Category: Frontpage

Milan’s Scudetto celebrations may force Inter fans out of San Siro

May 9, 2022

Should Milan win the Serie A title, Inter fans may be forced to quickly leave the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza after their match against Sampdoria to make space for the Rossoneri’s celebrations.

La Gazzetta dello Sport details how Lega Serie A hoped to bring forward Sassuolo-Milan and Inter-Sampdoria to Saturday May 21 at 15:00 local time, allowing for the official celebrations to take place the following day at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, regardless of the results.

This plan has collapsed, however, due to a big concert organised by Radio Italia in Piazza Duomo in Milan on Saturday. Obviously there would be significant policing and public order problems should a Milanese team win the title whilst the concert is taking place in such a public area, so the matches will have to be played on Sunday.

It’s likely that the two matches will kick off at 15:00 on the Sunday, but this could pose a problem. Should Inter win the title, there would be no issue as they’re already playing at home, but things get a little bit complicated if Milan secure the Scudetto.

The Meazza would have to be emptied of Nerazzurri fans in order to allow the Rossoneri fans the space to celebrate. Everything would be quickly transformed from Inter branding to Milan, something that precedent proves feasible.

Back in 2008, Inter celebrated their Scudetto on May 18 at the Meazza after beating Parma away in the afternoon. The stadium had hosted Milan-Udinese that afternoon and everything was quickly turned around ahead of the party.

Updates regarding this plan are expected in the coming days and contacts between the clubs and the police are constantly ongoing.

‘Leader’ Tonali hits ‘extraterrestrial levels’ in Milan victory

May 9, 2022

Sandro Tonali was the standout star on his 22nd birthday, being ‘a hero’ whose brace could be worth a Scudetto for Milan.

The 22-year-old Italian midfielder was played in a more advanced position by Stefano Pioli in Milan’s Serie A clash against Hellas Verona last night, and this proved to be a wonderful decision. He shone at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi and received significant praise from the Italian press as a result.

La Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted that Tonali “gave himself an incredible birthday” with his performance, something Corriere dello Sport agreed with, adding: “On his birthday, he celebrated like a hero with a brace that reeks of the Scudetto.”

Tuttosport also lauded the former Brescia midfielder, questioning how he can impress at such a young age, “What kind of player is he, just turned 22 yesterday? We are at extraterrestrial levels. He played in a more advanced position and that’s enough for him to score 15 minutes after beating Ilic.” Corriere della Sera continued to lay good words on Tonali, calling him the “leader of this Diavolo, at just 22 years old.”

The 22-year-old Tonali has scored five goals and provided three assists in 34 Serie A appearances this season, proving himself to be a core member of Pioli’s squad in Milan.

Below are Tonali’s ratings in the Italian newspapers:

La Gazzetta dello Sport: 8

Corriere dello Sport: 8

Tuttosport: 9

Corriere della Sera: 8

‘Leader’ Tonali hits ‘extraterrestrial levels’ in Milan victory

May 9, 2022

Sandro Tonali was the standout star on his 22nd birthday, being ‘a hero’ whose brace could be worth a Scudetto for Milan.

The 22-year-old Italian midfielder was played in a more advanced position by Stefano Pioli in Milan’s Serie A clash against Hellas Verona last night, and this proved to be a wonderful decision. He shone at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi and received significant praise from the Italian press as a result.

La Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted that Tonali “gave himself an incredible birthday” with his performance, something Corriere dello Sport agreed with, adding: “On his birthday, he celebrated like a hero with a brace that reeks of the Scudetto.”

Tuttosport also lauded the former Brescia midfielder, questioning how he can impress at such a young age, “What kind of player is he, just turned 22 yesterday? We are at extraterrestrial levels. He played in a more advanced position and that’s enough for him to score 15 minutes after beating Ilic.” Corriere della Sera continued to lay good words on Tonali, calling him the “leader of this Diavolo, at just 22 years old.”

The 22-year-old Tonali has scored five goals and provided three assists in 34 Serie A appearances this season, proving himself to be a core member of Pioli’s squad in Milan.

Below are Tonali’s ratings in the Italian newspapers:

La Gazzetta dello Sport: 8

Corriere dello Sport: 8

Tuttosport: 9

Corriere della Sera: 8

Serie A | Venezia 4-3 Bologna: Lagunari postpone relegation

May 8, 2022

Venezia postpone relegation a little longer with a dramatic 4-3 victory on the day Sinisa Mihajlovic returned to the Bologna bench from leukaemia treatment.

This was the first match with Mihajlovic back on the bench since going into hospital for leukaemia treatment six weeks ago. The Lagunari were rock bottom after 10 consecutive defeats, missing Sergio Romero, Marco Modolo and suspended Ethan Ampadu, knowing anything less than a victory would mathematically doom them.

It took just four minutes to break the deadlock with pure Route One football, as goalkeeper Niki Maenpaa booted a long ball over the top, Thomas Henry let it bounce and chipped it over on-rushing Lukasz Skorupski.

Bologna’s defending was all over the place again when Ridgeciano Haps was brought down by Skorupski for a penalty. Sofian Kiyine’s spot-kick was parried by the goalkeeper, but he was able to score on the rebound to double Venezia’s lead.

Lorenzo De Silvestri’s header was off target from a corner, while Skorupski got down to fingertip a Kiyine low drive round the post and had his gloves stung by Henry after sluggish Adama Soumaoro defending.

Musa Barrow also tested Maenpaa, but Mihajlovic hauled Arthur Theate off just 33 minutes in for a tactical switch and it proved a smart change, because Riccardo Orsolini was allowed a free header at the back post on Barrow’s cross.

Marko Arnautovic forced a couple of saves after the restart, then got the equaliser when De Silvestri steered a looping header back from the by-line for the veteran Austria international to tap in on the volley from close range.

It was all Bologna in the second half and the comeback was completed with a sensational bit of skill from Jerdy Schouten, who gathered from a corner on the edge of the area and aimed a remote-controlled right-foot curler into the far top corner.

Gary Medel clipped Mattia Aramu on the ankle for another penalty. It was certainly soft, but also late and caught him, so the VAR on-field review did not change the referee’s mind. Aramu stepped up and send Skorupski the wrong way for 3-3.

It still wasn’t over, as in stoppages Dennis Johnsen curled a fantastic finish into the far top corner after Henry’s initial attempt was parried for 4-3.

They still might go down this weekend if Salernitana beat Cagliari, but at least it’s with their first win since February, ending a run of 10 consecutive defeats.

Venezia 4-3 Bologna

Henry 4 (V), Kiyine 19 (V), Orsolini 45 (B), Arnautovic 55 (B), Schouten 68 (B), Aramu pen 77 (V), Johnsen 93 (V)

Saved penalty: Kiyine 19 (V)

Serie A Liveblog: Verona-Milan, Salernitana-Cagliari, Venezia-Bologna

May 8, 2022

Join us for all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games, Spezia–Atalanta, Venezia–Bologna, Salernitana–Cagliari and potential Scudetto decider Verona–Milan.

Week 36 already provided plenty of drama on Friday and Saturday, with Inter and Genoa completing comeback wins over Empoli and Juventus respectively, while Sampdoria lost 2-0 away to Lazio.

We begin today at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT), as Spezia are not guaranteed Serie A safety yet and host Europe-chasing Atalanta, a game between two sides who are furious with recent refereeing decisions.

At 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), expect emotional scenes as Sinisa Mihajlovic returns to the Bologna bench after leukaemia treatment when they visit rock bottom Venezia.

Relegation could well be decided at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT) at the Stadio Arechi when Salernitana and Cagliari go head-to-head.

Milan must beat Hellas Verona at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) to retain their two-point lead at the top of the Serie A table, but already lost the Scudetto twice in ‘Fatal Verona’ and face the ghosts of history.

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‘Let’s see what happens’ Ceferin threats Juve, Real Madrid and Barcelona over Super League sanctions

May 7, 2022

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin confirms that Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid could be sanctioned following their involvement in the Super League: ‘Let’s see what happens…’

The three European giants are the only ones not to have formally withdrawn from the breakaway competition that was launched one year ago by 12 elite clubs. However, it collapsed within 48 hours with a decisive push from England. Premier League clubs were the first ones to leave the competition and return to ECA, followed by Atletico Madrid, Inter and Milan.

Juve, Real Madrid and Barcelona are still out of ECA and could face sanctions for still being involved in the competition after that the Madrid Commercial Court lifted the injunction imposed on UEFA at the end of April.

Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid risk Champions League exclusion in 2023-24

Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid could receive fines or even be excluded from European competitions from 2023-24. UEFA President Ceferin confirms that these three clubs could face sanctions in the future.

“Yes, of course. It’s possible. But let’s see what happens,” he told AS.

“We just got the decision. We are glad that it finally came. I was shocked by the behaviour of the previous judge – we were not even offered a hearing; we just received the decision with precautionary measures. Now, finally, we had a proper hearing, and these measures are lifted in their entirety. I trust the Spanish authorities and courts. Let’s see what happens.

“Look, this project – which I am quite fed up with talking about because it doesn’t exist anymore – would absolutely ruin football,” he continued.

“When I saw the reaction of English fans, I was impressed. Fans in France and Germany didn’t have to do anything because their clubs didn’t participate. And I was a bit surprised by the fans’ soft reaction in Spain and Italy, although I do understand it. Sometimes these things go a bit slower in some countries, and since the Italian teams and Atletico Madrid quickly abandoned the project, there was not enough time to have a stronger reaction from the fans. I was surprised by the lack of reaction from Barcelona’s fans, as I always considered it a people’s club.”

Ceferin also confirms that the clubs didn’t inform him before launching the project in April 2021.

“They didn’t. When you do something like this, it makes more sense for them to approach us than the other way around. But they never did. The only ‘greetings’ UEFA got from them came from courts, as they tried to challenge us everywhere. We never said they could not play in their own competition, because they can if they want.

“It’s funny that these were the clubs who applied first for a place in the Champions League. If they play something else, they cannot play in our competitions. That is not a monopoly. They can create their own UEFA and do whatever they think is right. You know, I showed them a lot of respect in the past. I don’t want to speak about the chairman of Juventus, but in my relationship with him, I was very open and honest. I never said this before, but I also invited the President of Real [Madrid], Florentino Pérez, to Nyon before any of this happen to speak about the future competitions. He cancelled the meeting with a text message just 24 hours before because of what he called ‘an event related to basketball.’

“With Bartomeu, I never spoke. In a way, he was already on his way out of the club. So they all had a chance to speak, and we have never been aggressive or arrogant. The announcement of that project was an act of unbelievable arrogance from their side, which is probably why they don’t want to communicate with UEFA. But that never influenced how we treated them in our competitions. You can see from their success – Real Madrid will play the Champions League final and Barcelona Women’s Champions League final. That is a clear signal that our competitions are healthy, fair and correct.”

Aleksander Ceferin

Juventus: Vlahovic’s reaction to being subbed off sparks debate

May 7, 2022

Pressure mounts on Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic with fans and media discussing his reaction to being subbed off against Genoa yesterday.

The Serbia international hasn’t scored in the last three Serie A games and was quite disappointed when Max Allegri subbed him off against Genoa yesterday.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Vlahovic was unhappy with his performance rather than Allegri’s decision to replace him. The Italian tactician defended the striker after the match, saying he had put in a good performance.

The striker’s goal-per-minute ratio has risen since his move to Juventus, where he has managed one goal every 207 minutes. During the first part of the season at Fiorentina, he had netted once every 102 minutes.

“This was one of Vlahovic’s best games on a technical level. I am very pleased with the way he played with his technique,” he told DAZN.

Allegri stands up for Juventus, Vlahovic and Kean

“I tried to explain it before, but I was attacked as if I was the one ruining Vlahovic. He hasn’t played that many Serie A games and we need to find a balance here.

“Maybe he didn’t realise it was a good performance, I think next season we will see a definite improvement in terms of how he balances out the tempo of his performance, learning that he hasn’t failed if he doesn’t score a goal, there’s more to it.”

The Serbia international was replaced after 75 minutes to let him rest ahead of Wednesday’s Coppa Italia Final.

“I don’t agree with his reaction,” Former Serie A and Italy goalkeeper Luca Marchegiani told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

“It’s normal to score sometimes, he is taking it personally and this frustration is reflected in the way he plays. He must remain calm because Juventus need him to win the Coppa Italia.”

Fans on social media are also discussing Vlahovic’s performance and overall impact at Juventus. Contrary to Marchegiani, most fans blame Allegri and his defensive tactics for the striker’s drop. The 22-year-old has scored seven goals in 18 games since his move to the Allianz Stadium in January.

Serie A | Genoa 2-1 Juventus: Criscito revives the Grifone

May 6, 2022

Paulo Dybala scored a wonderful goal, but Genoa completed a dramatic comeback with Domenico Criscito this time in tears of joy for a last-gasp penalty.

Watch the highlights here.

Serie A Highlights: Genoa 2-1 Juventus

The Bianconeri were already guaranteed a top four finish, but didn’t rotate the squad too much ahead of Wednesday’s Coppa Italia Final against Inter. Juan Cuadrado and Mattia De Sciglio returned, with Danilo and Luca Pellegrini joining long-term absentees Manuel Locatelli, Weston McKennie, Federico Chiesa and Kaio Jorge, so 18-year-old Fabio Miretti started his second game in midfield. Genoa were desperate after the defeat to Sampdoria left them four points from safety, with Nikola Maksimovic and Zinho Vanheusden not fully fit.

Moise Kean wasted a huge chance in the opening minutes, nodding over from a Paulo Dybala cross at the back post.

Mattia Destro also turned a header over from a Pablo Galdames corner, while Salvatore Sirigu got his fingertips to a Kean pull-back for Dusan Vlahovic.

Serie A Liveblog: Inter-Empoli and Genoa-Juventus

Leonardo Bonucci charged down Filippo Melegoni’s attempt and Dybala tested Sirigu from distance, as did Manolo Portanova on Wojciech Szczesny with a scorcher.

Straight after the restart, Destro ballooned over when relatively undisturbed from eight yards, but Juventus did take their chance moments later.

Dybala gathered just outside the D and unleashed a wonderful curling finish with his weaker right foot into the far bottom corner, dipping just beyond Sirigu’s fingertips.

Szczesny had to readjust after a poor Kean back-pass and deal with a Frendrup strike, but Dybala almost had a second when curling with his left foot from a similar position to the goal, this time finding the base of the upright.

Vlahovic rode two tackles to force a save at the near post, while Kean had the ball in the net only after he was flagged offside.

Caleb Ekuban’s header whistled wide, but Genoa breathed a sigh of relief when the referee awarded a penalty on 84 minutes, only to change his mind after a VAR on-field review, seeing Albert Gudmundsson got the ball before Marley Ake.

It proved decisive, because moments later Gudmundsson equalised for Genoa. It was a divinely weighted through ball from Nadiem Amiri and he kept his cool for the angled drive past Szczesny.

It should’ve been 2-1 for Genoa a minute after that, Juve giving it away cheaply only for Amiri to fire straight at Szczesny from nine yards. Amiri also saw a shot charged down by Denis Zakaria.

Kean was limping badly when Alvaro Morata went on the counter and rolled it across for the young striker to incredibly fire wide of an open goal.

That again proved decisive, because moments later Mattia De Sciglio brought down Kelvin Yeboah for a penalty. Criscito had been left in floods of tears just days earlier when his last-gasp penalty was saved against Sampdoria. However, the veteran immediately stepped up and converted with the last kick of the game into the bottom corner, this time left with tears of joy as his teammates surrounded him.

Genoa are still alive and Criscito went from zero to hero.

Genoa 2-1 Juventus

Dybala 48 (J), Gudmundsson 87 (G), Criscito pen 96 (G)

Jorge Mendes holds key role to Milan transfers

May 6, 2022

Super-agent Jorge Mendes will play a key role in Milan‘s transfers next summer, from the contract extension of Rafael Leao to the potential signings of Renato Sanches and Marco Asensio.

The Rossoneri may have a €300m budget for new signings if Investcorp completes the club’s takeover. Jorge Mendes has been in talks with the Serie A giants for a long time as Milan are willing to extend Rafael Leao’s contract as soon as possible.

Mendes will soon sit down with Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara and the two parties will also discuss other clients on the agenda of the Portuguese agent.

Milan in a hurry to extend with Leao amid PSG and Premier League links

Lille’s Renato Sanches is seen as a potential replacement for Franck Kessié, who has signed with Barcelona ahead of a free move over the summer. Sanches’ teammate Sven Botman will be Milan’s first signing in 2022-23 and Sanches would be happy to follow his teammate in Milan.

His contract expires in 2023 and he is not willing to renew. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mendes has recently clarified that his client wants a salary lower than €6-7m and that joining Milan is his priority.

Real Madrid star Marco Asensio has recently joined Mendes’ clients’ list and Milan are among the suitors of the Spain international. As per Calciomercato.com, Asensio is Milan’s primary target to bolster their attacking options on the right wing. However, the 26-year-old has received an offer to extend with the La Liga giants and has demanded a €7m-a-year contract from Milan, who will only offer €5m per season.

Jorge Mendes holds key to Milan transfers

May 6, 2022

Super-agent Jorge Mendes will play a key role in Milan‘s transfers next summer, from the contract extension of Rafael Leao to the potential signings of Renato Sanches and Marco Asensio.

The Rossoneri may have a €300m budget for new signings if Investcorp completes the club’s takeover. Jorge Mendes has been in talks with the Serie A giants for a long time as Milan are willing to extend Rafael Leao’s contract as soon as possible.

Mendes will soon sit down with Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara and the two parties will also discuss other clients on the agenda of the Portuguese agent.

Milan in a hurry to extend with Leao amid PSG and Premier League links

Lille’s Renato Sanches is seen as a potential replacement for Franck Kessié, who has signed with Barcelona ahead of a free move over the summer. Sanches’ teammate Sven Botman will be Milan’s first signing in 2022-23 and Sanches would be happy to follow his teammate in Milan.

His contract expires in 2023 and he is not willing to renew. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mendes has recently clarified that his client wants a salary lower than €6-7m and that joining Milan is his priority.

Real Madrid star Marco Asensio has recently joined Mendes’ clients’ list and Milan are among the suitors of the Spain international. As per Calciomercato.com, Asensio is Milan’s primary target to bolster their attacking options on the right wing. However, the 26-year-old has received an offer to extend with the La Liga giants and has demanded a €7m-a-year contract from Milan, who will only offer €5m per season.