Olivier Giroud, Anthony Martial and Layvin Kurzawa scored as France ran out 3-1 winners over Italy in a friendly at Stadio San Nicola. France extended their strong record on Italian soil with a 3-1 win in Bari in Giampiero Ventura's first match in charge of the Azzurri. First-half goals from Anthony Martial and Olivier Giroud, either side of a fine equaliser by Graziano Pelle put France ahead before Layvin Kurzawa's late strike wrapped up a match that exposed Italy's defensive frailties. Ventura lined Italy up with Fiorentina's Davide Astori in a back three that was missing Leonardo Bonucci due to the Juventus player's family commitments, and a mistake from Andrea Barzagli allowed Martial to score easily after 17 minutes. Italy enjoyed long spells of … [Read more...]
David Luiz ‘hungry’ for more Chelsea titles after £34m return
David Luiz has said he is not content with his past achievements at Chelsea and is "hungry" to be successful in English football again as he embarks on a second spell at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea announced on deadline day that they had agreed to a deal with Paris Saint-Germain to bring back Luiz, who became the world's most expensive defender when he left London for the French capital in the summer of 2014. His first spell lasted three years and brought Champions League and Europa League triumphs, as well as an FA Cup win. But the Brazilian told ChelseaTV: "This is the past. We need to win again. I have the hunger to win. "Of course I want to win the Premier League, and of course I want to win all the titles again. I am here because I have ambition to … [Read more...]
David Silva scores as Spain beat Belgium
David Silva struck a brace as Spain beat Belgium 2-0 in Brussels on Thursday to give Julen Lopetegui a winning start as their new coach. Julen Lopetegui's leadership of Spain got off to a winning start with a comfortable 2-0 friendly win against Belgium in Brussels on Thursday, with David Silva scoring a brace. Belgium were also playing under a new coach - Roberto Martinez having replaced Marc Wilmots after Euro 2016 - but they struggled to create clear openings at the King Baudouin Stadium. Silva gave Spain the lead in the first half, finishing well from inside the box after Vitolo did well down the right wing, before the Manchester City playmaker added a second after the break. Vitolo was fouled by a struggling Jordan Lukaku in the penalty area and … [Read more...]
Adrien Silva speaks out after proposed Leicester move collapses
Sporting CP and Portugal midfielder Adrien Silva has affirmed his commitment to the club after a proposed move to Leicester City failed. Adrien Silva has asserted he remains committed to Sporting CP after a move to Leicester City appeared to be blocked by the club. Silva's father revealed the Premier League champions had bid €30 million for his son, but Sporting CP insisted they had received no such offer for the midfielder. After the transfer window closed on Wednesday without a move materialising, Portugal international Silva vowed via social media to perform to the best of his abilities for the Primeira Liga outfit. "I want to thank all those who support me," Silva posted on his Facebook page. "Winning challenges is part of the DNA of any … [Read more...]
Sergio Aguero to contest violent conduct charge
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is to contest a charge of alleged violent conduct and possible three-match ban, PA Sport reports. Aguero was charged with violent conduct by the FA after his elbow on West Ham defender Winston Reid in Sunday's win. The incident, after which Reid was seen holding his neck, which was missed by referee Andre Marriner and his fellow officials during the match. Aguero had been given until 6 p.m. local time on Thursday to respond to the charge, which was issued after a review panel felt he should have been sent off. A date for a disciplinary hearing will now be determined. An independent panel is due to rule on the case on Friday using written submissions and reviewing video evidence. If Aguero is found guilty he … [Read more...]
Premier League spending smashes £1BILLION mark for first time
Deals on transfer deadline day took Premier League spending to a record £1.165 billion ($1.53bn), according to a BBC report using figures from Deloitte. Wednesday saw a number of moves made before the close of the transfer window, with Chelsea among the big spenders as they re-signed defender David Luiz from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported £35 million ($46.02m). Chelsea also signed left-back Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina in a deal reportedly worth £23m ($30.24m), while Tottenham Hotspur completed a late move for Moussa Sissoko from Newcastle United for £30m ($39.44m). PL #DeadlineDay spending: £150m+ PL summer spending: A record £1.165bn Wow... https://t.co/arLlAPAD0C%20pic.twitter.com/OgXzKQ5BJI - BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 1, … [Read more...]
Bastian Schweinsteiger in tears as he plays final game for Germany
Bastian Schweinsteiger received an emotional Germany farewell on Wednesday night, with the Manchester United midfielder brought to tears in his final match for his nation. Schweinsteiger, 32, was cheered by 30,121 fans at the Borussia Park whenever he picked up possession, before being withdrawn in the 68th minute and replaced by Julian Weigl, as Germany beat Finland 2-0 thanks to goals from Maximilian Meyer and Paulus Arajuuri. The former Bayern Munich player won his 121st and final cap for Germany, bringing to an end his 12-year international career. "I will miss him, not only as a footballer," national team coach Joachim Low said. "It was a farewell which Bastian absolutely deserved. "He shaped the national team over the past 12 years, and without him … [Read more...]