Antonio Conte said he had no cause for complaint after seeing his Italy side defeated 1-0 by Republic of Ireland in their final Group E match on Wednesday. Conte made eight changes from the side that beat Sweden as Italy were already confirmed as group winners going into the final game. Despite some good chances, including substitute Lorenzo Insigne hitting the post, they were beaten when Robbie Brady headed home a Wes Hoolahan cross on 85 minutes. The second-string Azzurri side did not come close to the standards set in Italy's group … [Read more...]
Liverpool linked with a move for Martin Odegaard
Liverpool have been linked with a fresh move for long-term target Martin Odegaard – and a man who Carlo Ancelotti admitted was signed by Real Madrid as a ‘public relations exercise’. Norwegian Odegaard was once one of Europe’s most-coveted youngsters, with Real eventually beating Liverpool, Ajax and a number of other elite clubs to the then-16-year-old’s signature. The teenager had been pictured visiting Liverpool’s Melwood training ground before his move from Stromgodset, with Odegaard claiming he was a life-long Reds fan. Although his … [Read more...]
Juventus considering Arsenal star man as Morata’s replacement
Alexis Sanchez could return to the Seria A, although the Old Lady will have to be prepared to spend big if they are to tempt him away from the Emirates With Juventus having lost striker Alvaro Morata to Real Madrid , they are identifying attacking arrivals and are mulling over a move for Alexis Sanchez. The Arsenal striker has previous experience in Serie A, having starred with Udinese from 2006 until 2011, where his performances earned him a big-money move to Barcelona. Now in London, Juventus are keen on offering him a way back to … [Read more...]
Nolito agrees personal terms with Man City as move inches closer
Manchester City are reportedly confident of completing the signing of Nolito from Celta Vigo amid claims they had agreed a three-year contract with the Spaniard. According to widespread reports on Wednesday, City boss Pep Guardiola is on the verge of making the 29-year-old Celta Vigo star his second signing at the Etihad, following on from the recent £20million capture of Ilkay Gundogan. Nolito, whose real name is Manuel Agudo Durán, is currently part of the Spain squad at Euro 2016 having scored 12 goals in La Liga last season and will … [Read more...]
Chelsea submit bid for Napoli defender
Napoli‘s resolve in keeping hold of star defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been tested again by Chelsea, who have submitted a €25 million bid for the player. The Blues, who will be coached by current Italy boss Antonio Conte next season, are known to be keen on strengthening at the back and are big admirers of the Senegalese star. However, according sources, Chelsea’s €25m bid has already been rejected by the Partenopei as Maurizio Sarri’s side are holding out for a big transfer fee. Napoli want an offer closer to €40m if they are to sell … [Read more...]
Ex Manchester City coach linked with Russia job
Leonid Slutsky will step away from the Russia job after a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign in France. Following Russia’s poor performance at Euro 2016 , coach Leonid Slutsky has ended his spell with the team and ex-Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini is first choice to replace him. Russia exit the tournament with only one point gained from their three group games and with the coach taking all of the responsibility for the poor quality shown during the tournament. The Russian Football Association (RFS) has apparently targeted … [Read more...]
Petr Cech considering hanging up his gloves for the Czechs
Following Tuesday night’s defeat to Turkey, Petr Cech is pondering whether or not to call time on his international career with the Czech Republic. The 34-year-old has a record 124 caps for his country, but is considering hanging up his gloves in the wake of their Euro 2016 elimination. “I will take time to decide if I [will] continue with the national team,” he told Daily Sport, a Czech outlet, following his team’s 2-0 loss to Turkey. “I’m not going to make my decision today,” he added, according to L’Equipe, “[it is] a huge … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Arsene Wenger backs Pogba to rediscover form
As the tournament goes on this summer, the Juventus star will be hoping to improve at Euro 2016, as he has recently struggled to make an impact for France. France midfielder Paul Pogba has failed to meet expectations at Euro 2016 so far, but Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger believes that the best is yet to come from the player. The 23-year-old was even dropped by Didier Deschamps for their second group game against Albania, but having shown glimpses of his undeniable talent, Pogba will hope to be more consistent in the knockout stage of the … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: De Gea falters as Croatia beat Spain
Croatia provided late heroics as they came from behind to beat Spain and top Group D with 2-1 win in Bordeaux. Alvaro Morata had given Spain the perfect start with a seventh minute goal, but Nikola Kalinic levelled and Sergio Ramos had a penalty saved before Ivan Perisic scored late on after a devastating counter. The 2-1 defeat means Spain finish second to Croatia and will meet Italy in the round of 16 on Monday in a repeat of the 2012 final. Morata opened the scoring in just the seventh minute as the forward stole in to poke home Cesc … [Read more...]
Euro2016: Hart backs England strikers to score as tournament progresses
Joe Hart is backing England's toothless attack to come good in Euro 2016's round of 16. Roy Hodgson's men drew a blank in their 0-0 draw with Slovakia in Saint-Etienne on Monday; Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy failing to build on their goals in the 2-1 win over Wales, while Harry Kane, introduced as a substitute in the second half, endured another fruitless outing in France. Vardy in particular wasted England's best chance of the game in the 17th minute, shooting straight at goalkeeper Matus Kozacik after racing on to a forward pass and … [Read more...]
Man City close to bringing Nolito to the Ethihad
Manchester City are close to completing the signing of Spain forward Nolito from Celta Vigo, according to reports. The 29-year-old has an €18 million (£13.8m) release clause in his contract and Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino has already stated that he expects him to move on this summer. Sources say City are confident of securing a deal and claim that Nolito has already agreed personal terms on a three-year contract worth around €4m a year. The former Barcelona player, who has started all of Spain's three group games at the 2016 … [Read more...]