Serie A

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Arsenal and Real Madrid transfer target Rasmus Hojlund, who is called the ‘next Haaland’ and stars for Atalanta

      by

      IN Serie A this season a powerhouse of a 20-year-old has taken the league by storm.A great Dane, if ever there was one, Rasmus Hojlund has left defenders quaking in their boots with his frightening combination of strength and electric pace.
      Rasmus Hojlund has been tearing up Serie A this campaignCredit: Rex
      Powerful Hojlund stands at 6ft4in and can run the 100m in under 11 secondsCredit: Rex
      The 6ft4in forward, who has been likened to Erling Haaland, has scored seven goals in his debut campaign for Atalanta, following a £15million summer move from Austria’s Sturm Graz.
      Naturally, he is now being linked with Europe’s top club – the latest being Arsenal and Real Madrid, who are keeping tabs on the youngster.
      And he isn’t the first footballing Hojlund in his family.
      Family affair
      Football is most certainly in the Hojlunds’ blood.
      read more football news
      Dad Anders was a journeyman forward in Denmark, but was never capped by his country.
      And brothers Oscar and Emil are coming through the ranks at FC Copenhagen.
      But it’s the senior son, Rasmus, who is rising first and rising fast.
      Like his siblings, the wonderkid began at FC Copenhagen – making his debut in 2020.
      Most read in Football
      In the 2021-22 season, he exploded on to the scene – scoring five goals during the Danish side’s Europa Conference League campaign.
      That convinced Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz to pay around £1.5million for him in January 2022.
      He hit the ground running and scored six times in 13 games.
      Hojlund began this season in Austria, scoring a further six goals in eight games before Atalanta made the plunge to bring him to Italy.
      He had been with Graz just seven months before La Dea paid a staggering £15million to sign him.
      It’s an investment that will surely pay dividends in the future.
      Hojlund made his name at FC CopenhagenCredit: Getty
      Brothers Oscar, left, and Emil, right, are coming through the ranks at FC Copenhagen
      Making his name
      Hojlund got off to a flier again – scoring against Monza just nine days after joining the club.
      Former Italy international Antonio Cassano sweepingly put him in the same sentence as Man City ace Erling Haaland.
      “If you think about who he resembles, Haaland quickly comes to mind, but I like Hojlund and I don’t like Haaland”, Cassano stated.
      His legendary manager Gian Piero Gasperini also praised the talent, as well as his incredible speed.
      “The characteristics are very similar, especially in accelerations,” Gasperini said.
      “He is a very fast player, he does the 100 meters in less than 11 seconds.
      Hojlund has been compared to Man City star Erling HaalandCredit: Rex
      Blessed with a low centre of gravity, Hojlund has been capped by Denmark twice
      “For his height, he has a low centre of gravity and an incredible stride frequency.
      “I’m convinced he will have a great career. Technically, he always shows different and better things”.
      Investment for the future
      As a selling club, Atalanta know Hojlund will have to go if the right price is offered.
      And with clubs with plenty of financial muscle already circling around the Gewiss Stadium, it’s inevitable he will move on again.
      A fee of £40million has been suggested in the Italian media, and Atalanta see Hojlund as an investment who will pay off in the near future.
      “More than a gamble, Hojlund is a great investment that the club very much wants,”  Tony D’Amico, sporting director for the club, explained.
      “Few players from 2003 have this amount of playing time in Italy.
      “He has great room for improvement and, with Gasperini, he can become very strong.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Hojlund celebrates after scoring against Lazio earlier in February
      With his current contract running until 2027, that puts Atalanta in the driving seat to demand a huge transfer fee.
      Expect to hear much more from the two-cap Denmark star before the end of the season. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sampdoria receive PIG’S HEAD and death threats a month after bullet was delivered to club amid fan unrest

      by

      DEATH threats and a pig’s head were reportedly sent to Sampdoria with the club struggling in Serie A.Fans have become irate with the team as Sampdoria have picked up just two wins in 23 league games.
      A pig’s head and death threats were sent to Sampdoria headquartersCredit: Getty
      Club owner Massimo Ferrero was the target of a death threatCredit: Getty
      And now a pig’s head and a threatening letter have been sent to the club’s headquarters, according to Corriere dello Sport.
      The items were addressed to Sampdoria owner Massimo Ferrero and board member Antonio Romei.
      And a message reportedly warned: “The next heads will be yours.”
      Police were called and are now investigating the incident along with DIGOS, an anti-terrorism unit.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The report claims a bomb squad arrived on scene to open the package, and Sampdoria have released a statement amid growing tensions with the fans.
      It reads: “Sampdoria express profound disgust and indignation when faced with the latest serious act of intimidation that occurred this morning outside the club headquarters in piazza Borgo Pila.
      “The club underlines that any attack on a member of the board of directors represents an attack on all its components, their work and the abnegation with which they have approached this important role.
      “Since the start, the board of directors has operated with cohesion, unity and independence with the only aim of ensuring the continuation of Sampdoria as a club and sporting entity, awaiting the transition to new owners.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “In this direction, the work of vice-president Antonio Romei has been fundamental and the board of directors hopes to continue sharing with him this delicate phase in the life of the club.”
      Last month a blank bullet was sent to headquarters in Corte Lambruschini along with a letter that read: “This time it is blank, the next time it will be real.”
      Owner Ferrero claims he has received four bullets in the last three years despite actively trying to sell the club.
      Ferrero was forced to step down as president in 2021 after his arrest for fraudulent bankruptcy with regards to his other businesses.
      Supporters have also stated former owners, the Garrone-Mondini family, will be “primarily responsible” if the club falls apart.
      Fans released a statement which read: “It doesn’t work like this. We have the clear feeling that you are trying to unload the barrel.
      “Do you really think you can get away with this? Blaming Ferrero and the board of directors?
      “You, the Garrone-Mondini family, are the first guilty of this havoc.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Ferrero? You were the ones who welcomed him with great pomp by handing him the keys to the company.
      “If Sampdoria disappear, you, the Garrone-Mondini family, will be primarily responsible.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Watch and admire’ – Angel Di Maria scores stunning curled goal for Juventus that leaves TV viewers gobsmacked

      by

      ANGEL DI MARIA scored a stunner for Juventus as the Italian side fought their way through the Europa League knockouts. It was looking like a tricky night for the Old Lady after last week’s first leg draw at home against Nantes.

      Angel Di Maria is no stranger to a good strike but his left-footed effort against Nantes was still mind-blowingCredit: Getty
      Di Maria now has seven goals in all competitions this seasonCredit: Rex
      But Di Maria hit a hat-trick to see his club sail through 3-0 and put their domestic issues to one side.
      It was the first goal of the 35-year-old’s brilliant night that got football fans off their seats as they watched the early game on BT Sport.
      With the game barely four minutes old, the energetic Nicolo Fagioli picked up the ball in midfield.
      Evading tackles from opposition midfielders, he lay a pass on to the feet of Di Maria.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Argentine did not look to be in a particularly good shooting position and defenders were closing him down quickly.
      But nothing could stop his moment of magic as he lifted the ball with his left boot and whipped it with precision into the top corner.
      Fans were left stunned at the jaw-dropping effort.
      One person wrote: “One for the 2023 best goals thread.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Another said: “This Di Maria goal is so good, it almost looks computer animated.”
      And another said: “Puskas award goes to Di Maria.”
      The goal settled the nerves and things would get even better for Juve when Nicolas Pallois was sent off after 17 minutes.
      The French side never looked like getting back into it and Di Maria would strike again in the 20th minute before sealing a hat-trick from the spot in the second-half.
      He now has seven goals in all competitions for a Juventus side that can focus on Europe after a points penalty for alleged transfer irregularities left their Serie A campaign in tatters. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Micah Richards reveals incredible hidden talent live on TV leaving pundits in stitches – but is all as it seems?

      by

      MICAH RICHARDS translated Romelu Lukaku’s post-match interview from Italian into English live on TV as the pundit revealed a hidden talent.Lukaku, 29, hasn’t had the best of times at the San Siro since returning on loan following a disastrous second spell at Chelsea.

      Micah Richards live translated Romelu Lukaku’s post-match Italian interviewCredit: CBS
      Richards left fellow pundits in stitches – but fans say the ex-defender got the gist of what Lukaku was sayingCredit: CBS
      The striker has just four goals across all competitions this season but netted in the 86th minute against 10-man Porto as Inter Milan won the first-leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie 1-0.
      After the game, Lukaku gave a post-match interview to speak about his winning moment and CBS footie presenter, Kate Abdo, put pundit Richards on the spot by asking him to live translate it – despite it being in Italian.
      Richards is familiar with the Italian language from his time at Fiorentina between 2014-15.
      And although not perfect, Richards got the general gist of Lukaku’s interview: Inter played great and got an important win.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Mid-translation, fellow pundit Thierry Henry – who played for Juventus in 1999 – came across and tried to look at Richards’ notes.
      Richards’ attempt at translating left Henry, Jamie Carragher and Abdo in stitches, with the latter saying the ex-defender should get a primetime slot on CBS’ Serie A show.
      As Abdo ended the show, Richards signed off saying: “A dopo, ciao (see you).”
      On the hilarious moment, one fan said on Twitter: “Why can’t UK punditry be like this?”
      Most read in Champions League
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Another tweeted: “LMAOOOOOOOO I’m in tears.”
      A third added: “He translated half of the words in Lukaku’s speech, but he understood the substance of it.
      “Not bad, considering the noise and confusion around him.”
      Richards’ attempt was unable to top Abdo’s multilingual brilliance.
      The CBS host translated French, Spanish and German back-to-back last November following Champions League fixtures.
      Abdo translated while listening to PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde of Real Madrid and RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose.
      On the same show which saw Richards showcase his Italian, Henry almost walked out of the CBS studio after being asked whether he would have played for Tottenham. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Never say never’ – Napoli chief reveals Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Victor Osimhen could leave for ‘crazy’ fee

      by

      NAPOLI’S president has admitted that star man Victor Osimhen could leave if they receive a “crazy” transfer offer.Nigerian star Osimhen, 24, has fired Napoli 15 points clear at the top of the Serie A table in their pursuit of a first title since 1990.
      Victor Osimhen continued his stunning scoring streak against Frankfurt on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      And he further strengthened his blossoming reputation and continued his scoring streak for the Italian side against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last night.
      Osimhen opened the scoring in the first half as Napoli beat 10-man Frankfurt 2-0 in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
      That took his tally to 20 goals for the campaign and will surely have seen interest in him soaring.
      Recent reports have emerged suggesting Man Utd are preparing to launch a staggering £107million transfer bid.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Such a deal would equal the current British transfer record set by Chelsea’s acquisition of Enzo Fernandez in January – with the Blues also keen to land the hitman.
      Liverpool are another club believed to be looking at launching a mega move for him.
      But Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has so far remained defiant over the possibility of a sale and wants to keep him.
      But now, when quizzed about the futures of both Osimhen and fellow star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, he has admitted that the pair could leave this summer in a huge boost to the circling Premier League clubs – but reiterated that he hopes to hold on to them both.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      De Laurentiis said: “Kvara and Osimhen? It won’t be difficult to keep our best players, we’re good with contracts — but never say never in case of crazy proposals. I think they will stay for a long time.”
      Osimhen left Lille for Napoli for £62.4m in 2020 and has scored 42 goals in 70 Serie A appearances since.
      He remains under contract until 2025 but no talks over an extension are believed to have yet taken place.
      The Red Devils lost Cristiano Ronaldo in December but brought in Wout Weghorst on-loan to bolster their forward line.
      Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in a new striker this summer for the long-term and has identified Napoli’s Osimhen as his No1 target. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League clubs dealt transfer blow as Napoli boss says ‘priceless’ wonderkid ‘not for sale’

      by

      NAPOLI have told Premier League suitors that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is “priceless”.The Italians are braced for summer bids for their star men after flying to massive 15 point lead in Serie A, as they look destined for a first league title since 1990.
      Napoli have warned Premier League clubs off of their wing sensationCredit: AFP
      While the likes of Manchester United are circling around hotshot striker Victor Osimhen, Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia has been just as important this season.
      Napoli plucked the 22-year-old from obscurity last summer in a bargain £8.8million deal from Dinamo Batumi in his homeland.
      He has since earned the nicknamed ‘Kvaradona’ – after Napoli most iconic former star Diego Maradona – after scoring 10 goals and provided 9 assists in 19 Serie A matches this season.
      This form has put some of the Premier League’s biggest teams on alert but Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has dealt interested parties a huge blow.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      He said: “Khvicha’s a fantastic player and we want to keep him, it’s not even the case to mention a specific price tag to sell him.”
      He continued: “In this moment, Kvaratskhelia is not for sale. The market hasn’t even started.”
      The winger has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest sides including Real Madrid, Manchester City and PSG.
      Cash rich Newcastle have also registered their interest in recent weeks as the race really starts to hot up.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Kvaratskhelia was part of the Napoli side that beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 on Tuesday night in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
      He missed a penalty but did provide the assist for Napoli’s second goal.
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in action for Napoli in the Champions League football against Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: Rex
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates scoring for Napoli in Serie ACredit: Rex More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Getting Harry Kane vibes’ – Arsenal fans excited as club consider huge move for 20-year-old Serie A striker

      by

      ARSENAL are plotting a transfer swoop for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports. The 20-year-old has impressed in Italy this season having joined last summer from Strum Graz in a £15million deal.
      Rasmus Hojlund has impressed this season for AtalantaCredit: Getty
      Hojlund has netted seven goals in 21 games for Atalanta this term.
      And his form has caught the attention of Arsenal, according to La Repubblica.
      However, the report claims that Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez is also a huge admirer of Hojlund.
      Real are on the lookout for Karim Benzema’s long-term successor.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The two-capped Dane has Arsenal fans excited.
      He has even been likened to Tottenham star man Harry Kane.

      One Gunners fan said: “Anyone else getting Harry Kane vibes?”
      Another tweeted: “He’s got Odegaard’s feet.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      However, some Arsenal fans are keen to stick with academy graduates Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun.
      The latter, in particular, is having a barnstorming season in Ligue 1 with Reims.
      Balogun has 15 goals in 23 league games, outscoring the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
      Hojlund has been likened to Harry KaneCredit: Alamy More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Brighton face battle to keep De Zerbi in summer with Premier League rivals and host of top European sides interested

      by

      BRIGHTON face a battle to keep a hold of manager Roberto De Zerbi, according to reports. The Brighton boss was appointed after ex-boss Graham Potter was poached by Chelsea in September.
      Roberto De Zerbi could leave Brighton less than one year after his appointmentCredit: Getty
      De Zerbi has consolidated the building blocks Potter put in place at Brighton.
      The Seagulls are currently competing for a spot in Europe, sitting in seventh in the league and level on points with Liverpool.
      The Telegraph have reported a number of top teams in Italy are interested in signing De Zerbi as they contemplate their own managerial changes.
      Roma, Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan are the teams said to be interested in bringing De Zerbi back to Italy, with the 43-year-old previously impressing in Serie A with Sassuolo and Benevento.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Furthermore, the uncertain future of Antonio Conte could see Tottenham make a swoop for him.
      Reports in Italy suggest De Zerbi has an £11.5million buyout clause in his deal at the Amex Stadium.
      The reports also claim he was left unhappy at being able to sign any new players in January in order to boost Brighton’s European hopes.
      Instead, the window was spent trying to retain some big talents.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Brighton repeatedly rejected Arsenal approaches for Moises Caicedo, while World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister also courted interest from some big hitters, including Tottenham and Chelsea.
      De Zerbi is desperate to give Brighton a first-ever taste of European football.
      As those hopes took a dent following a 1-0 defeat against Fulham last weekend, De Zerbi lost his temper and was sent off in the tunnel following the game. More