffees now look set to have a new majority owner after TFG and departing owner Farhad Moshiri struck a deal over the weekend.A TFG spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club.”We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction.“We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, while TFG are set to buy Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the Premier League team, there were concerns from Italy regarding their focus on Serie A side Roma.The Giallorossi have endured a tough start to the season which prompted the sacking of club legend Danielle de Rossi.And following the news of their Everton takeover, brothers Dan and Ryan Friedkin released a statement on Roma’s website addressing concerns.It said: “Football is admired around the world as the beautiful game. Each match is filled with passion, excitement and unpredictability – and that’s why we love it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But beyond the results on the pitch, our responsibility as club owners is to make big decisions that we believe are in the best interest of the club, even when they are very difficult to make…”We remain active investors in the sports industry. We love the beautiful game. The potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma. Sean Dyche forced to bring list of injured Everton stars to press conference with only three of starting XI available “If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions. “Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished. “Our goal is clear – to see AS Roma consistently compete at the highest levels of European football.”To our incredible fans, we acknowledge the immense responsibility we bear in leading this historic club. Your unwavering loyalty fuels us as we continue building for the future. Dan and Ryan Friedkin Roma statement in fullFootball is admired around the world as the beautiful game. Each match is filled with passion, excitement and unpredictability – and that’s why we love it.But beyond the results on the pitch, our responsibility as club owners is to make big decisions that we believe are in the best interest of the club, even when they are very difficult to make.The transfer signings this summer marked the beginning of a strategic multi-year project designed to bring AS Roma back to the forefront of European football. As part of this vision, the development of a new stadium, which will honor the club’s deep history, is well underway.Let us say this; we have the utmost respect for Daniele and believe he will have a great career as a coach. Maybe even one day back at Roma. The decision to part ways with him was incredibly difficult, but we made it with the belief that it gives us the best opportunity to compete for trophies this season.We remain active investors in the sports industry. We love the beautiful game. The potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma. If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions. Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished. Our goal is clear – to see AS Roma consistently compete at the highest levels of European football.To our incredible fans, we acknowledge the immense responsibility we bear in leading this historic club. Your unwavering loyalty fuels us as we continue building for the future. We value your voices and want you to know — we hear you. You are the soul of this club, and we are determined to make you proud.Forza Roma.Dan and Ryan Friedkin”We value your voices and want you to know — we hear you. You are the soul of this club, and we are determined to make you proud. Forza Roma.”According to Forbes, CEO of the Friedkin Group, Dan, is worth $7.6billion (£6.4bn).The agreement to buy Everton, of course, remains subject to approval from the Premier League, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Football Association.That process may take up to eight weeks to complete.READ MORE SUN STORIESEverton’s debt currently stands at around £600m, something TFG will look to address.The incoming new owners will also be overseeing the grand opening of the Merseysiders’ new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.They will oversee the opening of the Bramley-Moore Dock at the start of next seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Former Man Utd star Scott McTominay ‘under observation’ over his diet after Napoli transfer

    FORMER Manchester United star Scott McTominay is “under observation” over his diet at Napoli, according to reports in Italy.The 26-year-old midfielder left Old Trafford after 22 years to join the Serie A side for £25m this summer.Napoli are closely monitoring Scott McTominay’s dietThe Scot joined from Manchester United this summerNapoli have pledged to take extra care of McTominay’s nutrition, according to Italian news outlet Il Mattino.The reports states that boss Antonio Conte has specific staff to monitor the diet of certain players.And McTominay, who was among the fittest at United, has received special attention after arriving last month.Napoli want to make sure that he avoids the temptations of the Neapolitan culinary luxuries including pizza, pasta and dairy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMcTominay left Carrington in tip-top shape and regularly shared pictures of his ripped abs on Instagram.He often placed high in United’s fittest tests and worked out in special pre-season training camps after Euro 2024.Former United team-mate and current Fulham star Andreas Pereira even coined a brilliant nickname for him – “The McTerminator”.McTominay impressed in his full debut in a goalless against Juventus, with Napoli sitting second in the Serie A.Most read in FootballMcTominay trained hard over the summerHe regularly posted pictures of his ripped physique on InstagramHe even posed with his eight-pack alongside a pal after CovidFans noted that the Scotland international put in a typically determined and hardworking performance.While media outlet Calcio Mercato wrote he was Napoli’s “next idol”, comparing him to the likes of Diego Maradona and Edinson Cavani.Man Utd fans sob ‘don’t make me cry’ as Scott McTominay gets emotional after he’s given parting gift by supporterHe scored ten goals for United in his final season with his boyhood club, with seven of them coming at crucial times in the Prem.Conte also brought in Billy Gilmour, Romelu Lukaku, David Neres and Leonardo Spinazzola.McTominay’s sale will go down as “pure profit” as he graduated from United’s academy in 2017, with Erik Ten Hag admitting he didn’t want to sell him.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More

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    Ex-Tottenham target suffers sickening leg break and is rushed to hospital for surgery as rival fans clap him off pitch

    GENOA star Ruslan Malinovskyi was rushed to hospital for an emergency operation after suffering a horror ankle break.Malinovskyi, 31, started for Alberto Gilardino’s side in the 2-0 loss to Venezia at the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium.Malinovskyi broke his ankle in a match against VeneziaCredit: RexGenoa star Ruslan Malinovskyi suffered a horror injuryCredit: RexMalinovskyi’s injury left the entire stadium in a state of shockCredit: EPAAnd the playmaker went down with a shocking leg break in the 50th minute.The Ukraine international’s team-mates and the Venezia players were left in a state of shock while the Genoa physios rushed on to the pitch.The Genoa star received a warm applause from both sets of fans as he was stretchered off on Saturday.Malinovskyi was rushed to hospital as he dislocated the joint and fractured the fibula of his right ankle.Read More on FootballThankfully the operation went very well and the attacking midfielder shared a picture of himself giving the thumbs up from his hospital bed.Genoa tweeted on Sunday: “Player Ruslan Malinovskyi underwent surgery on his right ankle this morning. “The operation, performed by Prof. Federico Santolini and his team, was a complete success. “The player is doing well and will begin rehabilitation at the Club’s facilities in the coming days.”Most read in FootballMalinovskyi used to be a top target for Tottenham as former manager Antonio Conte was keen to sign him in 2022.Spurs were said to have made contact with Atalanta, when he used to play in Bergamo.Premier League managers’ salaries revealed Nottingham Forest and West Ham were also keeping tabs on the Ukrainian.However, a Premier League move never materialised and Malinovskyi instead went to Marseille on loan in 2023.The versatile midfielder’s move to L’OM became permanent a few months later but ultimately joined Genoa.The ex-Shakhtar Donetsk star has amassed a total of four goals and three assists in 36 appearances with the Serie A side.Malinovskyi received a warm ovation from both sets of fans as he was stretchered offCredit: EPA More