World champions France recovered from another deficit, for the second time in four days, to be crowned the 2021 UEFA Nations League champions with a 2-1 win over Euro 2020 semi-finalists Spain. Just like their comeback win over Belgium, goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe saw them storm ahead in a frenetic second-half packed with chances for both sides. Continue reading
Tag: Italy
Belgium 2-3 France: Benzema, Mbappe key as Les Bleus earn second-half comeback win
In a week where he addressed the Real Madrid rumours and mother Fayza provided an update on her son’s future, Kylian Mbappe produced his best display since May to help propel France into the UEFA Nations League Final, where they play Euro 2020 semi-finalists Spain on Sunday.
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Tokyo Olympics update: Gauff, Berrettini withdraw with COVID and injury issues
In a field weakened by notable absences including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Simona Halep and Serena Williams, America’s prodigious teenager Coco Gauff and first-time Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini have withdrawn from this year’s rescheduled Tokyo Olympics. Gauff tested positive for COVID-19, while Berrettini has been struggling with a lingering thigh injury. Continue reading
PSG move caps a summer Gianluigi Donnarumma will never forget
After saving two penalties to help Italy clinch Euro 2020 on Sunday, highly-rated goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is a free agent no longer: having agreed terms on a five-year deal to join Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain. Unveiled as their fifth summer acquisition yesterday, the 22-year-old made a bold but brave move likely to age well in a few years’ time. Continue reading
Talking points and compelling storylines to watch, as Italian football set to return
The 2019-20 Serie A campaign resumes this weekend, with almost one-third of the season still to complete. There are plenty of storylines which need closure, from Juventus’ toughest title race in years to the chase for European qualification. Continue reading
Everton close to £36m deal for Juventus wonderkid Moise Kean
Everton are close to confirming a massive coup this summer, with Juventus’ teenage wonderkid Moise Kean set to compete a £36m (£27.5m initial, £9m add-ons) move this weekend.
Super agent Mino Raiola suspended for three months with worldwide effect
Super agent Mino Raiola, who represents some of the world’s best players – including Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt – has been handed a three-month suspension by the Italian FA. FIFA have since extended his ban worldwide, effective immediately and it will end after the English summer transfer window closes.
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Report: Tottenham’s Mousa Dembélé approaches Juventus, eager for 2019 move
According to recent reports, Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembélé has approached Serie A champions Juventus as he looks to secure his long-term future away from England. Continue reading
Mario Balotelli to remain at Nice for another season, despite desire to leave
The 28-year-old Italian, who has impressed during his spell at Nice, is set to remain in Ligue 1 for at least another league campaign – despite previously stating the desire to leave and seek pastures new.
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England are through Group G, but can Three Lions roar in knockout rounds?
England, for all the quality within their ranks, have been consistent underachievers on the international stage. Despite this though, there is a surge in belief across the country. The Three Lions are finally starting to justify their hype. Led by a manager in Gareth Southgate who is providing them opportunities to play freely, they have responded by becoming a collective unit.
Analysis: Carlo Ancelotti as a player
Prior to his side’s 2-0 away defeat at the hands of Hoffenheim this past weekend, a fact about Carlo Ancelotti and his opposite number Julian Nagelsmann was shared on social media. The Italian, who was 28 at the time, had just sealed a move to AC Milan in the same month that Nagelsmann was born. Continue reading
Italy vs Spain Preview: Battle of European heavyweights in Paris
After both sides suffered narrow defeats in their final Group game respectively, they’re set to go head-to-head for a place in the quarter-finals on Monday afternoon in Paris. Who will prevail and who’ll tumble out of the competition?
Going into the tournament, there was an element of doubt as to whether Italy and Spain would show their quality or falter on the big stage – something that has happened in recent international competitions.
Following the first two group games, both teams had six points each. So, after defeats against Republic of Ireland and Croatia respectively in their final group encounters, they find themselves in a tricky situation: battling against each other with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.
