As the domestic campaign gets underway this weekend in France, projected 2023 top draft pick and teenage center Victor Wembanyama spoke with understandable caution about preferring team fit as well as a favourable environment rather than just being the No. 1 selection. Zion Williamson’s strength-and-conditioning coach provided an encouraging endorsement, Robert Williams III (knee) will miss the start of the season and more besides. Read the round-up here. Continue reading
Tag: Italy
U19 Euros: After flawless group stage campaign, tougher tests now await English teens
Ian Foster’s men topped Group B with three wins, seven goals scored and none conceded – finishing with a 1-0 victory over second-placed Israel on Saturday evening. Up next for them is the Italians on Tuesday afternoon in the tournament’s semi-finals, but will they hold firm again? Continue reading
Gareth Southgate’s contract extension felt inevitable, but is no less divisive
Gareth Southgate’s two-year extension announcement means, if all goes well, he’ll remain England manager until December 2024 – occupying the position for more than eight years, being their longest head coach since Bobby Robson. They’ve progressed considerably under his guidance and yet there remains an unwavering feeling he’s taken them as far as he can. Continue reading
Spain 1-2 France: Les Bleus seal Nations League title the hard way after nailbiting finish
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
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.
Continue reading
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and Serena Williams, America’s prodigious teenager Coco Gauff and first-time Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini have withdrawn from this year’s rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.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.
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
Mo and Sports 