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      Mexico cult hero Guillermo Ochoa set for move to Europe on free transfer after World Cup heroics

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      MEXICO hero Gulliermo Ochoa looks set to move to Italian side Salernitana, according to reports.The 37-year-old has risen to fame over the years featuring at five World Cups for his country.
      Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is a World Cup cult heroCredit: EPA
      Ochoa currently plays in his homeland with Club America, but he looks set for a January transfer as his contract expires at the end of 2022.
      The goalkeeper has played 424 times for the Mexican side across two spells lasting a total of 12 seasons.
      Reports from Sky Sports claim that Ochoa is ready to move back to Europe and join Salernitana.
      He is set to sign a short-term contract at I Granata that will run until the end of this season.
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      Salernitana are in their second successive season in Serie A after narrowly avoiding relegation last year by one point.
      The team are performing much better this campaign and currently sit in 12th place in the table.
      Ochoa will compete with fellow stopper Luigi Sepe for a spot in the starting XI.
      It will not be Ochoa’s first time in Europe having played for the likes of French side Ajaccio and Spanish duo Malaga and Granada.
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      He is one of the most experienced keepers around having been capped 134 times by the Mexico national team.
      He announced himself at a World Cup in 2014 when he kept out host nation Brazil to secure a memorable clean sheet.
      He also kept a clean sheet in 2018 against then world champions Germany, making a total of nine saves and after was named man of the match.
      Ochoa, who has amassed 11 World Cup appearances, saved Robert Lewandowski’s penalty in the 0-0 draw with Poland in Qatar but they did not make it out the group stage. More

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      Watch Roma star Bryan Cristante taunt Tammy Abraham with hilarious reaction after he blazes free-kick over bar

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      ROMA star Bryan Cristante taunted Tammy Abraham with a hilarious reaction after the striker’s dreadful free-kick. Jose Mourinho’s side were in action against Portuguese club Casa Pia in a friendly as teams around Europe gear up for the return of club football.
      Abraham attempted an audacious long-range free-kick attempt in Roma’s latest friendlyCredit: Twitter @Planeta_Roma
      Tammy Abraham’s Roma team-mate Bryan Cristante teased the England star that his shot was only narrowly over the bar
      Bryan Cristante was quickly on the scene to make fun of AbrahamCredit: Twitter @Planeta_Roma
      😅 Tammy Abraham y Bryan Cristante nos dejaron una de las imágenes del partido.Así reaccionó el centrocampista italiano al lanzamiento directo del inglés. pic.twitter.com/ta0zydY9Vs— Planeta Roma 🎙 (@Planeta_Roma) December 19, 2022

      Stephan El Shaarawy’s first-half goal gave the Italian side the lead and Abraham sensed the opportunity to grab a second deep in stoppage time.
      The former Chelsea forward was presumably eyeing the top corner as he lined up a free-kick from just short of 30 yards out.
      But he then proceeded to blast it high over the bar with a rugby-style effort.
      Abraham had to stifle a smile as even he found humour in his shocking attempt.
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      Meanwhile his teammate Cristante came into view, holding his thumb and forefinger together in the ‘so close’ gesture.
      An amused Abraham then embraces his teammate.
      Fans were loving the brief but hilarious exchange between the Roma teammates.
      One person on Twitter said: “Cristante reaction is all of us.”
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      Another added of Abraham: “Jose’s ‘park the bus’ mentality got to his head. Man made a clearance from inside the oppositions half.”
      While another said: “I was screaming at the TV when I saw him standing over it.”
      Although free-kicks do not appear to be his strong point, Abraham has proven himself to be a more than capable goalscorer in Italy.
      He netted 17 goals in the league last season and contributed in Europe as the Italian club claimed the inaugural Europa Conference League.
      After taking the mick out of the striker, midfielder Bryan Cristante offered a consoling hugCredit: Twitter @Planeta_Roma
      The 25-year-old’s struggles in front of goal this season was the reason Gareth Southgate cited for his exclusion from the England squad.
      Abraham had only scored three league goals before domestic football’s break.
      Despite his form and the club’s inconsistent results, Roma are only three points off a Champions League spot in Serie A.
      They return to league action on January 4 against Bologna. More

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      Napoli show off amazing Christmas kit featuring huge Rudolph on iconic Blue shirt as they lock antlers with Villarreal

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      KIT’S a wonderful life! Napoli donned an incredible Christmas shirt including a huge Rudolph as they locked antlers with Villarreal for a friendly.
      Victor Osimhen gets into the spirit of it as he celebrates his goal for NapoliCredit: Rex
      Napoli’s Germany midfielder Diego Demme puts on a turn for XmasCredit: Rex
      Alessio Zerbin looks like he could give Rudolph and the other reindeer a good run for their money in terms of athleticismCredit: Rex
      And in keeping with the seasonal twist on their iconic blue top, the Serie A leaders handed over three gifts to the Spaniards.
      Villarreal won the warm-up match 3-2 ahead of the Xmas return of the domestic season following the World Cup.
      Napoli did avoid a stuffing – surely helped by Rudolph giving the visitors the eyes.
      But despite being eight points clear in the Italian top flight, Luciano Spalletti’s men might need to tighten up to keep AC Milan and Juventus at bay.
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      Next come Lazio, and there’s even a chance of an Inter Wonderland as Simone Inzaghi’s side are ‘only’ 11 points off Napoli in fifth place.
      Had this been a competitive game it would have been more of a shocking thriller than a stocking filler as Napoli looked sleepy and dopey at the back.
      And in fact Villarreal began the action much the stronger.
      Etienne Capoue pounced on a rebound following a poor clearance for the opener.
      FOOTBALLERS’ CHRISTMAS XIYULE be sorry if this seasonal dream team never unites.
      As-myrrh BegovicBen White ChristmasBukayo CrackerScott McHogmanay Mistletoni KroosLionel XmassyErling GarlandOlivier Gi-RudolphSnow SalahAndy CarolDanny Trimm-Ings
      Manager:Holly Gunnar Sole Star

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      Napoli striker Victor Osimhen – previously linked with Manchester United – soon beat the offside trap to thump an equaliser.
      But Villarreal could easily have restored the lead before striking twice.
      Nicolas Jackson surged away from Giovanni Di Lorenzo for a stunning top-corner finish.
      And Gerard Moreno instantly ran clear to make it 3-1 following a dreadful pass from Diego Demme
      Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – another player linked with a Premier League move – bagged a consolation for Napoli from a penalty won by Alessio Zerbin.
      And at least the Italians won the contest for festive footie fashion as they could hardly be accused of being Rudolph the tame gear.
      More importantly, there was a respectful minute’s silence before kick-off for Serie A legend Sinisa Mihajlovic.
      The Serbian, who died on Friday aged 53, was a playing hero for Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio and Inter Milan before managing AC Milan, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Torino and Bologna. More

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      Newcastle make £50m Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia major transfer target as Real Madrid and PSG monitor Georgian ace

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      NEWCASTLE have identified Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a major transfer target, according to reports. Kvaratskhelia, 21, has been lighting up the Serie A and the Champions League with Napoli.
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a star for Napoli this seasonCredit: AFP
      He caused nightmares for Liverpool’s defence in the 4-1 loss to NapoliCredit: Getty
      The winger has eight goals and 10 assists in 17 games for the Italian giants this season.
      And following his good form he has now gained the attention of financial powerhouses Newcastle.
      The Toon are on the lookout for ways to improve their team, and have already landed major talent on the continent such as Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes.
      Kvaratskhelia is the latest star identified to improve their team.
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      The Times report Newcastle sent scouts to watch the Georgian prior to the World Cup.
      Their findings have determined the Magpies will make him one of their primary targets in the next two transfer windows.
      The report suggests Kvaratskhelia, affectionately nicknamed “Kravadona” by Napoli fans in reference to club legend Diego Maradona, is rated in the region of £50million.
      This represents a big profit line for Napoli considering their investment of just £10m in acquiring him from Dinamo Batumi last summer.
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      However, Newcastle will face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, with the pair also monitoring him.
      Kvaratskhelia represents a new breed of winger which is both technically brilliant and physically imposing – with Manchester United transfer target Cody Gakpo another example.
      He stands at 6ft tall, is quick, and has footwork not too unlike his Argentian namesake.
      Indeed, his dangerous exploits were made painfully aware to Liverpool in the Champions League as he starred in the 4-1 demolition of Jurgen Klopp’s side in September. More

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      Sinisa Mihajlovic dead aged 53: Inter Milan, Lazio and Yugoslavia World Cup legend passes away after long cancer battle

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      SERBIAN football legend Sinisa Mihajlovic has died aged 53.The 63-cap Yugoslavia international, who was manager of Serie A side Bologna until September, had been suffering from cancer.
      Sinisa Mihajlovic has died aged 53Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Mihajlovic represented Yugoslavia at the 1998 World CupCredit: Reuters
      Mihajlovic, pictured here with Lazio, spent much of his club career in ItalyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Mihajlovic announced he had been diagnosed with cancer in 2019 while manager of BolognaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mihajlovic, who was first diagnosed with Leukemia in 2019, confirmed in March that he was undergoing a fresh round of treatment.
      As a player Mihajlovic represented Yugoslavia at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
      He spent much of his club career in Italy, playing for Inter Milan, Lazio, Roma and Sampdoria, as well as Red Star Belgrade and Vojvodina in his native Serbia.
      Tributes have poured in following news of his death, with Serie A describing Mihajlovic as “an icon of football and life” in an emotional statement.
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      It said: “Serie A is deeply saddened by the passing of Sinisa Mihajlovic, an icon of football and life.
      “His pure class as a footballer and coach, his strength and his humanity are an example that leaves an indelible mark on Italian and world football.”
      Mihajlovic went into coaching after hanging up his boots, which included a year in charge of Serbia.
      He also had spells with the likes of AC Milan, Fiorentina, and Torino.
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      In 2018 he signed a three-year deal to manage Sporting Lisbon but was sacked just after just nine days when the club changed presidents.
      In 2019, while boss of Bologna, Mihajlovic announced that he had been diagnosed with an acute form of Leukemia.
      He kept his role while he battled the illness, before he was sacked in September of this year.
      Bologna wrote on Twitter following the news of his death: “Goodbye, Mister, you will forever be in our hearts.”
      While former club Lazio, who Mihajlovic spent six years playing for, wrote: “SS Lazio mourns the passing of Sinisa Mihajlovic: a great Lazio man, a warrior on the pitch and in life.
      “His courage on the pitch was second only to that shown in the face of a serious illness, which never weakened him spirit and temper. 
      “An indelible trace in the history of Lazio will remain of this fighter with a big heart, not only for having been Champion of Italy, but for the message of hope in the face of the difficulties that he was able to represent up to the last moment of his life.
      “We will remember him as he deserves, with the infinite embrace of his team and his people. Our deepest condolences to the family.”
      In April emotional footage showed the moment he was paid a surprise visit by his players while undergoing treatment in hospital.
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      Known for his set-piece taking ability, Mihajlovic scored a free-kick for Yugoslavia against Iran at France ’98.
      At club level he won Serie A twice, once with Lazio and once with Inter, as well as the European Cup with Red Star Belgrade in 1991.
      Mihajlovic played for, and managed, a number of different Serie A clubsCredit: Getty More

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      Italy legend Marco Materazzi says he gave Mario Balotelli ‘a good beating’ after ex-team-mate’s Champions League shocker

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      MARCO MATERAZZI once handed out “a good beating” to then Inter Milan team-mate Mario Balotelli after the Champions League semi-final in 2010.The pair were playing under Jose Mourinho and had just beaten Barcelona 3-1 at the San Siro in the first leg of their semi-final tie.
      Fiery Italian and Inter Milan duo Mario Balotelli (left) and Marco Materazzi had it out in 2010 after the former’s Champions League antics
      However, the game is often remembered for Balotelli’s petulance at the full-time whistle after his lacklustre display off the bench.
      Balotelli, only 19 at the time, threw down his shirt at the end of the 90 minutes causing uproar among the Inter faithful and much to the displeasure of no-nonsense Italian defender Materazzi.
      On Instagram live, Materazzi recalled: “I gave him a good beating, it’s true. I love Mario, but he really deserved it that day.
      “We’ve become friends again now, practically brothers, but he did something that day that he really should not have done. Throwing his shirt to the ground after the final whistle wasn’t even the worst of it.
      “Before the game, on the team bus, he told us: ‘Today I’m going to play badly,’ so I promised to make him pay if he did.
      “When he came off the bench, he tried a shot from midfield rather than going on the counter. Diego Milito wanted to kill him.
      “We believed in Mario, he scored many goals and contributed to the victory, but a week after that, I asked Mourinho to put me against Balotelli in the training ground games between ranks.
      “After a few seconds, I’d sent him back to the dressing room.”
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      Inter Milan’s striker Mario Balotelli chucked his shirt to the floor on his way off the pitch against Barcelona
      The unorthodox relationship between team-mates clearly did no damage to Inter as they went on to win the treble that season, including a 2-0 Champions League final triumph over Bayern Munich in Madrid.
      Materazzi’s disciplining of Balotelli may have made him seem like a father figure to the precocious young talent.
      But the defensive ace – infamous for being on the receiving end of Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt during Italy’s 2006 World Cup final victory – reserved special praise for Balotelli’s own father.
      He said: “I really loved his father, as after a game with Rubin Kazan he told Mario: ‘I didn’t like your performance, you have to play more for your team-mates. And stop going around with girls!’
      “What an idol.”
      Since his spell with Inter, Balotelli has gone on to play for Manchester City, Milan, Liverpool, Nice, Marseille, Brescia and Monza.
      In July 2021 he made a shock transfer to Turkish Super Lig side Adana Demirspor.
      Over the past year he has racked up an impressive goal tally, netting 19 times in 34 appearances for the Turkish side. More

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      Pablo Mari back in Monza training for first time since on-loan Arsenal star was stabbed in horrific Milan knife attack

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      PABLO MARI is back in training with Monza for the first time since being stabbed in a horror knife attack.One person was killed and five injured after a knifeman went on a rampage in a Milan shopping centre in October.
      Pablo Mari has returned to Monza training after being stabbed in OctoberCredit: EPA
      One person was killed by a knifeman in a frenzied attack in a Milan shopping centreCredit: Reuters
      Mari, who was saved by Napoli icon Massimo Tarantino, was airlifted to hospital after being stabbed in the back.
      And the Arsenal loanee, 29, underwent surgery the following day to repair muscles damaged in the incident.
      Mari, who was ruled out for two months, paid a surprise visit to a Monza game earlier this month.
      And he has made excellent progress in his recovery by joining in training on Wednesday.
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      Mari gave Monza pals a boost as he joined in team exercises while also completing individual work.
      The Brazilian had already made a good impact at his new side before the stabbing, scoring once in eight Serie A games.
      Monza boss Raffaele Palladino is unlikely to count his chickens just yet.
      But the Italians minnows are quietly confident Mari could be available for their league return against Fiorentina on January 4.
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      It would certainly be an amazing sight for football fans everywhere.
      And Mari admits he’s been counting his blessings ever since the horrific event.
      Speaking at the time, he said: “I was with the trolley with my child inside and I felt an excruciating pain in my back.
      “Then that man stabbed another in the throat. Today I had luck, because I saw a person die in front of me.” More

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      Chelsea on alert as Juventus ‘open to letting Serbia World Cup star Dusan Vlahovic leave in shock transfer in January’

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      JUVENTUS could let Dusan Vlahovic leave next year amid interest from Chelsea, according to reports.The striker signed for the Serie A giants last January in a £62million move from Fiorentina.
      Dusan Vlahovic has managed six goals in Serie A this season
      Juventus are prepared to let Dusan Vlahovic leaveCredit: Getty
      He has been in good goalscoring form for the Old Lady with 16 goals in 36 games.
      But Juventus are prepared to let Vlahovic leave amid record losses at the club over the last three years.
      The Serbia international, 22, could even leave when the January transfer window opens, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
      He adds that several top European clubs are interested in Vlahovic and are in touch with his agent.
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      Chelsea are included in that group but Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked.
      The Gunners tried to land Vlahovic last year before he signed for Juventus.
      And with Gabriel Jesus out injured for up to three months it is possible the Premier League leaders will try to lure Vlahovic to North London.
      Graham Potter’s Blues might go for him as they continue to look for an option to fill the Romelu Lukaku-shaped hole in their side left by the Belgium striker’s return on loan to Inter Milan.
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      Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, according to Il Bianconero.
      Liverpool have also been linked to the striker in a possible swap deal that would see Ibrahima Konate head to Turin. More