AC Milan suffered a 2-1 defeat at Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday after goals from Yacine Adli and Albert Gudmundsson sealed the points in a clash with three missed penalties as David de Gea twice saved spot kicks to help the hosts.

In a pulsating encounter of near-misses and tense moments, De Gea and Milan keeper Mike Maignan pulled off breathtaking penalty saves. De Gea kept out spot kicks from Theo Hernandez and Tammy Abraham, while Maignan denied Moise Kean.

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Started in Spain, made in Manchester, loving it in Italy 💜 <a href="https://t.co/kpvgMOygF7">pic.twitter.com/kpvgMOygF7</a>
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Milan start the international break in sixth place with 11 points, five behind leaders Napoli, while Fiorentina are 11th on 10 after two wins and a draw in their last three league games.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/serie-a-juventus-concede-second-place-after-controversial-penalty-in-draw-against-cagliari-765018">Serie A: Juventus concede second place after controversial penalty in draw against Cagliari</a>

"Today's win is crucial. Finally, the work we've put in over the past few weeks is starting to pay off. Beating Milan can set the stage for a different season," De Gea told DAZN. "It was an incredible night. I want to focus not on the penalties, but on the work the team is doing to give the fans a night like this."

The drama began after 22 minutes when Fiore striker Kean's frustrating night took shape as Frenchman Maignan saved his penalty, which was awarded after Hernandez fouled Dodo.

Minutes later, Kean did find the back of the net but his effort was disallowed as he was clearly offside.

Adli eventually broke the deadlock 10 minutes before halftime with a low shot from the edge of the box that went in off the post but the on-loan Milan midfielder did not celebrate the goal out of respect for his parent club.

<h2>Double Save</h2>

Milan earned a penalty themselves just before the break when Tijjani Reijnders was tripped by defender Luca Ranieri, but Hernandez's attempt was saved by Spaniard De Gea, who made a stunning one-handed stop in the bottom corner.

Kean’s difficult night continued after the break when he had another effort ruled offside before De Gea kept out Abraham’s penalty nine minutes into the second half with a brilliant diving save after Kean fouled Matteo Gabbia.

It was the first time two penalties had been saved by one goalkeeper in a Serie A match since May 2016.

Milan finally scored on the hour mark when Christian Pulisic equalised with a perfect volley from a cross before Gudmundsson's 73rd-minute strike put Fiorentina back in front.

Emotions ran high in the final moments as Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino was sent off for protesting, while Kean was again denied when his superb shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced out in the dying minutes.

Milan's France striker Hernandez was celebrating his 27th birthday but received an unwelcome card when he was sent off at the end of the match for arguing with the referee.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

AC Milan suffered a 2-1 defeat at Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday after goals from Yacine Adli and Albert Gudmundsson sealed the points in a clash with three missed penalties as David de Gea twice saved spot kicks to help the hosts.

AC Milan suffered a 2-1 defeat at Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday after goals from Yacine Adli and Albert Gudmundsson sealed the points in a clash with three missed penalties as David de Gea twice saved spot kicks to help the hosts. In a pulsating encounter of near-misses and tense moments, De Gea and Milan keeper Mike Maignan pulled off breathtaking penalty saves. De Gea kept out spot kicks from Theo Hernandez and Tammy Abraham, while Maignan denied Moise Kean. Started in Spain, made in Manchester, loving it in Italy 💜 pic.twitter.com/kpvgMOygF7 — David de Gea (@D_DeGea) October 6, 2024 × Milan start the international break in sixth place with 11 points, five behind leaders Napoli, while Fiorentina are 11th on 10 after two wins and a draw in their last three league games. ALSO READ: Serie A: Juventus concede second place after controversial penalty in draw against Cagliari "Today's win is crucial. Finally, the work we've put in over the past few weeks is starting to pay off. Beating Milan can set the stage for a different season," De Gea told DAZN. "It was an incredible night. I want to focus not on the penalties, but on the work the team is doing to give the fans a night like this." The drama began after 22 minutes when Fiore striker Kean's frustrating night took shape as Frenchman Maignan saved his penalty, which was awarded after Hernandez fouled Dodo. Minutes later, Kean did find the back of the net but his effort was disallowed as he was clearly offside. Adli eventually broke the deadlock 10 minutes before halftime with a low shot from the edge of the box that went in off the post but the on-loan Milan midfielder did not celebrate the goal out of respect for his parent club. Double Save Milan earned a penalty themselves just before the break when Tijjani Reijnders was tripped by defender Luca Ranieri, but Hernandez's attempt was saved by Spaniard De Gea, who made a stunning one-handed stop in the bottom corner. Kean’s difficult night continued after the break when he had another effort ruled offside before De Gea kept out Abraham’s penalty nine minutes into the second half with a brilliant diving save after Kean fouled Matteo Gabbia. It was the first time two penalties had been saved by one goalkeeper in a Serie A match since May 2016. Milan finally scored on the hour mark when Christian Pulisic equalised with a perfect volley from a cross before Gudmundsson's 73rd-minute strike put Fiorentina back in front. Emotions ran high in the final moments as Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino was sent off for protesting, while Kean was again denied when his superb shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced out in the dying minutes. Milan's France striker Hernandez was celebrating his 27th birthday but received an unwelcome card when he was sent off at the end of the match for arguing with the referee. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

David de Gea stars in Fiorentina's win over AC Milan in pulsating Serie A tie

Juventus were held to a surprise 1-1 home draw by Cagliari on Sunday after a late penalty which led to the Turin giants conceding second place in Serie A to Inter Milan.

Razvan Marin lashed home the 88th-minute equaliser to give Cagliari a point at the Allianz Stadium after Roberto Piccoli was clumsily brought down by Douglas Luiz, who also gave a penalty away in Wednesday's thrilling Champions League win at Leipzig.

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Romania midfielder Marin's arrowed penalty levelled Dusan Vlahovic's 15th-minute spot-kick and moved Cagliari a point above the relegation zone.

It was the first goal conceded by Juve in Serie A this season and left Thiago Motta's third-placed side three points behind league leaders Napoli after seven fixtures.

"We took out foot off the pedal after our goal, and we can't do that. We need to keep attacking, and attack well," said Motta.

"We created a few opportunities but there was always the feeling that Cagliari could get back into the game. What happened today is all our own fault."

Cagliari could have even snatched a last-gasp win as Adam Obert thumped the post in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with Juve down to 10 men following Francisco Conceicao's sending off almost immediately after Marin's equaliser.

Conceicao picked up a second booking after trying to win Juve's second penalty of the game in a frantic finish to a match which had largely been a drab affair before Luiz was penalised for his challenge following a VAR check.

"I'm pleased to get a point at Juve, it was hard because I had the whole stadium whistling me but I managed to keep my concentration," said Marin.&nbsp;

<h2>Penalty controversy</h2>

Juventus, who were missing Nico Gonzalez, Arkadiusz Milik, Timothy Weah and Gleison Bremer, who suffered a serious knee injury at Leipzig, would have almost certainly had the full three points had Vlahovic not wasted a huge chance in the 78th minute.&nbsp;

Serbia striker Vlahovic, who is on five Serie A goals for the season, somehow shot wide on the rebound after Douglas Luiz's shot was parried by Simone Scuffet.

His opener was controversial too as the penalty was awarded for Cagliari defender Sebastiano Luperto's fingers grazing the ball as he engaged in an aerial tussle with Federico Gatti.

The spot-kick was given after a VAR check as Luperto's arm was high in the air when he touched the ball, but he was landing from his jump and had Gatti leaning on his shoulder while two other players also battled for the ball.

AC Milan can move above both champions Inter and Juve with a win at Fiorentina in the day's final fixture.

Juve have been joined on 13 points by their next opponents Lazio, who are fourth after inflicting a first defeat of the season on surprise package Empoli with a 2-1 win in Rome.

Pedro slammed home the winner with four minutes remaining as Lazio who came back from Sebstiano Esposito's early opener. It was Lazio's fourth straight win in all competitions.

Lazio, who levelled through Mattia Zaccagni in first-half stoppage time, also had Valentin Castellanos' penalty saved by Empoli's impressive goalkeeper Devis Vasquez.

Bologna's difficult start to life under Vincenzo Italiano continued with a goalless draw with Parma, who had to play most of the second half a man down after Woyo Coulibaly's sending off seven minutes after the break.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Juventus were held to a surprise 1-1 home draw by Cagliari on Sunday after a late penalty which led to the Turin giants conceding second place in Serie A to Inter Milan.

Juventus were held to a surprise 1-1 home draw by Cagliari on Sunday after a late penalty which led to the Turin giants conceding second place in Serie A to Inter Milan. Razvan Marin lashed home the 88th-minute equaliser to give Cagliari a point at the Allianz Stadium after Roberto Piccoli was clumsily brought down by Douglas Luiz, who also gave a penalty away in Wednesday's thrilling Champions League win at Leipzig. Also Read: Premier League: Manchester United play fifth straight winless game with stalemate against Aston Villa Romania midfielder Marin's arrowed penalty levelled Dusan Vlahovic's 15th-minute spot-kick and moved Cagliari a point above the relegation zone. It was the first goal conceded by Juve in Serie A this season and left Thiago Motta's third-placed side three points behind league leaders Napoli after seven fixtures. "We took out foot off the pedal after our goal, and we can't do that. We need to keep attacking, and attack well," said Motta. "We created a few opportunities but there was always the feeling that Cagliari could get back into the game. What happened today is all our own fault." Cagliari could have even snatched a last-gasp win as Adam Obert thumped the post in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with Juve down to 10 men following Francisco Conceicao's sending off almost immediately after Marin's equaliser. Conceicao picked up a second booking after trying to win Juve's second penalty of the game in a frantic finish to a match which had largely been a drab affair before Luiz was penalised for his challenge following a VAR check. "I'm pleased to get a point at Juve, it was hard because I had the whole stadium whistling me but I managed to keep my concentration," said Marin. Penalty controversy Juventus, who were missing Nico Gonzalez, Arkadiusz Milik, Timothy Weah and Gleison Bremer, who suffered a serious knee injury at Leipzig, would have almost certainly had the full three points had Vlahovic not wasted a huge chance in the 78th minute. Serbia striker Vlahovic, who is on five Serie A goals for the season, somehow shot wide on the rebound after Douglas Luiz's shot was parried by Simone Scuffet. His opener was controversial too as the penalty was awarded for Cagliari defender Sebastiano Luperto's fingers grazing the ball as he engaged in an aerial tussle with Federico Gatti. The spot-kick was given after a VAR check as Luperto's arm was high in the air when he touched the ball, but he was landing from his jump and had Gatti leaning on his shoulder while two other players also battled for the ball. AC Milan can move above both champions Inter and Juve with a win at Fiorentina in the day's final fixture. Juve have been joined on 13 points by their next opponents Lazio, who are fourth after inflicting a first defeat of the season on surprise package Empoli with a 2-1 win in Rome. Pedro slammed home the winner with four minutes remaining as Lazio who came back from Sebstiano Esposito's early opener. It was Lazio's fourth straight win in all competitions. Lazio, who levelled through Mattia Zaccagni in first-half stoppage time, also had Valentin Castellanos' penalty saved by Empoli's impressive goalkeeper Devis Vasquez. Bologna's difficult start to life under Vincenzo Italiano continued with a goalless draw with Parma, who had to play most of the second half a man down after Woyo Coulibaly's sending off seven minutes after the break. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Serie A: Juventus concede second place after controversial penalty in draw against Cagliari

Romelu Lukaku starred again for Napoli by scoring once and setting up two more goals in Friday's 3-1 win over Como which ensured top spot in Serie A for at least another week.

Belgium striker Lukaku laid on Scott McTominay for his first goal in Italy's top flight after just 25 seconds, before netting from the spot seven minutes after half-time and rolling in David Neres as Napoli extended their league lead to four points.

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Closest rivals Juventus can pull back to within a point of Napoli with a home win over Cagliari on Sunday.

Lukaku has settled in immediately in Naples under Antonio Conte, scoring three times in five league appearances in which he has also made four assists for a team which looks ready to challenge for the league title.

"We're getting there. It's going to take time because I got here late. It's all thanks to my teammates, the coaching staff and fans that we're doing so well," said Lukaku to Sky.

Napoli didn't have it all their own way at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as they were pushed hard by promoted Como.

Cesc Fabregas' team were deservedly level at the break thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Gabriel Strefezza, which came shortly after Nico Paz thumped a shot off the woodwork.

And the match was firmly in the balance until Neres rolled home his second Napoli goal in the 86th minute after being brilliantly slipped through by Lukaku.

Lukaku looks lighter on his feet than he has at any point since winning Serie A with Inter Milan in 2021 and he also supplied a neat pass from which Scotland's McTominay lashed in his second Napoli goal after also netting against Palermo in the Italian Cup last month.

McTominay has been excellent since signing for Napoli from Manchester United in the summer, adding a new dimension to the midfield for southern Italy's biggest club.

"It was great to get off to a good start. It was a great ball. Obviously for me it's nice to get a goal and then we lost a little bit of control in the first half and then we tweaked a through things at half-time and it made a difference," said McTominay to Sky.&nbsp;

Napoli are unbeaten since being humiliated at Verona -- who beat Venezia 2-1 in Friday's late match -- on the opening day of the season.

And under Conte Napoli look much more like the team which swept to their third Scudetto in 2023 than the disastrous outfit which last season failed to even qualify for European football as reigning champions.

"We just want to take it game by game. We want to play football and hopefully win as many games as we can," added McTominay.

"The boys have been great with helping me bed in. Game by game, no-one's looking any further past the next game."

Como, backed by Indonesian tobacco giants Djarum, sit 10th on eight points after an encouraging start to their first Serie A season in 21 years.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Romelu Lukaku starred again for Napoli by scoring once and setting up two more goals in Friday's 3-1 win over Como which ensured top spot in Serie A for at least another week.

Romelu Lukaku starred again for Napoli by scoring once and setting up two more goals in Friday's 3-1 win over Como which ensured top spot in Serie A for at least another week. Belgium striker Lukaku laid on Scott McTominay for his first goal in Italy's top flight after just 25 seconds, before netting from the spot seven minutes after half-time and rolling in David Neres as Napoli extended their league lead to four points. Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: New Zealand hammer India by 58 runs as Harmanpreet's army start on a losing note Closest rivals Juventus can pull back to within a point of Napoli with a home win over Cagliari on Sunday. Lukaku has settled in immediately in Naples under Antonio Conte, scoring three times in five league appearances in which he has also made four assists for a team which looks ready to challenge for the league title. "We're getting there. It's going to take time because I got here late. It's all thanks to my teammates, the coaching staff and fans that we're doing so well," said Lukaku to Sky. Napoli didn't have it all their own way at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as they were pushed hard by promoted Como. Cesc Fabregas' team were deservedly level at the break thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Gabriel Strefezza, which came shortly after Nico Paz thumped a shot off the woodwork. And the match was firmly in the balance until Neres rolled home his second Napoli goal in the 86th minute after being brilliantly slipped through by Lukaku. Lukaku looks lighter on his feet than he has at any point since winning Serie A with Inter Milan in 2021 and he also supplied a neat pass from which Scotland's McTominay lashed in his second Napoli goal after also netting against Palermo in the Italian Cup last month. McTominay has been excellent since signing for Napoli from Manchester United in the summer, adding a new dimension to the midfield for southern Italy's biggest club. "It was great to get off to a good start. It was a great ball. Obviously for me it's nice to get a goal and then we lost a little bit of control in the first half and then we tweaked a through things at half-time and it made a difference," said McTominay to Sky. Napoli are unbeaten since being humiliated at Verona -- who beat Venezia 2-1 in Friday's late match -- on the opening day of the season. And under Conte Napoli look much more like the team which swept to their third Scudetto in 2023 than the disastrous outfit which last season failed to even qualify for European football as reigning champions. "We just want to take it game by game. We want to play football and hopefully win as many games as we can," added McTominay. "The boys have been great with helping me bed in. Game by game, no-one's looking any further past the next game." Como, backed by Indonesian tobacco giants Djarum, sit 10th on eight points after an encouraging start to their first Serie A season in 21 years. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Serie A: Lukaku stars against Como as Napoli secure top spot for another week

AC Milan announced on Friday a new maternity policy that guarantees automatic renewals in the final season contracts of its women's team, calling it a first among Europe's elite clubs.

A push for maternity rights in professional women's sports has gained momentum in recent years, with several sports governing bodies, including FIFA, and sponsorship brands introducing new policies.

AC Milan said it was introducing a "series of protections during pregnancy and early childhood that go beyond current regulations" for players and staff.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-paris-olympics-2024-ugly-scenes-unfold-in-men%E2%80%99s-football-as-france-beat-argentina-to-reach-semis-746744">Paris Olympics 2024: Ugly scenes unfold in men’s football as France beat Argentina to reach semis</a>

They include an automatic contract renewal for players with a one-year extension, on the same financial terms, if the contract is due to expire during the season in which the pregnancy started.

The club said it would also provide childcare assistance during sports activities, as well as support for flights, accommodation and other travel expenses for children plus one companion.

In January 2021, new maternity rules from FIFA came into force, which it said were needed to reflect the growth of women's football.

Those regulations imposed on FIFA's 211 member federations a mandatory maternity leave of at least 14 weeks paid -- at least eight weeks after the birth -- at a minimum of two-thirds of the player's contracted salary.

Under the rules, all players have the right to return, with the club under obligation to reintegrate her and provide ongoing medical support.

The FIFA regulations also stipulate that "no female player should ever suffer a disadvantage of any sort on the basis of her pregnancy", with any contract termination on the basis of pregnancy to be considered without just cause.

Earlier this year, FIFA extended its maternity cover to adoptive parents, calling it a move "to reflect the reality of women's football and to promote inclusivity by providing protection to female players desiring to have a family".

Nike was widely criticised in 2019 for its policy of cutting female athletes' pay during and after pregnancy.

Elite athletes such as six-time Olympic gold medalist track and field star Allyson Felix spoke out against the policy, leading the sporting goods giant to waive its performance-pay reductions for 12 months for athletes who have a baby.

Other organisations that have introduced maternity policies include the WTA -- which in 2019 changed its ranking system to accord top-ranked players returning from pregnancy a "special ranking" to qualify for tournaments -- and the English Rugby Football Union.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

AC Milan announced on Friday a new maternity policy that guarantees automatic renewals in the final season contracts of its women's team, calling it a first among Europe's elite clubs.

AC Milan announced on Friday a new maternity policy that guarantees automatic renewals in the final season contracts of its women's team, calling it a first among Europe's elite clubs. A push for maternity rights in professional women's sports has gained momentum in recent years, with several sports governing bodies, including FIFA, and sponsorship brands introducing new policies. AC Milan said it was introducing a "series of protections during pregnancy and early childhood that go beyond current regulations" for players and staff. ALSO READ: Paris Olympics 2024: Ugly scenes unfold in men’s football as France beat Argentina to reach semis They include an automatic contract renewal for players with a one-year extension, on the same financial terms, if the contract is due to expire during the season in which the pregnancy started. The club said it would also provide childcare assistance during sports activities, as well as support for flights, accommodation and other travel expenses for children plus one companion. In January 2021, new maternity rules from FIFA came into force, which it said were needed to reflect the growth of women's football. Those regulations imposed on FIFA's 211 member federations a mandatory maternity leave of at least 14 weeks paid -- at least eight weeks after the birth -- at a minimum of two-thirds of the player's contracted salary. Under the rules, all players have the right to return, with the club under obligation to reintegrate her and provide ongoing medical support. The FIFA regulations also stipulate that "no female player should ever suffer a disadvantage of any sort on the basis of her pregnancy", with any contract termination on the basis of pregnancy to be considered without just cause. Earlier this year, FIFA extended its maternity cover to adoptive parents, calling it a move "to reflect the reality of women's football and to promote inclusivity by providing protection to female players desiring to have a family". Nike was widely criticised in 2019 for its policy of cutting female athletes' pay during and after pregnancy. Elite athletes such as six-time Olympic gold medalist track and field star Allyson Felix spoke out against the policy, leading the sporting goods giant to waive its performance-pay reductions for 12 months for athletes who have a baby. Other organisations that have introduced maternity policies include the WTA -- which in 2019 changed its ranking system to accord top-ranked players returning from pregnancy a "special ranking" to qualify for tournaments -- and the English Rugby Football Union. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Automatic contract renewal in pregnancy year is among perks announced in AC Milan’s new maternity policy

Alvaro Morata signed for AC Milan from Atletico Madrid on Friday, the Spain striker returning to Serie A days after winning Euro 2024.

The 31-year-old has signed a four-year deal with Milan who brought him in to replace departed Olivier Giroud following the former France international's transfer to Los Angeles FC.

"Morata has signed with the Rossoneri until 30 June 2028, with an option to extend for an additional year," said Milan in a statement.

Italian media report that Milan paid Morata's 13-million euro ($14.2 million) release clause and that the player will earn around 4.5 million euros per season.

Morata played in every match in Spain's triumph at the Euros, netting his only goal of the tournament in La Roja's 3-0 thumping of Croatia which kicked off their campaign in Germany.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-unbelievable-australian-hockey-player-matt-dawson-amputates-part-of-finger-to-take-part-in-paris-olympics-742281">UNBELIEVABLE! Australian hockey player Matt Dawson amputates part of finger to take part in Paris Olympics</a>

He has scored 36 goals in 80 international appearances for his country.

Morata returns to Italy after two spells with Milan's rivals Juventus, where he won two league titles and three Italian Cups.

Morata has also won the FA Cup with Chelsea and featured in two triumphant Champions League campaigns with Real Madrid, in 2014 and 2017.

Milan, who finished second in Serie A last season but 19 points behind champions Inter Milan, begin the league season under new coach Paulo Fonseca with the visit of Torino on August 17.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience

Alvaro Morata signed for AC Milan from Atletico Madrid on Friday, the Spain striker returning to Serie A days after winning Euro 2024. The 31-year-old has signed a four-year deal with Milan who brought him in to replace departed Olivier Giroud following the former France international's transfer to Los Angeles FC.

Alvaro Morata signed for AC Milan from Atletico Madrid on Friday, the Spain striker returning to Serie A days after winning Euro 2024. The 31-year-old has signed a four-year deal with Milan who brought him in to replace departed Olivier Giroud following the former France international's transfer to Los Angeles FC. "Morata has signed with the Rossoneri until 30 June 2028, with an option to extend for an additional year," said Milan in a statement. Italian media report that Milan paid Morata's 13-million euro ($14.2 million) release clause and that the player will earn around 4.5 million euros per season. Morata played in every match in Spain's triumph at the Euros, netting his only goal of the tournament in La Roja's 3-0 thumping of Croatia which kicked off their campaign in Germany. ALSO READ | UNBELIEVABLE! Australian hockey player Matt Dawson amputates part of finger to take part in Paris Olympics He has scored 36 goals in 80 international appearances for his country. Morata returns to Italy after two spells with Milan's rivals Juventus, where he won two league titles and three Italian Cups. Morata has also won the FA Cup with Chelsea and featured in two triumphant Champions League campaigns with Real Madrid, in 2014 and 2017. Milan, who finished second in Serie A last season but 19 points behind champions Inter Milan, begin the league season under new coach Paulo Fonseca with the visit of Torino on August 17. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience

Spain's Euro 2024 winning captain Alvaro Morata signs for Serie A side AC Milan

Former Roma coach Paulo Fonseca is to return to Italy as the new boss of AC Milan, the Serie A runners-up announced on Thursday.&nbsp;

"Milan's new coach will be Paulo Fonseca," said former Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, representing the owner, at a press conference.&nbsp;

Fonseca, 51, who has signed a three-year contract, has been with French club Lille since 2022.&nbsp;

He succeeds Stefano Pioli, who was sacked at the end of the 2023-24 season after five seasons in charge.

"We studied very carefully what he did, how he prepared his matches," said Ibrahimovic, who had two spells as a player with the club, ending his on-field career with Milan in 2023.

"We want him to bring his identity of game, his offensive style to our team, to our players.&nbsp;

"After five years we wanted something new, with all respect to Stefano Pioli."

Born in Nampula, Mozambique, in 1973, Fonseca began his coaching career in Portugal with stints at Pacos de Ferreira, Porto and Braga before spending three years at Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won seven trophies and finished with a record of 103 wins in 139 matches.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fans-slam-wayne-rooney-for-lazy-uninformed-opinion-on-england-stars-euro-2024-position-731441">Fans slam Wayne Rooney for 'lazy, uninformed' opinion on England star's Euro 2024 position</a>

In 2019, he took over at Roma, whom he led to fifth and seventh in Serie A, before heading to Lille, taking them to fifth and fourth in Ligue 1 and guiding them into Europe in both seasons he had in France.

Milan are coming off a trophy-less season -- their 19th league title came in 2022 -- where they were second best by some distance to city rivals Inter who won the title.

They were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage, finishing third behind Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain and lost to AS Roma in the quarter-finals of the Europa League

The announcement marks Fonseca the second big managerial change in Italy in two days.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Juventus named Thiago Motta as their successor to Massimiliano Allegri who was sacked last month.&nbsp;

Former Roma coach Paulo Fonseca is to return to Italy as the new boss of AC Milan, the Serie A runners-up announced on Thursday. "Milan's new coach will be Paulo Fonseca," said former Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, representing the owner, at a press conference.

Former Roma coach Paulo Fonseca is to return to Italy as the new boss of AC Milan, the Serie A runners-up announced on Thursday. "Milan's new coach will be Paulo Fonseca," said former Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, representing the owner, at a press conference. Fonseca, 51, who has signed a three-year contract, has been with French club Lille since 2022. He succeeds Stefano Pioli, who was sacked at the end of the 2023-24 season after five seasons in charge. "We studied very carefully what he did, how he prepared his matches," said Ibrahimovic, who had two spells as a player with the club, ending his on-field career with Milan in 2023. "We want him to bring his identity of game, his offensive style to our team, to our players. "After five years we wanted something new, with all respect to Stefano Pioli." Born in Nampula, Mozambique, in 1973, Fonseca began his coaching career in Portugal with stints at Pacos de Ferreira, Porto and Braga before spending three years at Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won seven trophies and finished with a record of 103 wins in 139 matches. ALSO READ | Fans slam Wayne Rooney for 'lazy, uninformed' opinion on England star's Euro 2024 position In 2019, he took over at Roma, whom he led to fifth and seventh in Serie A, before heading to Lille, taking them to fifth and fourth in Ligue 1 and guiding them into Europe in both seasons he had in France. Milan are coming off a trophy-less season -- their 19th league title came in 2022 -- where they were second best by some distance to city rivals Inter who won the title. They were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage, finishing third behind Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain and lost to AS Roma in the quarter-finals of the Europa League The announcement marks Fonseca the second big managerial change in Italy in two days. On Wednesday, Juventus named Thiago Motta as their successor to Massimiliano Allegri who was sacked last month.

Serie A: Paulo Fonseca named new AC Milan coach, succeeds Stefano Pioli at helm

Inter Milan's new US owners Oaktree on Monday vowed to "ensure financial stability" at the Italian champions after predecessors Suning defaulted on a debt worth hundreds of millions of euros.

Chinese conglomerate Suning and president Steven Zhang relinquished control of Inter to Oaktree on May 22 after officially being crowned Serie A champions for the 20th time.

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"Today marks a new chapter in the partnership between Inter and Oaktree. As we assume ownership, we want to reiterate our commitment to the club's prosperity and success," US fund Oaktree, which manages $192 billion in assets, said on the club's website.&nbsp;

"We are proud our financing helped support the club's successes over the past three years and look forward to working closely with the current management team to build on the momentum of the historic second star (for 20th Scudetto).

"For this reason, we are focused on ensuring operational and financial stability to help deliver consistent success to the club."

Inter became a powerful force after Suning acquired around 68 percent of the club in 2016, with seven trophies including two Serie A titles and two European finals.

But Oaktree took control after the non-repayment of a three-year loan of approximately 395 million euros ($428 million) to Inter Milan's holding companies.

Simone Inzaghi's team cruised to this year's championship, winning the Scudetto with a 19-point margin over second-placed AC Milan.

Inter Milan's new US owners Oaktree on Monday vowed to "ensure financial stability" at the Italian champions after predecessors Suning defaulted on a debt worth hundreds of millions of euros.

Inter Milan's new US owners Oaktree on Monday vowed to "ensure financial stability" at the Italian champions after predecessors Suning defaulted on a debt worth hundreds of millions of euros. Chinese conglomerate Suning and president Steven Zhang relinquished control of Inter to Oaktree on May 22 after officially being crowned Serie A champions for the 20th time. Also Read: Unai Emery inks new five-year contract at Aston Villa after securing UCL football "Today marks a new chapter in the partnership between Inter and Oaktree. As we assume ownership, we want to reiterate our commitment to the club's prosperity and success," US fund Oaktree, which manages $192 billion in assets, said on the club's website. "We are proud our financing helped support the club's successes over the past three years and look forward to working closely with the current management team to build on the momentum of the historic second star (for 20th Scudetto). "For this reason, we are focused on ensuring operational and financial stability to help deliver consistent success to the club." Inter became a powerful force after Suning acquired around 68 percent of the club in 2016, with seven trophies including two Serie A titles and two European finals. But Oaktree took control after the non-repayment of a three-year loan of approximately 395 million euros ($428 million) to Inter Milan's holding companies. Simone Inzaghi's team cruised to this year's championship, winning the Scudetto with a 19-point margin over second-placed AC Milan.

Inter Milan's new US owners promise financial stability

Stefano Pioli has been sacked as head coach of AC Milan two years after guiding them to the Serie A title, the Italian giants announced on Friday.

AC Milan said in a statement that Pioli, who was under contract until 2025, "will be departing after the end of the current season, after having been in charge of the First Team since October 2019".

The 58-year-old will take his place in the dugout for Milan for the last time on Saturday in the final Serie A match of their campaign against relegated Salernitana.&nbsp;

They will finish second this season but way behind city rivals Inter, who to rub salt into the wounds clinched the title by beating Pioli's team 2-1 at the end of April.

Pioli was hailed a hero in 2022 after delivering the once dominant force in Italian football their first league title since 2011.

He also guided them to last season's Champions League semi-finals -- the first time they had gone that far since the 2006-2007 campaign -- where they lost to Inter.

However, Pioli's fate was sealed by the failure to mount a serious title challenge to Inter this season as well as an early exit from the Champions League and being subsequently knocked out of the Europa League by Serie A rivals AS Roma.

The fans showed their displeasure at the underwhelming campaign when Milan played Genoa at the San Siro earlier this month.

They unfurled banners demanding improvements to the team, while the hardcore ultras stayed silent in protest throughout the 3-3 draw.

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The entire Curva Sud section of the San Siro, which is where the ultras stand and holds thousands of supporters, emptied a quarter of an hour before the final whistle.

Left behind was a banner which simply read "the sound of silence".

According to reports in the Italian media, Paulo Fonseca, the Portuguese coach who has been in charge of French club Lille for the last two seasons, is in line to take over.

The Milan board paid a warm tribute in the farewell statement to 58-year-old Italian Pioli.

"AC Milan extends heartfelt thanks to Stefano Pioli and his entire staff for... securing an unforgettable League title and re-establishing AC Milan's consistent presence in the top European competition," read the statement.

"Stefano's professionalism and human touch have significantly contributed to the growth of the squad, embodying the Club's core values from day one."

Pioli, who numbers Lazio and Inter among the clubs he has formerly managed, thanked the club and praised the "unwavering dedication" of its supporters.

Stefano Pioli expressed his gratitude to AC Milan "for the opportunity to be part of the history of this glorious Club," read the statement.

Stefano Pioli has been sacked as head coach of AC Milan two years after guiding them to the Serie A title, the Italian giants announced on Friday. AC Milan said in a statement that Pioli, who was under contract until 2025, "will be departing after the end of the current season, after having been in charge of the First Team since October 2019".

Stefano Pioli has been sacked as head coach of AC Milan two years after guiding them to the Serie A title, the Italian giants announced on Friday. AC Milan said in a statement that Pioli, who was under contract until 2025, "will be departing after the end of the current season, after having been in charge of the First Team since October 2019". The 58-year-old will take his place in the dugout for Milan for the last time on Saturday in the final Serie A match of their campaign against relegated Salernitana. They will finish second this season but way behind city rivals Inter, who to rub salt into the wounds clinched the title by beating Pioli's team 2-1 at the end of April. Pioli was hailed a hero in 2022 after delivering the once dominant force in Italian football their first league title since 2011. He also guided them to last season's Champions League semi-finals -- the first time they had gone that far since the 2006-2007 campaign -- where they lost to Inter. However, Pioli's fate was sealed by the failure to mount a serious title challenge to Inter this season as well as an early exit from the Champions League and being subsequently knocked out of the Europa League by Serie A rivals AS Roma. The fans showed their displeasure at the underwhelming campaign when Milan played Genoa at the San Siro earlier this month. They unfurled banners demanding improvements to the team, while the hardcore ultras stayed silent in protest throughout the 3-3 draw. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: MS Dhoni’s stardom blows away Langer, says ‘the hero worship in India is unbelievable’ The entire Curva Sud section of the San Siro, which is where the ultras stand and holds thousands of supporters, emptied a quarter of an hour before the final whistle. Left behind was a banner which simply read "the sound of silence". According to reports in the Italian media, Paulo Fonseca, the Portuguese coach who has been in charge of French club Lille for the last two seasons, is in line to take over. The Milan board paid a warm tribute in the farewell statement to 58-year-old Italian Pioli. "AC Milan extends heartfelt thanks to Stefano Pioli and his entire staff for... securing an unforgettable League title and re-establishing AC Milan's consistent presence in the top European competition," read the statement. "Stefano's professionalism and human touch have significantly contributed to the growth of the squad, embodying the Club's core values from day one." Pioli, who numbers Lazio and Inter among the clubs he has formerly managed, thanked the club and praised the "unwavering dedication" of its supporters. Stefano Pioli expressed his gratitude to AC Milan "for the opportunity to be part of the history of this glorious Club," read the statement.

Serie A: AC Milan sack title-winning coach Stefano Pioli despite finishing seventh; Fonseca likley to succeed

Italian football league Serie A champions Inter Milan could see a change in ownership over non-repayment of debt around $434 million. The debt is owed by Inter's Chinese owner Suning group to US Investment fund Oaktree and the US firm can take control of the club after the debt repayment deadline passes on Tuesday (May 21).

The Chinese group had taken a loan of about $300 million at an interest rate of 12 per cent to pay the staff and players during the Covid pandemic. The club was kept as collateral for the loan by the Suning group.

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As the US lender waits for the repayment of debt, news agency AFP, citing a source said that a 'not event a single euro' has been paid to Oaktree yet.

Steven Zhang, Inter's president, on Saturday (May 18) accused the US Investment firm of 'jeopardising' &nbsp;the club's financial stability with unspecified legal actions. It also said that Oaktree is obstructing negotiations of full repayment. Zhang's reportedly has been in negotiations with another US fund Pimco to repay Oaktree.

Club's CEO Giuseppe Marotta, however, said that the situation was 'stable'. Marotta made the comments after Inter's last league game on Sunday (May 20) in San Siro.

Inter won the the league title for the second time in four years. The club has won seven trophies along with two European finals ever since Suning group took over in 2016.

They, however, were hit hard by the pandemic and had reported a loss of about $93 million in 2022/23 season before facing a loss of $151 million and $266 million in two seasons prior to that. The losses were majorly due to closure of stadiums and most of the football clubs faced the heat of financial crunch during the Covid times.

Inter's local rivals AC Milan were also taken over by another US fund, Elliot Management, in 2018 after failure of repayment of loan by Chinese businessman Li Yonghong.

Italian football league Serie A champions Inter Milan could see a change in ownership over non-repayment of debt around $434 million. The debt is owed by Inter's Chinese owner Suning group to US Investment fund Oaktree and the US firm can take control of the club after the debt repayment deadline passes on Tuesday (May 21).

Italian football league Serie A champions Inter Milan could see a change in ownership over non-repayment of debt around $434 million. The debt is owed by Inter's Chinese owner Suning group to US Investment fund Oaktree and the US firm can take control of the club after the debt repayment deadline passes on Tuesday (May 21). The Chinese group had taken a loan of about $300 million at an interest rate of 12 per cent to pay the staff and players during the Covid pandemic. The club was kept as collateral for the loan by the Suning group. Also Read: Toni Kroos makes SHOCK retirement announcement; Real Madrid star to hang up boots after... As the US lender waits for the repayment of debt, news agency AFP, citing a source said that a 'not event a single euro' has been paid to Oaktree yet. Steven Zhang, Inter's president, on Saturday (May 18) accused the US Investment firm of 'jeopardising' the club's financial stability with unspecified legal actions. It also said that Oaktree is obstructing negotiations of full repayment. Zhang's reportedly has been in negotiations with another US fund Pimco to repay Oaktree. Club's CEO Giuseppe Marotta, however, said that the situation was 'stable'. Marotta made the comments after Inter's last league game on Sunday (May 20) in San Siro. Inter won the the league title for the second time in four years. The club has won seven trophies along with two European finals ever since Suning group took over in 2016. They, however, were hit hard by the pandemic and had reported a loss of about $93 million in 2022/23 season before facing a loss of $151 million and $266 million in two seasons prior to that. The losses were majorly due to closure of stadiums and most of the football clubs faced the heat of financial crunch during the Covid times. Inter's local rivals AC Milan were also taken over by another US fund, Elliot Management, in 2018 after failure of repayment of loan by Chinese businessman Li Yonghong.

Inter Milan's Chinese owners could lose club to US Investment group over non-repayment of debt

Massimiliano Allegri was sacked by Juventus on Friday after exploding with anger during his team's midweek Italian Cup triumph.

Juve said in a statement that they had dismissed Allegri for "certain behaviour during and after the Italian Cup final that the club deemed incompatible with its values".

The Serie A club won their 15th Italian Cup on Wednesday night but Allegri burst into a rage, first being sent off in the final minutes after ranting at match officials and then dismissively waving away sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli during the post-match celebrations.

He is also alleged to have manhandled and threatened the chief editor of newspaper Tuttosport before the post-match press conference.

Juve had already been widely rumoured to be replacing Allegri with Bologna coach Thiago Motta in the summer, but were pushed to announce their decision with two matches of the season remaining.

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Juventus sit fourth in Serie A after collecting just 15 points in their last 15 league matches and are at Bologna on Monday night, with the two teams level on 67 points and already qualified for next season's revamped Champions League.

The Turin giants did not specify whether they had dismissed Allegri with just cause, a move which would potentially save the club from paying Allegri the remaining year of his contract, worth around seven million euros before bonuses.

The Italian Football Federation's disciplinary tribunal has launched an investigation into Allegri, who on Thursday was given an automatic two-match ban in the cup for his straight red card but could receive further punishment.

Massimiliano Allegri was sacked by Juventus on Friday after exploding with anger during his team's midweek Italian Cup triumph. Juve said in a statement that they had dismissed Allegri for "certain behaviour during and after the Italian Cup final that the club deemed incompatible with its values".

Massimiliano Allegri was sacked by Juventus on Friday after exploding with anger during his team's midweek Italian Cup triumph. Juve said in a statement that they had dismissed Allegri for "certain behaviour during and after the Italian Cup final that the club deemed incompatible with its values". The Serie A club won their 15th Italian Cup on Wednesday night but Allegri burst into a rage, first being sent off in the final minutes after ranting at match officials and then dismissively waving away sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli during the post-match celebrations. He is also alleged to have manhandled and threatened the chief editor of newspaper Tuttosport before the post-match press conference. Juve had already been widely rumoured to be replacing Allegri with Bologna coach Thiago Motta in the summer, but were pushed to announce their decision with two matches of the season remaining. ALSO READ | No Pakistan, England as BCCI's Jay Shah picks final four for T20 WC; weighs on IPL's Impact Player rule Juventus sit fourth in Serie A after collecting just 15 points in their last 15 league matches and are at Bologna on Monday night, with the two teams level on 67 points and already qualified for next season's revamped Champions League. The Turin giants did not specify whether they had dismissed Allegri with just cause, a move which would potentially save the club from paying Allegri the remaining year of his contract, worth around seven million euros before bonuses. The Italian Football Federation's disciplinary tribunal has launched an investigation into Allegri, who on Thursday was given an automatic two-match ban in the cup for his straight red card but could receive further punishment.

Serie A: Juventus sack coach Massimiliano Allegri despite Copa Italia rampage

Inter Milan have dominated Italian football this season and when the final whistle blew on their 2-1 win over AC Milan at San Siro on Monday (April 22), marking the club's 20th Serie A title, it was a moment of sweet triumph for Simone Inzaghi's side.

Inter have suffered only one league defeat this season and conceded just 18 goals, by far the fewest in Serie A, securing the Scudetto with five games to spare.

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They had an extremely effective close-season transfer window, acquiring players who seamlessly fitted into the club's plans for the season as they replaced stalwarts who departed.

Thousands celebrate win

Thousands of Inter Milan fans took to the Piazza Duomo in the heart of the city on Monday (April 22) evening, casting shades of blue and black against the backdrop of the Milan Cathedral as they celebrated the Nerazzurri clinching a 20th Serie A title.

Inter Milan defeated cross-city rivals AC Milan 2-1 at the San Siro stadium which the two clubs share to give Simone Inzaghi's side an unassailable lead in the standings.

A goal from Francesco Acerbi and Marcus Thuram in each half proved sufficient to secure Inter's victory, with Fikayo Tomori scoring a late goal to reduce the deficit.

Inter, who have lost only once in the league this season, hold a 17-point advantage over second-placed Milan with five matches remaining.

Inter Milan have dominated Italian football this season and when the final whistle blew on their 2-1 win over AC Milan at San Siro on Monday (April 22), marking the club's 20th Serie A title, it was a moment of sweet triumph for Simone Inzaghi's side.

Inter Milan have dominated Italian football this season and when the final whistle blew on their 2-1 win over AC Milan at San Siro on Monday (April 22), marking the club's 20th Serie A title, it was a moment of sweet triumph for Simone Inzaghi's side. Inter have suffered only one league defeat this season and conceded just 18 goals, by far the fewest in Serie A, securing the Scudetto with five games to spare. Also Read: Rafael Nadal to turn up for Team Europe at Laver Cup later this year They had an extremely effective close-season transfer window, acquiring players who seamlessly fitted into the club's plans for the season as they replaced stalwarts who departed. Thousands celebrate win Thousands of Inter Milan fans took to the Piazza Duomo in the heart of the city on Monday (April 22) evening, casting shades of blue and black against the backdrop of the Milan Cathedral as they celebrated the Nerazzurri clinching a 20th Serie A title. Inter Milan defeated cross-city rivals AC Milan 2-1 at the San Siro stadium which the two clubs share to give Simone Inzaghi's side an unassailable lead in the standings. A goal from Francesco Acerbi and Marcus Thuram in each half proved sufficient to secure Inter's victory, with Fikayo Tomori scoring a late goal to reduce the deficit. Inter, who have lost only once in the league this season, hold a 17-point advantage over second-placed Milan with five matches remaining.

Serie A: Inter, with five games to go, clinch 20th Scudetto after win over arch-rivals AC Milan

Brighton and Hove Albion fans were subjected to further attacks during their torrid trip to the Italian capital, the English club said in a statement on Thursday (Mar 7). The Roma fans threw bottles, coins and lighters at the Brighton fans during the Europa League Round of 16 clash, which the Serie A club won 4-0.

The Brighton fans were camped in the away section of the&nbsp;Stadio Olimpico and despite the strong presence of stewards, Roma Ultras managed to hurl the projectiles.&nbsp;

"We are aware of the bottles, coins and lighters being thrown by home supporters into the away end," a statement from the Premier League club read.

"We have reported to UEFA and Italian Police and requested immediate action be taken."

The incident came hours after two Brighton fans were stabbed and mugged&nbsp;in the Monti neighbourhood of the city by a group of&nbsp;six to seven people wearing masks.

The Brighton fans also had their wallets and identity documents stolen by the attackers who inflicted stab wounds on their legs. The city police said the two men had been admitted to a hospital where they were reported to be "OK".

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Officers have said they are looking for the attackers but so far, none of them had been identified.

“We are aware of the incident reported in Italian media last night. Have spoken to both Brighton fans who are OK. We reiterate the advice of the club published on the pre-match info,” Darren Balkham, Brighton’s police liaison officer, wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

This is not the first instance when&nbsp;fans have been physically assaulted in Italy during a European away match. In November last year, hooded attackers stabbed a Paris Saint-Germain supporter ahead of the French club's Champions League match against AC Milan. &nbsp;

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<h2>Brighton lose in first leg</h2>

Brighton received a reality check on their first sojourn in European football as Roma slapped them with two goals in each half to take the first-leg tie. Manager Roberto De Zerbi said his team played less than 20 per cent of their ability as Roma showed their experience.&nbsp;

“We created a lot of chances - the same perhaps in numbers - but Roma played with a different speed and habits to win the game. It’s the first time Brighton played in the Europa League last 16 – it’s a big level for us but I know we played 20 per cent&nbsp;less than our potential.

The second leg will be played next week on Thursday (Mar 14) as Roma travel to Amex Stadium.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Brighton and Hove Albion fans were subjected to further attacks during their torrid trip to the Italian capital, the English club said in a statement on Thursday (Mar 7).

Brighton and Hove Albion fans were subjected to further attacks during their torrid trip to the Italian capital, the English club said in a statement on Thursday (Mar 7). The Roma fans threw bottles, coins and lighters at the Brighton fans during the Europa League Round of 16 clash, which the Serie A club won 4-0. The Brighton fans were camped in the away section of the Stadio Olimpico and despite the strong presence of stewards, Roma Ultras managed to hurl the projectiles. "We are aware of the bottles, coins and lighters being thrown by home supporters into the away end," a statement from the Premier League club read. "We have reported to UEFA and Italian Police and requested immediate action be taken." The incident came hours after two Brighton fans were stabbed and mugged in the Monti neighbourhood of the city by a group of six to seven people wearing masks. The Brighton fans also had their wallets and identity documents stolen by the attackers who inflicted stab wounds on their legs. The city police said the two men had been admitted to a hospital where they were reported to be "OK". Also read | PSG fan stabbed in Milan ahead of Champions League Group F clash Officers have said they are looking for the attackers but so far, none of them had been identified. “We are aware of the incident reported in Italian media last night. Have spoken to both Brighton fans who are OK. We reiterate the advice of the club published on the pre-match info,” Darren Balkham, Brighton’s police liaison officer, wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). This is not the first instance when fans have been physically assaulted in Italy during a European away match. In November last year, hooded attackers stabbed a Paris Saint-Germain supporter ahead of the French club's Champions League match against AC Milan. Watch | Newcastle United and PSG fans clash ahead of Champions League match in Paris Brighton lose in first leg Brighton received a reality check on their first sojourn in European football as Roma slapped them with two goals in each half to take the first-leg tie. Manager Roberto De Zerbi said his team played less than 20 per cent of their ability as Roma showed their experience. “We created a lot of chances - the same perhaps in numbers - but Roma played with a different speed and habits to win the game. It’s the first time Brighton played in the Europa League last 16 – it’s a big level for us but I know we played 20 per cent less than our potential. The second leg will be played next week on Thursday (Mar 14) as Roma travel to Amex Stadium. (With inputs from agencies)

Brighton fans subject to more attacks after stabbing incident during Europa League trip to Rome

Struggling Napoli sacked Walter Mazzarri on Monday and brought in Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona.

The 62-year-old Mazzarri became the second man to be sent packing this season by the ailing Italian champions.

Mazzarri took charge in November after Rudi Garcia was dismissed Napoli then fell to ninth in Serie A ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last 16 clash with Barcelona.

"I thank Walter Mazzarri, a friend of the De Laurentiis family and Napoli, for having helped the team in a tricky period," said Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis on X.

De Laurentiis confirmed that Calzona has been hired, reportedly until the end of the season, and will be in charge for the first-leg visit of Barca.

"It's always painful to sack a friend," said De Laurentiis in a short interview with Sky Sport.

"But we need to consider that in Naples you have to give Napoli fans something extra. Now we're going to try to do that with Francesco Calzona."

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Calzona guided Slovakia to Euro 2024 but has a huge job on his hands as he returns to Napoli, where he was an assistant under Maurizio Sarri and during Luciano Spalletti's trophy-less first season with the club.

The 55-year-old will reportedly keep his job with Slovakia while also trying to drag Napoli back up the table after the disappointing end to Mazzarri's brief second spell in charge of southern Italy's biggest club.

Mazzarri helped return Napoli to the upper echelons of Italian football between 2009 and 2013.

He guided Napoli to the 2012 Italian Cup, beating undefeated league champions Juventus in the final to win the club's first trophy in over two decades.

Mazzarri left in May 2013 after finishing second in Italy's top flight with a thrilling team which boasted Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik&nbsp;and Edinson Cavani in attack.

Struggling Napoli sacked Walter Mazzarri on Monday and brought in Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona. The 62-year-old Mazzarri became the second man to be sent packing this season by the ailing Italian champions.

Struggling Napoli sacked Walter Mazzarri on Monday and brought in Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona. The 62-year-old Mazzarri became the second man to be sent packing this season by the ailing Italian champions. Mazzarri took charge in November after Rudi Garcia was dismissed Napoli then fell to ninth in Serie A ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last 16 clash with Barcelona. "I thank Walter Mazzarri, a friend of the De Laurentiis family and Napoli, for having helped the team in a tricky period," said Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis on X. De Laurentiis confirmed that Calzona has been hired, reportedly until the end of the season, and will be in charge for the first-leg visit of Barca. "It's always painful to sack a friend," said De Laurentiis in a short interview with Sky Sport. "But we need to consider that in Naples you have to give Napoli fans something extra. Now we're going to try to do that with Francesco Calzona." ALSO READ | Explained | Why does the India-England Test series give 2005 Ashes vibes? Calzona guided Slovakia to Euro 2024 but has a huge job on his hands as he returns to Napoli, where he was an assistant under Maurizio Sarri and during Luciano Spalletti's trophy-less first season with the club. The 55-year-old will reportedly keep his job with Slovakia while also trying to drag Napoli back up the table after the disappointing end to Mazzarri's brief second spell in charge of southern Italy's biggest club. Mazzarri helped return Napoli to the upper echelons of Italian football between 2009 and 2013. He guided Napoli to the 2012 Italian Cup, beating undefeated league champions Juventus in the final to win the club's first trophy in over two decades. Mazzarri left in May 2013 after finishing second in Italy's top flight with a thrilling team which boasted Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani in attack.

Football: Crisis-club Napoli replace sack Walter Mazzarri ahead of Barca clash; Francesco Calzona takes over

AC Milan squandered the opportunity to dislodge Juventus from second place in Serie A on Sunday when they lost 4-2 in a rollercoaster clash at Monza.

The result left Milan in third place with 52 points, two behind Juve and 11 back from league leaders and bitter rivals Inter.

Matteo Pessina, with a penalty on the stroke of half-time after a rash tackle by Malick Thiaw, and a Dany Mota strike gave mid-table Monza a 2-0 lead at the interval.

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Monza appeared to be cruising to victory when Milan were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute after&nbsp;Luka Jovic was red-carded for hitting an opponent.

Milan coach Stefano Pioli was forced to summon heavyweights Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud from the bench and the changes reaped an immediate dividend.

Giroud was set-up by Pulisic to score his 12th goal of the season just after the hour with Pulisic himself making it 2-2 in the 88th minute.&nbsp;

However, young French star Warren Bondo gave Monza the advantage again with a superb 20-metre drive in the 90th minute before Lorenzo Colombo added a fourth goal from another penalty in injury time.

"It's a defeat that really hurts, the night could not have gone any worse," said Pioli.

Lazio followed their victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League by throwing away an early lead to lose 2-1 at home to Bologna.

Lazio seemed to be building on their momentum when Gustav Isaksen gave them an 18th minute lead.

Bologna fought back with Morocco international Oussama El Azzouzi, making his first start since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, levelling in the 39th minute.

Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee earned the visitors victory with his eighth goal of the season in the 78th minute.

Bologna stay fifth but their fourth consecutive victory lifted them&nbsp;level on points with Atalanta who have a game in hand.

"It was an important test for us and we responded by producing our football for 90 minutes, but it's still too early to think about qualifying for the Champions League," said Bologna coach Thiago Motta.

Roma occupy sixth place on 41 points, five behind Bologna after a 3-0 win at Frosinone.

Since taking over from Jose Mourinho as coach, Daniele De Rossi has reinvigorated Roma with a haul of 12 points out of a possible fifteen.

On Saturday, Juventus could only draw 2-2 at relegation-threatened Verona and slipped nine points behind leaders Inter who beat Salernitana 4-0 on Friday.

AC Milan squandered the opportunity to dislodge Juventus from second place in Serie A on Sunday when they lost 4-2 in a rollercoaster clash at Monza. The result left Milan in third place with 52 points, two behind Juve and 11 back from league leaders and bitter rivals Inter.

AC Milan squandered the opportunity to dislodge Juventus from second place in Serie A on Sunday when they lost 4-2 in a rollercoaster clash at Monza. The result left Milan in third place with 52 points, two behind Juve and 11 back from league leaders and bitter rivals Inter. Matteo Pessina, with a penalty on the stroke of half-time after a rash tackle by Malick Thiaw, and a Dany Mota strike gave mid-table Monza a 2-0 lead at the interval. Also Read: UFC 298: Ilia Topuria is new Featherweight champion after defeating Alexander Volkanovski by KO Monza appeared to be cruising to victory when Milan were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute after Luka Jovic was red-carded for hitting an opponent. Milan coach Stefano Pioli was forced to summon heavyweights Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud from the bench and the changes reaped an immediate dividend. Giroud was set-up by Pulisic to score his 12th goal of the season just after the hour with Pulisic himself making it 2-2 in the 88th minute. However, young French star Warren Bondo gave Monza the advantage again with a superb 20-metre drive in the 90th minute before Lorenzo Colombo added a fourth goal from another penalty in injury time. "It's a defeat that really hurts, the night could not have gone any worse," said Pioli. Lazio followed their victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League by throwing away an early lead to lose 2-1 at home to Bologna. Lazio seemed to be building on their momentum when Gustav Isaksen gave them an 18th minute lead. Bologna fought back with Morocco international Oussama El Azzouzi, making his first start since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, levelling in the 39th minute. Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee earned the visitors victory with his eighth goal of the season in the 78th minute. Bologna stay fifth but their fourth consecutive victory lifted them level on points with Atalanta who have a game in hand. "It was an important test for us and we responded by producing our football for 90 minutes, but it's still too early to think about qualifying for the Champions League," said Bologna coach Thiago Motta. Roma occupy sixth place on 41 points, five behind Bologna after a 3-0 win at Frosinone. Since taking over from Jose Mourinho as coach, Daniele De Rossi has reinvigorated Roma with a haul of 12 points out of a possible fifteen. On Saturday, Juventus could only draw 2-2 at relegation-threatened Verona and slipped nine points behind leaders Inter who beat Salernitana 4-0 on Friday.

Serie A: AC Milan miss opportunity to displace Juventus from second spot after shocking loss against Monza

Inter Milan took firm control of the Serie A title race by winning Sunday's highly-anticipated clash with Juventus 1-0 and moving four points clear of their closest rivals for the Scudetto.

Simone Inzaghi's side prevailed in a tense but eventful clash at the San Siro thanks to Federico Gatti's own goal eight minutes before half-time.

Home fans who packed the stands for the biggest match of the season roared in delight as leaders Inter put daylight between themselves and second-placed Juve with their sixth straight win in all competitions.

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"It's a step in a long journey because there are lots of games to go and Juve won't give up, but it was a great night in front of a great crowd," said Inzaghi to DAZN.

"It's hard to find a weakness tonight... we've won 18 matches from 22 which is great but we're only four points ahead of Juve. Napoli were much further ahead at this stage last season."

Inter also have a game in hand -- at home against Atalanta at the end of the month -- a big advantage just as they head into a run of tough fixtures featuring their Champions League last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid.

They also travelled to Riyadh last month to win the Italian Super Cup.

Juventus, who on Sunday suffered their second defeat of the season and their first since September, have no European distractions.

Serie A's two leading goalscorers Lautaro Martinez and Dusan Vlahovic were on the San Siro pitch but it was the unfortunate Gatti who provided the decisive touch.

<h2>Advantage Inter</h2>

Inter made most of the running but bumped up against a black and white wall as Juve set up to frustrate the hosts and hit them on the break.

Marcus Thuram thought he was about to put Inter ahead midway through the first half but just as he prepared to sweep home Federico Dimarco's low cross, Bremer nipped in to take the ball from his toes.

Juve rarely ventured outside their own half in the opening period but Vlahovic could have put them ahead just after the half hour had he not miscontrolled the ball after Weston McKennie's powerful burst upfield.

But Inter got the stroke of luck they needed in the 37th minute when Nicolo Barella's cross missed both Benjamin Pavard and Thuram before deflecting over the line off Gatti.

The second half was played at a much faster pace and both teams exchanged half chances until Wojciech Szczesny's brilliant reaction stop denied Barella from close range in the 69h minute.

The Juventus goalie pulled off another miracle with four minutes remaining when he stopped Marko Arnautovic tucking home Denzel Dumfries' perfect low cross, but Inter had done enough for a huge win.

"Everyone has negative moments during a season, and it was our turn tonight," Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri told DAZN.

"We just need to get past this and focus on our next game with Udinese."

<h2>Kvaratskhelia saves Napoli</h2>

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck a wonder goal to fire ailing champions Napoli to a morale-boosting 2-1 win over struggling Verona.

Georgian star Kvaratskhelia curled home a long-range finish with three minutes remaining at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to snatch a comeback victory.

Walter Mazzarri's side are seventh and were temporarily a single point away from Italy's Champions League positions until fourth-placed Atalanta beat Lazio 3-1.

"When you win like that it's a great feeling... but in reality, it would've been better to take an early lead and get it done without suffering so much," admitted Mazzarri to DAZN after another underwhelming performance from his team.

Napoli are firmly in the fight for Champions League football but the top four wasn't their target after their stunning Scudetto triumph last season.

Next weekend Napoli travel to the San Siro to take on AC Milan, a difficult trip for a team who have only won four league matches since Mazzarri took over from Rudi Garcia in November.

Inter Milan took firm control of the Serie A title race by winning Sunday's highly-anticipated clash with Juventus 1-0 and moving four points clear of their closest rivals for the Scudetto.

Inter Milan took firm control of the Serie A title race by winning Sunday's highly-anticipated clash with Juventus 1-0 and moving four points clear of their closest rivals for the Scudetto. Simone Inzaghi's side prevailed in a tense but eventful clash at the San Siro thanks to Federico Gatti's own goal eight minutes before half-time. Home fans who packed the stands for the biggest match of the season roared in delight as leaders Inter put daylight between themselves and second-placed Juve with their sixth straight win in all competitions. Also Read: New Jersey to host 2026 World Cup final, Mexico gets opener "It's a step in a long journey because there are lots of games to go and Juve won't give up, but it was a great night in front of a great crowd," said Inzaghi to DAZN. "It's hard to find a weakness tonight... we've won 18 matches from 22 which is great but we're only four points ahead of Juve. Napoli were much further ahead at this stage last season." Inter also have a game in hand -- at home against Atalanta at the end of the month -- a big advantage just as they head into a run of tough fixtures featuring their Champions League last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid. They also travelled to Riyadh last month to win the Italian Super Cup. Juventus, who on Sunday suffered their second defeat of the season and their first since September, have no European distractions. Serie A's two leading goalscorers Lautaro Martinez and Dusan Vlahovic were on the San Siro pitch but it was the unfortunate Gatti who provided the decisive touch. Advantage Inter Inter made most of the running but bumped up against a black and white wall as Juve set up to frustrate the hosts and hit them on the break. Marcus Thuram thought he was about to put Inter ahead midway through the first half but just as he prepared to sweep home Federico Dimarco's low cross, Bremer nipped in to take the ball from his toes. Juve rarely ventured outside their own half in the opening period but Vlahovic could have put them ahead just after the half hour had he not miscontrolled the ball after Weston McKennie's powerful burst upfield. But Inter got the stroke of luck they needed in the 37th minute when Nicolo Barella's cross missed both Benjamin Pavard and Thuram before deflecting over the line off Gatti. The second half was played at a much faster pace and both teams exchanged half chances until Wojciech Szczesny's brilliant reaction stop denied Barella from close range in the 69h minute. The Juventus goalie pulled off another miracle with four minutes remaining when he stopped Marko Arnautovic tucking home Denzel Dumfries' perfect low cross, but Inter had done enough for a huge win. "Everyone has negative moments during a season, and it was our turn tonight," Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri told DAZN. "We just need to get past this and focus on our next game with Udinese." Kvaratskhelia saves Napoli Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck a wonder goal to fire ailing champions Napoli to a morale-boosting 2-1 win over struggling Verona. Georgian star Kvaratskhelia curled home a long-range finish with three minutes remaining at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to snatch a comeback victory. Walter Mazzarri's side are seventh and were temporarily a single point away from Italy's Champions League positions until fourth-placed Atalanta beat Lazio 3-1. "When you win like that it's a great feeling... but in reality, it would've been better to take an early lead and get it done without suffering so much," admitted Mazzarri to DAZN after another underwhelming performance from his team. Napoli are firmly in the fight for Champions League football but the top four wasn't their target after their stunning Scudetto triumph last season. Next weekend Napoli travel to the San Siro to take on AC Milan, a difficult trip for a team who have only won four league matches since Mazzarri took over from Rudi Garcia in November.

Serie A: Inter Milan take control of points table with win over Juventus

Lautaro Martinez fired Inter Milan back to the top of Serie A with the only goal in Sunday's dramatic 1-0 win at Fiorentina, as depleted Napoli played out an uneventful goalless draw at Lazio.

Argentina forward Martinez glanced home the decisive goal in the 14th minute of an action-packed contest in Florence in which Nicolas Gonzalez wasted a late penalty for the hosts, who had Inter on the back foot for much of the game.

However it was a clash which ended with Inter one point ahead of Juventus, who were held by Empoli on Saturday, with a game in hand ahead of the two title rivals meeting at the San Siro next weekend.

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"I can't say anything to these guys because we've won 17 matches from 21, scored 50 times and let in only 10. I can only applaud them," said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi to DAZN.

"Next week will be a match between two teams who play very high quality football... Juve are a team that you really need to face in your best form."

Martinez is now on 22 goals in all competitions for the season, the Inter captain's league tally of 19 in 21 matches putting him way ahead in the division's scoring charts.

Inter fans will have breathed a huge sigh of relief at the final whistle as the win was largely down to Fiorentina's poor attacking, with bad decisions going forward the order of the day for Vincenzo Italiano's side.

The Tuscan outfit missed the chance to take fourth and the final Champions League spot off Atalanta and stay fifth, two points off the money-spinning top-four positions.

Fiorentina thought they were set to snatch a point when Yann Sommer was penalised for punching M'Bala Nzola while trying to clear a speculative ball into the box.

But star attacker Gonzalez, who returned from the bench after six weeks on the sidelines, rolled a dreadful spot-kick at Sommer, their third missed penalty of the season.

"I'm disappointed that in matches like these we never seem to find that piece of play which can change the course of the match, or at least see that we not lose," said Italiano to DAZN.

"And we've got a sort of penalty curse which is starting to irritate me. It's not good enough."

<h2>Napoli's bore draw</h2>

Walter Mazzarri's Napoli stay ninth, 22 points behind Inter after not having a single shot on target in a dismal encounter at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Napoli were missing star striker Victor Osimhen to the Africa Cup of Nations while both Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giovanni Simeone were suspended, leaving them short in attack.

It was the first time since 2012 that Napoli didn't work the goalkeeper in a league match, according to Opta, but despite their troubles the southern outfit are still only four points off the Champions League positions.

"I'm very satisfied with the performance because we were facing a very strong team... we had a lot of absences and there were players who hadn't played for ages who responded on the pitch," insisted Mazzarri to DAZN.

"Today was the confirmation that I have real men with me, who play together as a team."

Lazio were playing with the entire northern end of the stadium closed after fans racially abused Roma striker Romelu Lukaku earlier this month.

Maurizio Sarri's team stay sixth after barely creating anything themselves in the absence of suspended Italy attackers Ciro Immobile and Mattia Zaccagni.

Their only true moment of excitement came almost straight after half-time when Valentin Castellanos' beautiful overhead kick finish was ruled out for offside.&nbsp;

Earlier Verona moved out of the relegation zone after their 1-1 home draw with Frosinone, a point enough to move Marco Baroni's side up to 16th.

They are outside the bottom three thanks to their superior goal difference over Udinese and Cagliari, who sit just inside the drop zone after Friday's 2-1 home defeat to Torino.

Lautaro Martinez fired Inter Milan back to the top of Serie A with the only goal in Sunday's dramatic 1-0 win at Fiorentina, as depleted Napoli played out an uneventful goalless draw at Lazio.

Lautaro Martinez fired Inter Milan back to the top of Serie A with the only goal in Sunday's dramatic 1-0 win at Fiorentina, as depleted Napoli played out an uneventful goalless draw at Lazio. Argentina forward Martinez glanced home the decisive goal in the 14th minute of an action-packed contest in Florence in which Nicolas Gonzalez wasted a late penalty for the hosts, who had Inter on the back foot for much of the game. However it was a clash which ended with Inter one point ahead of Juventus, who were held by Empoli on Saturday, with a game in hand ahead of the two title rivals meeting at the San Siro next weekend. Also Read: San Francisco 49ers make stunning comeback against Detroit Lions to book Super Bowl berth "I can't say anything to these guys because we've won 17 matches from 21, scored 50 times and let in only 10. I can only applaud them," said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi to DAZN. "Next week will be a match between two teams who play very high quality football... Juve are a team that you really need to face in your best form." Martinez is now on 22 goals in all competitions for the season, the Inter captain's league tally of 19 in 21 matches putting him way ahead in the division's scoring charts. Inter fans will have breathed a huge sigh of relief at the final whistle as the win was largely down to Fiorentina's poor attacking, with bad decisions going forward the order of the day for Vincenzo Italiano's side. The Tuscan outfit missed the chance to take fourth and the final Champions League spot off Atalanta and stay fifth, two points off the money-spinning top-four positions. Fiorentina thought they were set to snatch a point when Yann Sommer was penalised for punching M'Bala Nzola while trying to clear a speculative ball into the box. But star attacker Gonzalez, who returned from the bench after six weeks on the sidelines, rolled a dreadful spot-kick at Sommer, their third missed penalty of the season. "I'm disappointed that in matches like these we never seem to find that piece of play which can change the course of the match, or at least see that we not lose," said Italiano to DAZN. "And we've got a sort of penalty curse which is starting to irritate me. It's not good enough." Napoli's bore draw Walter Mazzarri's Napoli stay ninth, 22 points behind Inter after not having a single shot on target in a dismal encounter at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Napoli were missing star striker Victor Osimhen to the Africa Cup of Nations while both Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giovanni Simeone were suspended, leaving them short in attack. It was the first time since 2012 that Napoli didn't work the goalkeeper in a league match, according to Opta, but despite their troubles the southern outfit are still only four points off the Champions League positions. "I'm very satisfied with the performance because we were facing a very strong team... we had a lot of absences and there were players who hadn't played for ages who responded on the pitch," insisted Mazzarri to DAZN. "Today was the confirmation that I have real men with me, who play together as a team." Lazio were playing with the entire northern end of the stadium closed after fans racially abused Roma striker Romelu Lukaku earlier this month. Maurizio Sarri's team stay sixth after barely creating anything themselves in the absence of suspended Italy attackers Ciro Immobile and Mattia Zaccagni. Their only true moment of excitement came almost straight after half-time when Valentin Castellanos' beautiful overhead kick finish was ruled out for offside. Earlier Verona moved out of the relegation zone after their 1-1 home draw with Frosinone, a point enough to move Marco Baroni's side up to 16th. They are outside the bottom three thanks to their superior goal difference over Udinese and Cagliari, who sit just inside the drop zone after Friday's 2-1 home defeat to Torino.

Serie A: Inter Milan beat Fiorentina to claim top spot from Juventus

Italian club Udinese will have to play its next home game behind closed doors as punishment after its fans racially abused AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan during a Serie A match last week.

Italian club Udinese will have to play its next home game behind closed doors as punishment after its fans racially abused AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan during a Serie A match last week. Serie A said it had "decided to sanction Udinese with the obligation to play a match behind closed doors". The Italian league's disciplinary committee judge Gerardo Mastrandrea announced the verdict which could set a precedent for other clubs. Mastrandrea noted that despite the two announcements inside the stadium asking fans to stop the racist abuse, the supporters did not disassociate themselves from the racist chants. Maignan, who is black and plays for the French national team, alongside other AC Milan players, walked off the pitch for a brief period after he alleged that Udinese fans made monkey noises in the stands. Milan did return to play after five minutes and went on to win the match 3-2, pushing Udinese to 16th in the points table and precariously near the relegation zone. However, the incident once again reignited the conversation about the prevalent racism in the Italian league, infamous because of it. After the incident gained traction, Udinese identified the culprit fan and banned him for life from attending any match for the club. "In a joint effort with the local police authorities and utilizing the Bluenergy Stadium security cameras. Udinese Calcio has identified the first individual responsible for discriminatory behaviour towards AC Milan player Mike Maignan," said the club in a statement "This person will face a lifetime ban from attending any Udinese Calcio matches. This ban is effective immediately." Watch | Racism in Sports: When and how will it end? × Forfeit matches After the incident, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino called for an automatic forfeit of games for the teams whose fans indulge in racist acts. “As well as the three-step process (match stopped, match re-stopped, match abandoned), we have to implement an automatic forfeit for the team whose fans have committed racism and caused the match to be abandoned, as well as worldwide stadium bans and criminal charges for racists,” said Infantino via a FIFA post on X (formerly known as Twitter). Also read | FIFA chief calls for automatic forfeit of games for teams whose fans get involved in racism during games Infantino also referred to the EFL match involving Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday where midfielder Kasey Palmer was subjected to a racist gesture by a fan in the dying moments of the game. Coventry manager Mark Robins made the revelation after the game. "The events that took place in Udinese and Sheffield on Saturday are totally abhorrent and completely unacceptable. The players affected by Saturday’s events have my undivided support," added Infantino. Both Maignan and Palmer have received widespread support from the footballing world but the behaviour by the fans remains an area of concern for the sport. (With inputs from agencies)

Serie A club Udinese to play home game without fans for racially abusing AC Milan's Maignan

Inter Milan moved five points clear at the top of Serie A on Saturday after cruising to a 5-1 win at Monza, while last-gasp drama gave Napoli a 2-1 win over Salernitana.

Doubles from Hakan Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez and a late strike from Marcus Thuram extended Inter's advantage on Juventus, who host Sassuolo on Tuesday night.

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Inter now head to the revamped, four-team Italian Super Cup in Riyadh, where they begin a tough run of fixtures against Lazio on Thursday.

A trip to high-flying Fiorentina will follow at the end of the month before a showdown with Juve at the San Siro, by which time their closest rivals could be top of the pile due to having a game in hand.

Inter don't play what would have been next weekend's home clash with Atalanta until the end of February due to their Super Cup commitments.

However if they continue to play as they did in a blistering display on Saturday they should have little to fear from any opposition.

Calhanoglu put Inter ahead from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Roberto Gagliardini handled Martinez's header, and the away side were two in front moments later.

A great team move swept Inter from one end of the pitch to the other and ended with Martinez prodding home from close range.

Monza's Matteo Pessina then had a header ruled out for the tightest of offsides in the 29th minute, and Calhanoglu made sure of the points on the hour mark when he stroked home Thuram's neat lay-off.

Pessina did get his goal from the spot nine minutes later but by then the damage was done.

With six minutes remaining Martinez scored from the spot to take his league tally to 18 for the season and four minutes later Thuram capped a perfect evening with a fine individual strike.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Napoli relief -</h2>

&nbsp;

Amir Rrahmani's stoppage-time strike earned Napoli a dramatic win over regional rivals Salernitana which ended the ailing champions' winless run at four matches.

Kosovo captain Rrahmani capitalised on dreadful defending at a free-kick to poke home the winner and turn jeers into cheers at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Walter Mazzarri's side moved up to sixth in Italy's top flight after the win, 20 points behind Inter.

The hosts came back from going behind in the 29th minute to a stunning Antonio Candreva strike, with Matteo Politano pulling Napoli level from the penalty spot at the end of the first half before Rrahmani brought the house down with his late winner.

"It's not an easy situation, because going from being Italian champions to having the kind of results we're having this season is very hard," said Rrahmani to DAZN.

"I'm happy with the goal. I hope I can be as lucky again in the future."

Napoli are two points behind fourth-placed Fiorentina, who sit in the final Champions League spot and host Udinese on Sunday.

"It was a real team win, a hallmark of this team last season but something that we haven't seen too much of this year," said Mazzarri.

Saturday's win brought euphoria to home fans who have watched a side which cruised to last season's historic Scudetto put up a weak title defence.

But the three points came with a large slice of good fortune as Politano's leveller came after a soft foul from Federico Fazio on Giovanni Simeone, given after a VAR check.

Supporters were resigned to a draw when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has struggled this term, shot a great chance straight at Salernitana goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa with the clock ticking down.

Moments later Ochoa helped hand Napoli the win when he clattered into Fazio while trying to collect Giacomo Raspadori's free-kick, the ball then squirmed to Rrahmani who rammed home the decisive goal.

Inter Milan moved five points clear at the top of Serie A on Saturday after cruising to a 5-1 win at Monza, while last-gasp drama gave Napoli a 2-1 win over Salernitana.

Inter Milan moved five points clear at the top of Serie A on Saturday after cruising to a 5-1 win at Monza, while last-gasp drama gave Napoli a 2-1 win over Salernitana. Doubles from Hakan Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez and a late strike from Marcus Thuram extended Inter's advantage on Juventus, who host Sassuolo on Tuesday night. Also Read: Exequiel Palacios scores late winner for Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen Inter now head to the revamped, four-team Italian Super Cup in Riyadh, where they begin a tough run of fixtures against Lazio on Thursday. A trip to high-flying Fiorentina will follow at the end of the month before a showdown with Juve at the San Siro, by which time their closest rivals could be top of the pile due to having a game in hand. Inter don't play what would have been next weekend's home clash with Atalanta until the end of February due to their Super Cup commitments. However if they continue to play as they did in a blistering display on Saturday they should have little to fear from any opposition. Calhanoglu put Inter ahead from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Roberto Gagliardini handled Martinez's header, and the away side were two in front moments later. A great team move swept Inter from one end of the pitch to the other and ended with Martinez prodding home from close range. Monza's Matteo Pessina then had a header ruled out for the tightest of offsides in the 29th minute, and Calhanoglu made sure of the points on the hour mark when he stroked home Thuram's neat lay-off. Pessina did get his goal from the spot nine minutes later but by then the damage was done. With six minutes remaining Martinez scored from the spot to take his league tally to 18 for the season and four minutes later Thuram capped a perfect evening with a fine individual strike. - Napoli relief - Amir Rrahmani's stoppage-time strike earned Napoli a dramatic win over regional rivals Salernitana which ended the ailing champions' winless run at four matches. Kosovo captain Rrahmani capitalised on dreadful defending at a free-kick to poke home the winner and turn jeers into cheers at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Walter Mazzarri's side moved up to sixth in Italy's top flight after the win, 20 points behind Inter. The hosts came back from going behind in the 29th minute to a stunning Antonio Candreva strike, with Matteo Politano pulling Napoli level from the penalty spot at the end of the first half before Rrahmani brought the house down with his late winner. "It's not an easy situation, because going from being Italian champions to having the kind of results we're having this season is very hard," said Rrahmani to DAZN. "I'm happy with the goal. I hope I can be as lucky again in the future." Napoli are two points behind fourth-placed Fiorentina, who sit in the final Champions League spot and host Udinese on Sunday. "It was a real team win, a hallmark of this team last season but something that we haven't seen too much of this year," said Mazzarri. Saturday's win brought euphoria to home fans who have watched a side which cruised to last season's historic Scudetto put up a weak title defence. But the three points came with a large slice of good fortune as Politano's leveller came after a soft foul from Federico Fazio on Giovanni Simeone, given after a VAR check. Supporters were resigned to a draw when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has struggled this term, shot a great chance straight at Salernitana goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa with the clock ticking down. Moments later Ochoa helped hand Napoli the win when he clattered into Fazio while trying to collect Giacomo Raspadori's free-kick, the ball then squirmed to Rrahmani who rammed home the decisive goal.

Serie A: Inter Milan go five points clear at the top with easy win over Monza

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique says he doesn't need to replenish his squad in the transfer market despite the French champions missing a number of players.

"I don't need anything, I've already got enough good players," said the Spaniard, on Saturday.

But he left the door open to new arrivals at the Parc des Princes if the right opportunity came along.

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"But with the management we are open to improving the team during each transfer window," stated Luis Enrique at a press conference on the eve of PSG's Ligue 1 trip to Lens.

"During the transfer window we remain on the ball, open - but we don't need anyone," he observed, after the club's signing of Brazilian defender Lucas Beraldo on January 1.

Of Beraldo, he said: "Inevitably he needs time to adapt. Over there (Brazil) it's summer, here it's winter. He's doing well, and is very mature for his age (20)."

"We are a family at this club, and are trying to get him settled in as quickly as possible."

Another Brazilian, midfielder Gabriel Moscardo, is expected at PSG but has yet to put pen to paper on a deal after undergoing foot surgery.

PSG have several players injured, including defender Milan Skriniar, while full-back Achraf Hakimi is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Morocco and South Korean attacking midfielder Lee Kang-In is at the Asian Cup.

Also missing, injured, are Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes.

PSG resume their Ligue 1 title bid after the winter break against last season's runners-up Lens as the focus sharpens increasingly on the future of France captain Kylian Mbappe.

The league's top scorer for each of the past five seasons, Mbappe's contract runs out at the end of June and he is free to sign an agreement to join a new club for the 2024-25 campaign.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi reiterated his stance last week that the club is the best place for the 25-year-old amid endless speculation he will join Real Madrid in the summer.

Mbappe was in trigger-happy mood last weekend, netting a hat-trick as PSG blew away their sixth-tier French Cup rivals Revel 9-0.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique says he doesn't need to replenish his squad in the transfer market despite the French champions missing a number of players.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique says he doesn't need to replenish his squad in the transfer market despite the French champions missing a number of players. "I don't need anything, I've already got enough good players," said the Spaniard, on Saturday. But he left the door open to new arrivals at the Parc des Princes if the right opportunity came along. Also Read: EXPLAINED: Why Australia are playing in Asian Cup 2024 despite not being in Asia territorially "But with the management we are open to improving the team during each transfer window," stated Luis Enrique at a press conference on the eve of PSG's Ligue 1 trip to Lens. "During the transfer window we remain on the ball, open - but we don't need anyone," he observed, after the club's signing of Brazilian defender Lucas Beraldo on January 1. Of Beraldo, he said: "Inevitably he needs time to adapt. Over there (Brazil) it's summer, here it's winter. He's doing well, and is very mature for his age (20)." "We are a family at this club, and are trying to get him settled in as quickly as possible." Another Brazilian, midfielder Gabriel Moscardo, is expected at PSG but has yet to put pen to paper on a deal after undergoing foot surgery. PSG have several players injured, including defender Milan Skriniar, while full-back Achraf Hakimi is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Morocco and South Korean attacking midfielder Lee Kang-In is at the Asian Cup. Also missing, injured, are Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes. PSG resume their Ligue 1 title bid after the winter break against last season's runners-up Lens as the focus sharpens increasingly on the future of France captain Kylian Mbappe. The league's top scorer for each of the past five seasons, Mbappe's contract runs out at the end of June and he is free to sign an agreement to join a new club for the 2024-25 campaign. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi reiterated his stance last week that the club is the best place for the 25-year-old amid endless speculation he will join Real Madrid in the summer. Mbappe was in trigger-happy mood last weekend, netting a hat-trick as PSG blew away their sixth-tier French Cup rivals Revel 9-0.

'Don't need anything,' says PSG coach Luis Enrique on signing new players amid injuries

The first person to win the FIFA World Cup as both a player and coach, Mario Zagallo was as instrumental a figure as any in Brazil's rise to prominence as a global football power.

Zagallo, who died Friday at the age of 92, was the only surviving member of the Brazil team that lifted the 1958 World Cup trophy, the country's first title and one that eased the pain of a traumatic defeat by Uruguay at the Maracana eight years prior.

"I was at the Maracana for that fateful loss to Uruguay. I was a soldier and it was my job to keep people off the pitch," said Zagallo of a result that prompted national mourning.

"I'll never forget the silence, the sadness and the disappointment of that defeat."

His legendary teammate Pele died in December 2022.

While that memory remained vivid, Zagallo would do his utmost to relieve the anguish by leaving his fingerprints on four of Brazil's five World Cup triumphs.

Emerging from the amateur ranks during the 1950s, Zagallo, a diminutive left winger, embodied Brazil's quest to blend attacking flair with defensive solidity, combining his own exquisite technique with admirable commitment.

He won five Rio de Janeiro state championships with Flamengo and Botafogo. He only made his Brazil debut at the age of 26, shortly before the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, but became an integral member of the team, winning 37 caps.&nbsp;

<h2>Brazil's run of success</h2>

The tournament, which launched 17-year-old sensation Pele on the world stage, ended with Brazil beating the hosts 5-2 in the final. Zagallo scored his team's fourth and then set up Pele for the final goal.

Four years later, Zagallo played every single minute as a Garrincha-inspired Brazil overcame an injury sustained by Pele in the group stage to retain their crown, coming from behind to beat Czechoslovakia 3-1 in Santiago.

After retirement, Zagallo returned to the game as a manager, taking over former club Botafogo and leading them to two more state titles in a country under a military dictatorship.

Joao Saldanha had guided the national team to the 1970 World Cup in Mexico but was cast aside before the tournament in favor of Zagallo. Saldanha fell out with Pele and refused to bow to demands of then-president Emilio Garrastazu Medici on squad selection and, as a known Communist sympathizer, his fate was sealed.

Zagallo, just 38 at the time, inherited an exceptionally gifted squad -- including Pele, Carlos Alberto, Jairzinho and Rivelino -- and oversaw six wins from six games as Brazil captured the title for a third time in four attempts.

Years ahead of his time as a player, Zagallo quickly demonstrated his merit as a coach. He later reflected on the fabled 1970 World Cup, dominated by a spectacular Brazilian display, as his "greatest memory as a manager".

A counter-intuitive type who believed in the number 13, Zagallo's unabating hunger for success brought further domestic titles with Fluminense and Flamengo before he ventured abroad to Kuwait, winning the Gulf Cup in 1976 and reaching that year's Asian Cup final.

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<h2>Tireless pursuit of glory</h2>

After taking United Arab Emirates to Italy in 1990, Zagallo was called on by Brazil for a final time, as technical director for the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

Together with his protege, Carlos Alberto Perreira, he guided the side to another world title after a dull final against Italy led to a penalty shootout.

His tilt at a fifth success fell agonizingly short in 1998, when Ronaldo, the pre-eminent player of his generation, suffered a mysterious fit before the final and Brazil slumped to a 3-0 defeat to hosts France.

Zagallo's durability and lasting aura ensured he was a natural choice to stand in briefly for the departed Luiz Felipe Scolari following Brazil's fifth World Cup victory in 2002.

"He was one of the greatest Brazilian players of his generation and, after winning the World Cup four times, he has left a permanent mark on Brazilian football," said Ronaldo of the man nicknamed "The Professor".

His wife of 57 years, Alcina de Castro, passed away in 2012.&nbsp;

The first person to win the FIFA World Cup as both a player and coach, Mario Zagallo was as instrumental a figure as any in Brazil's rise to prominence as a global football power.

The first person to win the FIFA World Cup as both a player and coach, Mario Zagallo was as instrumental a figure as any in Brazil's rise to prominence as a global football power. Zagallo, who died Friday at the age of 92, was the only surviving member of the Brazil team that lifted the 1958 World Cup trophy, the country's first title and one that eased the pain of a traumatic defeat by Uruguay at the Maracana eight years prior. "I was at the Maracana for that fateful loss to Uruguay. I was a soldier and it was my job to keep people off the pitch," said Zagallo of a result that prompted national mourning. "I'll never forget the silence, the sadness and the disappointment of that defeat." His legendary teammate Pele died in December 2022. While that memory remained vivid, Zagallo would do his utmost to relieve the anguish by leaving his fingerprints on four of Brazil's five World Cup triumphs. Emerging from the amateur ranks during the 1950s, Zagallo, a diminutive left winger, embodied Brazil's quest to blend attacking flair with defensive solidity, combining his own exquisite technique with admirable commitment. He won five Rio de Janeiro state championships with Flamengo and Botafogo. He only made his Brazil debut at the age of 26, shortly before the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, but became an integral member of the team, winning 37 caps. Brazil's run of success The tournament, which launched 17-year-old sensation Pele on the world stage, ended with Brazil beating the hosts 5-2 in the final. Zagallo scored his team's fourth and then set up Pele for the final goal. Four years later, Zagallo played every single minute as a Garrincha-inspired Brazil overcame an injury sustained by Pele in the group stage to retain their crown, coming from behind to beat Czechoslovakia 3-1 in Santiago. After retirement, Zagallo returned to the game as a manager, taking over former club Botafogo and leading them to two more state titles in a country under a military dictatorship. Joao Saldanha had guided the national team to the 1970 World Cup in Mexico but was cast aside before the tournament in favor of Zagallo. Saldanha fell out with Pele and refused to bow to demands of then-president Emilio Garrastazu Medici on squad selection and, as a known Communist sympathizer, his fate was sealed. Zagallo, just 38 at the time, inherited an exceptionally gifted squad -- including Pele, Carlos Alberto, Jairzinho and Rivelino -- and oversaw six wins from six games as Brazil captured the title for a third time in four attempts. Years ahead of his time as a player, Zagallo quickly demonstrated his merit as a coach. He later reflected on the fabled 1970 World Cup, dominated by a spectacular Brazilian display, as his "greatest memory as a manager". A counter-intuitive type who believed in the number 13, Zagallo's unabating hunger for success brought further domestic titles with Fluminense and Flamengo before he ventured abroad to Kuwait, winning the Gulf Cup in 1976 and reaching that year's Asian Cup final. ALSO READ | David Warner hits 57 in farewell Test innings as Australia complete clean sweep over Pakistan in Sydney Tireless pursuit of glory After taking United Arab Emirates to Italy in 1990, Zagallo was called on by Brazil for a final time, as technical director for the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Together with his protege, Carlos Alberto Perreira, he guided the side to another world title after a dull final against Italy led to a penalty shootout. His tilt at a fifth success fell agonizingly short in 1998, when Ronaldo, the pre-eminent player of his generation, suffered a mysterious fit before the final and Brazil slumped to a 3-0 defeat to hosts France. Zagallo's durability and lasting aura ensured he was a natural choice to stand in briefly for the departed Luiz Felipe Scolari following Brazil's fifth World Cup victory in 2002. "He was one of the greatest Brazilian players of his generation and, after winning the World Cup four times, he has left a permanent mark on Brazilian football," said Ronaldo of the man nicknamed "The Professor". His wife of 57 years, Alcina de Castro, passed away in 2012.

Football: Brazilian World Cup winner Mario Zagallo dies aged 92

Defending Serie A champions Napoli saw their non-winning league ways continue Friday with a goalless draw against mid-table Monza.

The result left Walter Mazzarri's team, missing banned strikers Matteo Politano and Victor Osimhen, in seventh place in the table on 28 points.

Inter Milan are currently top on 45 points, with Juventus in second on 40.

Mazzarri's frustrations boiled over with his misfiring side, and the coach was shown a yellow card in the 82nd minute. His Monza counterpart Raffaele Palladino was also sent off from the sidelines late in the game.

Monza's Matteo Pessina had a penalty saved by Mario Rui, guilty of handball, in the 65th minute, while Napoli's best chance came from a first-half effort by Zambo Anguissa.

Leaders Inter Milan were also held to a draw at newly-promoted Genoa in one of two later games on Friday.

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Such was the smoke from flares early in the first half in Genoa, the referee was forced to halt the game for eight minutes before it cleared and play resumed.

Inter went on to open the scoring through Marko Arnautovic in the 42nd minute after he picked up on a parried Nicolo Barella strike for his first goal of the season.

Genoa drew level in the dying seconds of the opening period thanks to a powerful Radu Dragusin header from a corner.

The pick of Saturday's action sees Juventus hosting Roma, who beat Napoli 2-0 last week.

Juve could move to within a point of Inter with a victory over Jose Mourinho's team.

Defending Serie A champions Napoli saw their non-winning league ways continue Friday with a goalless draw against mid-table Monza. The result left Walter Mazzarri's team, missing banned strikers Matteo Politano and Victor Osimhen, in seventh place in the table on 28 points.

Defending Serie A champions Napoli saw their non-winning league ways continue Friday with a goalless draw against mid-table Monza. The result left Walter Mazzarri's team, missing banned strikers Matteo Politano and Victor Osimhen, in seventh place in the table on 28 points. Inter Milan are currently top on 45 points, with Juventus in second on 40. Mazzarri's frustrations boiled over with his misfiring side, and the coach was shown a yellow card in the 82nd minute. His Monza counterpart Raffaele Palladino was also sent off from the sidelines late in the game. Monza's Matteo Pessina had a penalty saved by Mario Rui, guilty of handball, in the 65th minute, while Napoli's best chance came from a first-half effort by Zambo Anguissa. Leaders Inter Milan were also held to a draw at newly-promoted Genoa in one of two later games on Friday. ALSO READ | ICC slaps India with point-deduction for slow over-rate in Centurion Test; Shami’s replacement named Such was the smoke from flares early in the first half in Genoa, the referee was forced to halt the game for eight minutes before it cleared and play resumed. Inter went on to open the scoring through Marko Arnautovic in the 42nd minute after he picked up on a parried Nicolo Barella strike for his first goal of the season. Genoa drew level in the dying seconds of the opening period thanks to a powerful Radu Dragusin header from a corner. The pick of Saturday's action sees Juventus hosting Roma, who beat Napoli 2-0 last week. Juve could move to within a point of Inter with a victory over Jose Mourinho's team.

Football: Champions Napoli held to goalless draw by Monza in Serie A

Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw at Genoa as Federico Chiesa's first-half penalty was cancelled out by Albert Gudmundsson after the break, leaving the visitors a point off top spot in Serie A.

Massimiliano Allegri's side are second on 37 points behind Inter Milan, who visit Lazio on Sunday. Genoa are 14th with 16 points, four points clear of the relegation zone.

"It's not easy to play against Genoa," Allegri told Mediaset. "We have to grow in scoring because this is the only way we can stay at the top of the table.

"We needed more calmness and brightness, but it's an important point that continues the positive streak and the performance made me happy."

The visitors took the lead after 28 minutes, thanks to Chiesa, who made no mistake from the penalty spot after being brought down by goalkeeper Josep Martinez.

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Genoa levelled three minutes into the second half after a fine passing build-up left Gudmundsson with an opportunity in front of goal to fire past keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Juventus came close to a last-minute winner but Martinez made a brilliant save to keep out Bremer's close-range effort after a corner.

"We have to improve, sometimes we get caught up in the frenzy. There have always been things to improve, not only today," Juve midfielder Manuel Locatelli told DAZN.

"We conceded a goal that we usually don't concede, these things can happen, but then you have to react. Opportunities must be seized. We have to take the leap of scoring more and closing out games," he further said.

Juve next play at mid-table Frosinone next Saturday.

"There's regret, we wanted to come here and win. Now we have to work for Frosinone. We have the same hunger as always. The spirit is the right one to move forward," Locatelli added.

Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw at Genoa as Federico Chiesa's first-half penalty was cancelled out by Albert Gudmundsson after the break, leaving the visitors a point off top spot in Serie A.

Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw at Genoa as Federico Chiesa's first-half penalty was cancelled out by Albert Gudmundsson after the break, leaving the visitors a point off top spot in Serie A. Massimiliano Allegri's side are second on 37 points behind Inter Milan, who visit Lazio on Sunday. Genoa are 14th with 16 points, four points clear of the relegation zone. "It's not easy to play against Genoa," Allegri told Mediaset. "We have to grow in scoring because this is the only way we can stay at the top of the table. "We needed more calmness and brightness, but it's an important point that continues the positive streak and the performance made me happy." The visitors took the lead after 28 minutes, thanks to Chiesa, who made no mistake from the penalty spot after being brought down by goalkeeper Josep Martinez. ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola mulls potential move to replace outgoing Kalvin Phillips at Manchester City Genoa levelled three minutes into the second half after a fine passing build-up left Gudmundsson with an opportunity in front of goal to fire past keeper Wojciech Szczesny. Juventus came close to a last-minute winner but Martinez made a brilliant save to keep out Bremer's close-range effort after a corner. "We have to improve, sometimes we get caught up in the frenzy. There have always been things to improve, not only today," Juve midfielder Manuel Locatelli told DAZN. "We conceded a goal that we usually don't concede, these things can happen, but then you have to react. Opportunities must be seized. We have to take the leap of scoring more and closing out games," he further said. Juve next play at mid-table Frosinone next Saturday. "There's regret, we wanted to come here and win. Now we have to work for Frosinone. We have the same hunger as always. The spirit is the right one to move forward," Locatelli added.

Serie A: Juventus miss chance to go on top after stalemate at Genoa

Juventus are not interested in rejoining the European Club Association (ECA), the Italian outfit said on Thursday, after ECA chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi opened the door for their return.

Al-Khelaifi said on Thursday that the ECA would welcome Juventus back after the club signalled they will pull out of the European Super League project.

The ECA represents more than 440 clubs across the continent, although it is dominated by the big teams, including nine of the 12 initially involved in the planned breakaway Super League.

Juventus, however, said they were not looking to rejoin.

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"Juventus FC is not assessing the possibility to rejoin ECA at the moment," the club's press office told Reuters in an email.

Juve, who along with Real Madrid and Barcelona have not rejoined the ECA after their exclusion in 2021, said in July they had initiated the procedure to pull out of the Super League project.

"If they stop what they are trying to fight for, which I think is a stupid project, they are always most welcome," Al-Khelaifi told reporters after an ECA board meeting in Copenhagen on Thursday.

"I spoke to the owner and, you know, he called me and I think they want to be back. They are definitely most welcome," Al-Khelaifi said.

Al-Khelaifi, who is also president of French champions Paris St Germain, took over as ECA chairman when former Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, who had supported the idea of a European Super League, stepped down in 2021.

Agnelli and the Juve board resigned in November last year.

Juventus are not interested in rejoining the European Club Association (ECA), the Italian outfit said on Thursday, after ECA chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi opened the door for their return.

Juventus are not interested in rejoining the European Club Association (ECA), the Italian outfit said on Thursday, after ECA chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi opened the door for their return. Al-Khelaifi said on Thursday that the ECA would welcome Juventus back after the club signalled they will pull out of the European Super League project. The ECA represents more than 440 clubs across the continent, although it is dominated by the big teams, including nine of the 12 initially involved in the planned breakaway Super League. Juventus, however, said they were not looking to rejoin. ALSO READ: Figure Skating: Teenager Ilia Malinin tops men's short program at ISU Grand Prix final "Juventus FC is not assessing the possibility to rejoin ECA at the moment," the club's press office told Reuters in an email. Juve, who along with Real Madrid and Barcelona have not rejoined the ECA after their exclusion in 2021, said in July they had initiated the procedure to pull out of the Super League project. "If they stop what they are trying to fight for, which I think is a stupid project, they are always most welcome," Al-Khelaifi told reporters after an ECA board meeting in Copenhagen on Thursday. "I spoke to the owner and, you know, he called me and I think they want to be back. They are definitely most welcome," Al-Khelaifi said. Al-Khelaifi, who is also president of French champions Paris St Germain, took over as ECA chairman when former Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, who had supported the idea of a European Super League, stepped down in 2021. Agnelli and the Juve board resigned in November last year.

Serie A outfit Juventus not keen on rejoining European Club Association, team says

Inter Milan sent a warning to the rest of Serie A with Sunday's convincing 3-0 win at Napoli which re-established their two-point lead at the summit and left the champions' title defence on its last legs.

Beautifully taken goals from Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella and Marcus Thuram pushed Inter back above closest challengers Juventus, who briefly held top spot after beating Monza on Friday.

Sunday's thumping was a show of force from Inter who illustrated why they are favourites to win a 20th league title, still unbeaten away from home in all competitions after claiming a huge win at a ground where they have a dreadful record.

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"It was a show of strength, of team spirit," said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.

"Winning like this in Naples is satisfying, but we're only 14 games in and there is a very long way to go."

Napoli are now 11 points off the pace and travel to Juve next weekend in a match which could end any realistic hope of the champions retaining the Scudetto before the calendar year is out.

To add insult to injury Napoli have dropped out of the top four, replaced by Roma who won 2-1 at Sassuolo earlier and sit in the last Champions League spot on goal difference.

<h2>Napoli recriminations</h2>

Returning Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri refused to speak after the match, sporting director Mauro Meluso expressing anger at referee Davide Massa for not stopping play for a foul before Inter's opener and not giving a penalty for what he believed was a clear foul on Victor Osimhen while the home side trailed by a single goal.

"I don't want to create an excuse for our team, who obviously still need to work on a few things, but we didn't deserve that humiliation today," said Meluso.

Simone Inzaghi's side have won 11 of their 14 league matches so far this season and once Hakan Calhanoglu thrashed in the opener on the stroke of half-time they expertly dealt with a hyped-up Napoli.

Hosts Napoli were playing their first home fixture under Mazzarri, whose team are stuck on a paltry seven points from as many matches at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Barella doubled Inter's lead just after the hour mark with his first goal of the season shortly after Yann Sommer pulled off a brilliant save to deny Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of three superb stops from the Swiss.

Italy's Barella burst unopposed from midfield and after collecting Lautaro Martinez's low pass skipped past Leo Ostigard and Natan before confidently finishing past Alex Meret.

And with five minutes remaining Thuram -- who earlier had a goal ruled out for a microscopic offside -- made absolutely sure of the points, tapping home his fifth league goal of a brilliant first season at Inter from substitute Juan Cuadrado's low cross.

<h2>Roma comeback</h2>

Paulo Dybala's 76th-minute penalty and a wildly deflected strike from Rasmus Kristensen shortly afterwards earned Roma a win from their scrappy match with 10-man Sassuolo, who opened the scoring through Matheus Henrique.

The win at the Mapei Stadium came as coach Jose Mourinho is reportedly being investigated by the Italian Football Federation for saying that referee Matteo Marcenaro didn't "have the emotional stability to referee at this level" ahead of the match.

The Portuguese blasted Marcenaro, 31, in a pre-match outburst on Saturday which the country's refereeing association said "could lead to violence" against officials.

And despite having excellent Italian Mourinho insisted on only speaking in Portuguese in his post-match interview with DAZN.

"I am speaking Portuguese because my Italian is not good enough to explain certain concepts," claimed Mourinho.&nbsp;

"When I spoke about emotional stability, I was talking about a quality that is necessary in both life and football in order to perform at the highest level."

Fiorentina are a point behind Roma and Napoli in sixth thanks to a simple 3-0 win over the division's bottom team Salernitana, while Bologna are a further point and place back following their 1-1 draw at Lecce.

Inter Milan sent a warning to the rest of Serie A with Sunday's convincing 3-0 win at Napoli which re-established their two-point lead at the summit and left the champions' title defence on its last legs.

Inter Milan sent a warning to the rest of Serie A with Sunday's convincing 3-0 win at Napoli which re-established their two-point lead at the summit and left the champions' title defence on its last legs. Beautifully taken goals from Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella and Marcus Thuram pushed Inter back above closest challengers Juventus, who briefly held top spot after beating Monza on Friday. Sunday's thumping was a show of force from Inter who illustrated why they are favourites to win a 20th league title, still unbeaten away from home in all competitions after claiming a huge win at a ground where they have a dreadful record. Also Read: Italy vs Spain in Euro 2024 group stage, England handed comfort draw "It was a show of strength, of team spirit," said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi. "Winning like this in Naples is satisfying, but we're only 14 games in and there is a very long way to go." Napoli are now 11 points off the pace and travel to Juve next weekend in a match which could end any realistic hope of the champions retaining the Scudetto before the calendar year is out. To add insult to injury Napoli have dropped out of the top four, replaced by Roma who won 2-1 at Sassuolo earlier and sit in the last Champions League spot on goal difference. Napoli recriminations Returning Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri refused to speak after the match, sporting director Mauro Meluso expressing anger at referee Davide Massa for not stopping play for a foul before Inter's opener and not giving a penalty for what he believed was a clear foul on Victor Osimhen while the home side trailed by a single goal. "I don't want to create an excuse for our team, who obviously still need to work on a few things, but we didn't deserve that humiliation today," said Meluso. Simone Inzaghi's side have won 11 of their 14 league matches so far this season and once Hakan Calhanoglu thrashed in the opener on the stroke of half-time they expertly dealt with a hyped-up Napoli. Hosts Napoli were playing their first home fixture under Mazzarri, whose team are stuck on a paltry seven points from as many matches at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Barella doubled Inter's lead just after the hour mark with his first goal of the season shortly after Yann Sommer pulled off a brilliant save to deny Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of three superb stops from the Swiss. Italy's Barella burst unopposed from midfield and after collecting Lautaro Martinez's low pass skipped past Leo Ostigard and Natan before confidently finishing past Alex Meret. And with five minutes remaining Thuram -- who earlier had a goal ruled out for a microscopic offside -- made absolutely sure of the points, tapping home his fifth league goal of a brilliant first season at Inter from substitute Juan Cuadrado's low cross. Roma comeback Paulo Dybala's 76th-minute penalty and a wildly deflected strike from Rasmus Kristensen shortly afterwards earned Roma a win from their scrappy match with 10-man Sassuolo, who opened the scoring through Matheus Henrique. The win at the Mapei Stadium came as coach Jose Mourinho is reportedly being investigated by the Italian Football Federation for saying that referee Matteo Marcenaro didn't "have the emotional stability to referee at this level" ahead of the match. The Portuguese blasted Marcenaro, 31, in a pre-match outburst on Saturday which the country's refereeing association said "could lead to violence" against officials. And despite having excellent Italian Mourinho insisted on only speaking in Portuguese in his post-match interview with DAZN. "I am speaking Portuguese because my Italian is not good enough to explain certain concepts," claimed Mourinho. "When I spoke about emotional stability, I was talking about a quality that is necessary in both life and football in order to perform at the highest level." Fiorentina are a point behind Roma and Napoli in sixth thanks to a simple 3-0 win over the division's bottom team Salernitana, while Bologna are a further point and place back following their 1-1 draw at Lecce.

Serie A: Inter Milan send warning across league with win over Napoli

Juventus ended Monza's unbeaten home record in Serie A this season after a thrilling finale crowned with a 94th-minute winner on Friday, meaning they leapfrog Inter Milan into top spot.

Juventus' 2-1 victory was an uninspiring affair bookended by moments of great drama in the first 15 and last five minutes, with a 91st-minute Valentin Carboni equaliser, that looked to have saved Monza a draw, before Federico Gatti struck to wrestle back the spoils three minutes later.

Nine minutes into the meeting, Georgios Kyriakopoulos pulled on Federico Chiesa's shirt in the box and the referee deemed it enough to be a penalty.

Dusan Vlahovic's resulting weak penalty was saved down low to his right by Michele Di Gregorio, who then leapt to his feet to fling himself back across goal and somehow claw the follow-up effort away from the face of his own net and behind for a corner.

The astonishing double-save must have still been on the minds of his teammates as Rabiot benefitted from slack marking as the corner came in to power an unstoppable header beyond the Monza 'keeper in the 12th minute.

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The Old Lady nearly doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark when another corner found its way through to Gatti, but the defender could only send his effort over the bar on the stretch.

The hosts dominated possession in the second half, but never really troubled Wojciech Szczesny in the Juventus goal as the clocked counted down to a narrow win for the 36-times Italian champions.

However, the match sparked back into life when substitute Carboni swung in a cross-shot that just evaded its target in Dany Mota and snuck in at the back post.

The euphoric scenes in the ground were cut abruptly short in the fourth minute of added time when Gatti atoned for his earlier error by thumping in an emphatic winner after teeing himself up via his own fluffed shot following Rabiot's burst on the right wing.

Now trailing their main title rivals by one point, Inter Milan can reclaim first place when they travel south to take on current champions Napoli on Sunday.

Juventus ended Monza's unbeaten home record in Serie A this season after a thrilling finale crowned with a 94th-minute winner on Friday, meaning they leapfrog Inter Milan into top spot.

Juventus ended Monza's unbeaten home record in Serie A this season after a thrilling finale crowned with a 94th-minute winner on Friday, meaning they leapfrog Inter Milan into top spot. Juventus' 2-1 victory was an uninspiring affair bookended by moments of great drama in the first 15 and last five minutes, with a 91st-minute Valentin Carboni equaliser, that looked to have saved Monza a draw, before Federico Gatti struck to wrestle back the spoils three minutes later. Nine minutes into the meeting, Georgios Kyriakopoulos pulled on Federico Chiesa's shirt in the box and the referee deemed it enough to be a penalty. Dusan Vlahovic's resulting weak penalty was saved down low to his right by Michele Di Gregorio, who then leapt to his feet to fling himself back across goal and somehow claw the follow-up effort away from the face of his own net and behind for a corner. The astonishing double-save must have still been on the minds of his teammates as Rabiot benefitted from slack marking as the corner came in to power an unstoppable header beyond the Monza 'keeper in the 12th minute. ALSO READ | 'It's insane': Ramiz Raja slams PCB for 'tainted' Salman Butt's appointment The Old Lady nearly doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark when another corner found its way through to Gatti, but the defender could only send his effort over the bar on the stretch. The hosts dominated possession in the second half, but never really troubled Wojciech Szczesny in the Juventus goal as the clocked counted down to a narrow win for the 36-times Italian champions. However, the match sparked back into life when substitute Carboni swung in a cross-shot that just evaded its target in Dany Mota and snuck in at the back post. The euphoric scenes in the ground were cut abruptly short in the fourth minute of added time when Gatti atoned for his earlier error by thumping in an emphatic winner after teeing himself up via his own fluffed shot following Rabiot's burst on the right wing. Now trailing their main title rivals by one point, Inter Milan can reclaim first place when they travel south to take on current champions Napoli on Sunday.

Serie A: Juventus go top after dramatic 2-1 win at Monza; Federico Gatti scores 94th minute winner

Walter Mazzarri made a winning return as Napoli coach on Saturday with the champions' hard-fought 2-1 victory at Atalanta, while AC Milan held on to third in Serie A after beating Fiorentina 1-0.

Eljif Elmas netted the decisive goal 11 minutes from the end at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's headed opener for the away side on the stroke of half-time was levelled by a similar strike from Ademola Lookman.

North Macedonia midfielder Elmas rolled home the winner from substitute Victor Osimhen's pass following Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi's poor clearance, making sure that Napoli stayed fourth.

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Mazzarri's team are still seven points behind leaders Inter Milan who travel to Turin on Sunday for the weekend's big match at second-placed Juventus.

"The team dominated all last season, playing some of the best football in Europe with players who were not used to being in that position," Mazzarri told DAZN.

"There was always going to be some drop-off after that."

Mazzarri returned to Napoli last week after Rudi Garcia was sacked, reprising a role he left just over a decade ago after being the man to take southern Italy's biggest club back to the upper echelons of Italian football.

The 62-year-old guided Napoli to the 2012 Italian Cup, beating undefeated league champions Juventus in the final to win the club's first major trophy in over two decades, and to second in Serie A one year later before leaving for Inter Milan.

And he took three points from Saturday's even clash, his team recovering from Lookman's 53rd-minute equaliser and being saved from going behind in the 68th minute when Mario Pasalic's finish was ruled out for Teun Koopmeiners straying offside.

Mazzarri will also be boosted by Osimhen recovering from his hamstring injury in time for Wednesday's Champions League trip to Real Madrid.

Napoli are second in Group C, five points behind leaders Madrid and four ahead of third-placed Braga, who take on Union Berlin, with two games remaining.

"I didn't need to be in charge of Napoli to know that Osimhen is a great striker, I'd already seen him play," said Mazzarri.

"I hope he gets back to his best form back as soon as he can."

<h2>Hernandez sinks Fiorentina</h2>

Napoli were briefly third but Milan moved back above their rivals thanks to Theo Hernandez's penalty in a win in which 15-year-old Francesco Camarda became the youngest ever player to play in Serie A.

France full-back Hernandez calmly slotted home from the spot in first-half stoppage time after being brought down by Fabiano Parisi.

That was the highlight of an underwhelming performance from Milan, who were without suspended Olivier Giroud, Noah Okafor, star man Rafael Leao and others for their first win in five league matches.

Portugal winger Leao will also miss Tuesday's visit of Borussia Dortmund which could be crucial to Milan's Champions League hopes.

A host of absences led to teen attacker Camarda being called up from Milan's youth ranks and brought on with seven minutes remaining, replacing Luka Jovic who moments before missed a golden chance to net his first goal for the club.

And deep in stoppage time Mike Maignan saved the win with a stunning stop to deny Rolando Mandragora just as the Italian looked certain to equalise from inches out.

"We can get back to playing beautiful football once we start to get more consistent results again," coach Stefano Pioli told Sky.&nbsp;

"There are times where you have to do things this way."

Maurizio Sarri suggested he could quit Lazio after his team fell 2-1 at the division's bottom team Salernitana, losing thanks to a wonder strike from old boy Antonio Candreva.

"If it turns out that I'm the problem I'll take responsibility and I'll tell the owner to make a change," Sarri told reporters.

Lazio are 10th on 17 points following their sixth defeat of what has been a difficult league season after finishing second last term.

Walter Mazzarri made a winning return as Napoli coach on Saturday with the champions' hard-fought 2-1 victory at Atalanta, while AC Milan held on to third in Serie A after beating Fiorentina 1-0.

Walter Mazzarri made a winning return as Napoli coach on Saturday with the champions' hard-fought 2-1 victory at Atalanta, while AC Milan held on to third in Serie A after beating Fiorentina 1-0. Eljif Elmas netted the decisive goal 11 minutes from the end at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's headed opener for the away side on the stroke of half-time was levelled by a similar strike from Ademola Lookman. North Macedonia midfielder Elmas rolled home the winner from substitute Victor Osimhen's pass following Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi's poor clearance, making sure that Napoli stayed fourth. Also Read: Jannik Sinner stuns Novak Djokovic to keep Italy alive in Davis Cup semi-final Mazzarri's team are still seven points behind leaders Inter Milan who travel to Turin on Sunday for the weekend's big match at second-placed Juventus. "The team dominated all last season, playing some of the best football in Europe with players who were not used to being in that position," Mazzarri told DAZN. "There was always going to be some drop-off after that." Mazzarri returned to Napoli last week after Rudi Garcia was sacked, reprising a role he left just over a decade ago after being the man to take southern Italy's biggest club back to the upper echelons of Italian football. The 62-year-old guided Napoli to the 2012 Italian Cup, beating undefeated league champions Juventus in the final to win the club's first major trophy in over two decades, and to second in Serie A one year later before leaving for Inter Milan. And he took three points from Saturday's even clash, his team recovering from Lookman's 53rd-minute equaliser and being saved from going behind in the 68th minute when Mario Pasalic's finish was ruled out for Teun Koopmeiners straying offside. Mazzarri will also be boosted by Osimhen recovering from his hamstring injury in time for Wednesday's Champions League trip to Real Madrid. Napoli are second in Group C, five points behind leaders Madrid and four ahead of third-placed Braga, who take on Union Berlin, with two games remaining. "I didn't need to be in charge of Napoli to know that Osimhen is a great striker, I'd already seen him play," said Mazzarri. "I hope he gets back to his best form back as soon as he can." Hernandez sinks Fiorentina Napoli were briefly third but Milan moved back above their rivals thanks to Theo Hernandez's penalty in a win in which 15-year-old Francesco Camarda became the youngest ever player to play in Serie A. France full-back Hernandez calmly slotted home from the spot in first-half stoppage time after being brought down by Fabiano Parisi. That was the highlight of an underwhelming performance from Milan, who were without suspended Olivier Giroud, Noah Okafor, star man Rafael Leao and others for their first win in five league matches. Portugal winger Leao will also miss Tuesday's visit of Borussia Dortmund which could be crucial to Milan's Champions League hopes. A host of absences led to teen attacker Camarda being called up from Milan's youth ranks and brought on with seven minutes remaining, replacing Luka Jovic who moments before missed a golden chance to net his first goal for the club. And deep in stoppage time Mike Maignan saved the win with a stunning stop to deny Rolando Mandragora just as the Italian looked certain to equalise from inches out. "We can get back to playing beautiful football once we start to get more consistent results again," coach Stefano Pioli told Sky. "There are times where you have to do things this way." Maurizio Sarri suggested he could quit Lazio after his team fell 2-1 at the division's bottom team Salernitana, losing thanks to a wonder strike from old boy Antonio Candreva. "If it turns out that I'm the problem I'll take responsibility and I'll tell the owner to make a change," Sarri told reporters. Lazio are 10th on 17 points following their sixth defeat of what has been a difficult league season after finishing second last term.

Serie A: Walter Mazzarri makes winning return as Napoli coach; Milan go past Fiorentina

Walter Mazzarri made a shock return as Napoli manager on Tuesday (Nov 14) after Rudi Garcia fell victim to a dismal start to the Italian champions' Serie A title defence.

Walter Mazzarri made a shock return as Napoli manager on Tuesday (Nov 14) after Rudi Garcia fell victim to a dismal start to the Italian champions' Serie A title defence. Garcia lasted just five months at Napoli after replacing Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, failing to inspire a team which had kept almost all the stars of last season's first Scudetto since 1990. Napoli are 10 points behind league leaders Inter Milan in fourth and have been in turmoil for weeks as May's historic title triumph began to increasingly look like a one-off. Garcia, 59, was fired after Sunday's 1-0 home loss to Empoli was greeted by a deluge of boos and whistles from supporters, whose joy at being reigning Italian champions has vanished. Reports of his dismissal emerged almost immediately after that defeat, Napoli's fourth at home in all competitions this season. The announcement of Mazzarri's Napoli return after a decade away, reportedly on a deal until the end of the current campaign, initially came via owner Aurelio De Laurentiis. The movie mogul simply wrote "Welcome back Walter!" on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the club confirmed Garcia's sacking. De Laurentiis was visibly irked by that display in the pouring rain in Naples, as was injured star striker Victor Osimhen. But fans are also pointing the finger at De Laurentiis, whose decision it was to replace Spalletti with a man whose stock has fallen dramatically since being sacked by Roma in early 2016. Garcia, who won Ligue 1 with Lille in 2011, was fired from his previous job at Al Nassr in April not long after the Saudi Arabian club signed Cristiano Ronaldo in a deal worth tens of millions of dollars. He was previously a losing Europa League finalist with Marseille in 2018 and took Lyon to the semi-finals of the Champions League two years later. Also read | Football: Eleven Germans arrested on eve of Napoli vs Union Berlin Champions League clash Fan anger De Laurentiis has long had a difficult relationship with Napoli supporters, in particular with the hardcore fans who were in open revolt for much of last season over high ticket prices and bans on drums, flags and banners. The 74-year-old also owns Bari and before the start of that historic campaign fans were imploring him to sell up and go full-time at the second-tier club. Dissatisfaction with team displays and the ownership will bring added pressure to Mazzarri, who helped return southern Italy's biggest club to the upper echelons of Italian football in his first four-year spell. The 62-year-old guided Napoli to the 2012 Italian Cup, beating undefeated league champions Juventus in the final to win the club's first trophy in over two decades. He left in May 2013 after finishing second in Italy's top flight with a thrilling team which boasted Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsík and Edinson Cavani in attack. Mazzarri took over at Inter Milan shortly afterwards but was sacked in November that year and his career has since taken a downward turn, with uninspiring spells at Watford, Torino and Cagliari leaving him a surprising choice ahead of Igor Tudor. Former Croatia defender Tudor, who won two Serie A titles with Juventus as a player, took Marseille to third in Ligue 1 last season but left the long-troubled club "for professional and private reasons". Tudor also did an excellent job the previous season at Verona, who finished ninth after he took over from sacked Eusebio Di Francesco early in that campaign.

Serie A: Manager Rudi Garcia fired by Napoli as Walter Mazzarri makes shock return

AC Milan in a statement has said the Serie A club was unaware of its former player Sandro Tonali's gambling addiction which has resulted in a 10-month ban imposed on the Italian.

AC Milan in a statement has said the Serie A club was unaware of its former player Sandro Tonali's gambling addiction which has resulted in a 10-month ban imposed on the Italian. "We first learnt about Tonali’s addiction through media reports and what we know is only what we read. We don’t know anything else," the club said. Milan releasing the statement comes after Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth revealed the club had launched an internal investigation into why they did not know about the player's gambling issues before they signed him. “It was a massive shock, a massive surprise. Dealing with it was new to all of us. It came from nowhere,” Ashworth was quoted as saying by DailyMail. “He was a big signing for us. We didn’t expect it. You look at yourself. Could I have done better? Could we have known? Should we have known? You look at your processes," he added. Ashworth said he could not comment on Newcastle launching a legal action against Milan after the Italian club sold its captain in the summer, in a record $76 million deal. Tonali's 10-month ban Last month, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) found Tonali guilty of the betting charges and imposed the penalty, which was reiterated by FIFA. "Sandro Tonali has been banned from competitive football for ten months, as effective from Friday, 27th October 2023, following illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation," Newcastle said conforming the decision. Tonali is reported to have cooperated with the investigation which has seen his ban reduced. According to Italian betting rules, he would have faced a suspension of three years had he not cooperated with the investigation. Also read | Newcastle United confirm Sandro Tonali's ban, reveal Italian's return date As part of the deal, eight months of his overall 18-month ban will be commuted if he participates in a "therapeutic plan and educational programme in Italy consisting of 16 commitments". With the winter transfer window still months away, manager Eddie Howe will have to dig deep to stay in contention for the top-4 spot as well as progress into the Champions League knockout stage. (With inputs from agencies)

AC Milan deny knowledge of Tonali's gambling addiction as Newcastle open new probe

Manuel Locatelli secured a 1-0 win for Juventus at AC Milan in Serie A on Sunday with a second-half strike, after the hosts were reduced to 10 men when defender Malick Thiaw received a direct red card.

A relatively slow-paced match took a surprising turn five minutes before the break when Thiaw received his marching orders for a last-man foul on Moise Kean.

With the numerical advantage, Juve took charge and Locatelli scored in the 63rd minute with a deflected long-range shot off Rade Krunic, catching Milan keeper Antonio Mirante off guard.

Juve are now third in the table with 20 points, with Milan second on 21, one point behind leaders Inter Milan after the ninth round.

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Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri said his team could have handled the numerical advantage better.

"Once we were against 10 men, we did not start the second half well. In the final minutes, we lacked patience and kept allowing Milan counter-attacks," he told DAZN.

"If we are just content with the victory, then we will get nowhere. We need to build on this and improve where we are getting these things wrong."

Milan needed to win to reclaim the Serie A summit after Inter's 3-0 victory against Torino on Saturday. However, they were without several key players, including their first-choice keeper, Mike Maignan, and defender Theo Hernandez, both of whom were suspended for the match.

The first opportunity went to Milan and Olivier Giroud, but he was denied by a reaction save from Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny after firing a low shot towards the post from a short distance.

Shortly after Thiaw's red card, Kean had an opportunity to give Juve the lead with a tap-in at the post, but he pushed it wide.

Thiaw's red card was the first such incident during the first half of a Serie A match between Juve and Milan in more than 25 years, dating back to Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban.

Despite letting in the goal, Mirante showed his class in the final moments of the match, first denying Dusan Vlahovic and then making a remarkable double save during stoppage time.

Allegri was visibly frustrated towards the end of the match, appearing unhappy with his players. The 56-year-old removed his jacket and tie and stormed off the pitch, which resulted in him receiving a yellow card.

"It is just about the way you pass it around. Playing against 10 men, you have to use the pitch like an airport and not let them get anywhere near the ball; you do not allow them to counter like that," Allegri said.

Juve will host Hellas Verona on Saturday.

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Manuel Locatelli secured a 1-0 win for Juventus at AC Milan in Serie A on Sunday with a second-half strike, after the hosts were reduced to 10 men when defender Malick Thiaw received a direct red card.

Manuel Locatelli secured a 1-0 win for Juventus at AC Milan in Serie A on Sunday with a second-half strike, after the hosts were reduced to 10 men when defender Malick Thiaw received a direct red card. A relatively slow-paced match took a surprising turn five minutes before the break when Thiaw received his marching orders for a last-man foul on Moise Kean. With the numerical advantage, Juve took charge and Locatelli scored in the 63rd minute with a deflected long-range shot off Rade Krunic, catching Milan keeper Antonio Mirante off guard. Juve are now third in the table with 20 points, with Milan second on 21, one point behind leaders Inter Milan after the ninth round. ALSO READ: La Liga: Late strike from debutant teenager Marc Guiu hands Barcelona 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri said his team could have handled the numerical advantage better. "Once we were against 10 men, we did not start the second half well. In the final minutes, we lacked patience and kept allowing Milan counter-attacks," he told DAZN. "If we are just content with the victory, then we will get nowhere. We need to build on this and improve where we are getting these things wrong." Milan needed to win to reclaim the Serie A summit after Inter's 3-0 victory against Torino on Saturday. However, they were without several key players, including their first-choice keeper, Mike Maignan, and defender Theo Hernandez, both of whom were suspended for the match. The first opportunity went to Milan and Olivier Giroud, but he was denied by a reaction save from Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny after firing a low shot towards the post from a short distance. Shortly after Thiaw's red card, Kean had an opportunity to give Juve the lead with a tap-in at the post, but he pushed it wide. Thiaw's red card was the first such incident during the first half of a Serie A match between Juve and Milan in more than 25 years, dating back to Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban. Despite letting in the goal, Mirante showed his class in the final moments of the match, first denying Dusan Vlahovic and then making a remarkable double save during stoppage time. Allegri was visibly frustrated towards the end of the match, appearing unhappy with his players. The 56-year-old removed his jacket and tie and stormed off the pitch, which resulted in him receiving a yellow card. "It is just about the way you pass it around. Playing against 10 men, you have to use the pitch like an airport and not let them get anywhere near the ball; you do not allow them to counter like that," Allegri said. Juve will host Hellas Verona on Saturday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Manuel Locatelli wins it for Juventus against 10-man AC Milan in blockbuster Serie A clash

Nicolo Fagioli's season is all but over after the Italian Football Federation banned on Tuesday the Juventus and Italy midfielder for seven months for gambling offences.

In a statement the FIGC said that Fagioli had been given the ban for betting on football matches, an activity which is forbidden for professional footballers, after admitting his guilt and negotiating a plea bargain.

The FIGC said that Fagioli's sentence was officially 12 months but that five of those had been commuted into a "treatment plan" centred on combatting gambling addiction.

Fagioli, 22, has to take part in "at least 10 public meetings to be held within five months, at amateur sports associations and both local football federation and gambling addiction recovery centres" according to a FIGC programme.

The FIGC added that Fagioli's plea bargain would be terminated and that he would be subject to further disciplinary proceedings should he not adhere to that programme.

Fagioli has been a rising star of Italian football since returning to Juve last year following a loan spell at Cremonese, and has played once for his country.

However he won't be available for Juve, who have already suffered the scandal of France star Paul Pogba failing a doping test, until mid-May by which time there will only be two games left in the season.

Fagioli could have been banned for as long as three years had he not struck a deal with the FIGC's disciplinary authorities and shown that he was taking steps to combat an admitted gambling addiction.

His punishment is the first in a betting scandal which exploded while the Italian national team was preparing for two crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers with Malta and England.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/odi-world-cup-2023-watch-australia-pacer-mitchell-starcs-toe-crushing-yorker-vs-sl-to-dismiss-batter-647959">ODI World Cup 2023: WATCH - Australia pacer Mitchell Starc's TOE-CRUSHING yorker vs SL to dismiss batter</a>

<h2>Gambling scandal</h2>

The FIGC investigation is running parallel to a criminal probe into the use of illegal gambling platforms allegedly linked to organised crime.

Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo were released from the European champions' training camp last week after being questioned by criminal prosecutors for over two hours.

Zaniolo's lawyer Gianluca Tognozzi told the Gazzetta Dello Sport on Sunday that the Aston Villa forward has never gambled on football but that "it's possible he played card games like poker and blackjack on illegal platforms".

If Tognozzi's claim is true Zaniolo will not receive any ban from the FIGC but could be fined following the criminal probe.

On Tuesday Tonali's agent Giuseppe Riso admitted that the Newcastle midfielder had an "illness".

"Sandro is shaken up by the situation, but he has already started to fight back," Riso told Sky Sport.

"He's always been a fighter and now he's taken on his biggest challenge."

There is no indication as yet that any of the trio gambled on their own team's matches nor that they were involved in match fixing.

The news that Tonali and Zaniolo were being investigated was broken last week by disgraced Italian paparazzo Fabrizio Corona, who first claimed months ago that Fagioli had a gambling addiction.

Corona is a gossip specialist, hugely famous in Italy, who has spent time in prison for illegally obtaining photographs and blackmailing football clubs and players with them.

He also named Roma and Poland full-back Nicola Zalewski, who as yet is not being investigated by criminal prosecutors nor by the FIGC's disciplinary authorities.

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Nicolo Fagioli's season is all but over after the Italian Football Federation banned on Tuesday the Juventus and Italy midfielder for seven months for gambling offences.

Nicolo Fagioli's season is all but over after the Italian Football Federation banned on Tuesday the Juventus and Italy midfielder for seven months for gambling offences. In a statement the FIGC said that Fagioli had been given the ban for betting on football matches, an activity which is forbidden for professional footballers, after admitting his guilt and negotiating a plea bargain. The FIGC said that Fagioli's sentence was officially 12 months but that five of those had been commuted into a "treatment plan" centred on combatting gambling addiction. Fagioli, 22, has to take part in "at least 10 public meetings to be held within five months, at amateur sports associations and both local football federation and gambling addiction recovery centres" according to a FIGC programme. The FIGC added that Fagioli's plea bargain would be terminated and that he would be subject to further disciplinary proceedings should he not adhere to that programme. Fagioli has been a rising star of Italian football since returning to Juve last year following a loan spell at Cremonese, and has played once for his country. However he won't be available for Juve, who have already suffered the scandal of France star Paul Pogba failing a doping test, until mid-May by which time there will only be two games left in the season. Fagioli could have been banned for as long as three years had he not struck a deal with the FIGC's disciplinary authorities and shown that he was taking steps to combat an admitted gambling addiction. His punishment is the first in a betting scandal which exploded while the Italian national team was preparing for two crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers with Malta and England. ALSO READ | ODI World Cup 2023: WATCH - Australia pacer Mitchell Starc's TOE-CRUSHING yorker vs SL to dismiss batter Gambling scandal The FIGC investigation is running parallel to a criminal probe into the use of illegal gambling platforms allegedly linked to organised crime. Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo were released from the European champions' training camp last week after being questioned by criminal prosecutors for over two hours. Zaniolo's lawyer Gianluca Tognozzi told the Gazzetta Dello Sport on Sunday that the Aston Villa forward has never gambled on football but that "it's possible he played card games like poker and blackjack on illegal platforms". If Tognozzi's claim is true Zaniolo will not receive any ban from the FIGC but could be fined following the criminal probe. On Tuesday Tonali's agent Giuseppe Riso admitted that the Newcastle midfielder had an "illness". "Sandro is shaken up by the situation, but he has already started to fight back," Riso told Sky Sport. "He's always been a fighter and now he's taken on his biggest challenge." There is no indication as yet that any of the trio gambled on their own team's matches nor that they were involved in match fixing. The news that Tonali and Zaniolo were being investigated was broken last week by disgraced Italian paparazzo Fabrizio Corona, who first claimed months ago that Fagioli had a gambling addiction. Corona is a gossip specialist, hugely famous in Italy, who has spent time in prison for illegally obtaining photographs and blackmailing football clubs and players with them. He also named Roma and Poland full-back Nicola Zalewski, who as yet is not being investigated by criminal prosecutors nor by the FIGC's disciplinary authorities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: Juventus star Nicolo Fagioli hit with seven-month ban for gambling offences

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has found himself embroiled in yet another controversy after his brother-in-law accused him of sending police to arrest his sister.&nbsp;Osita Okolo is married to Osimhen's sister and was part of the group that negotiated the striker's move from Lille to Napoli in 2020.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;Italian journalist Mirko Nicolino,&nbsp;Okolo called the Napoli star "evil", adding that he "will pay" for the current situation. The alleged 'arrest' transpired due to&nbsp;Osimhen's brother-in-law asking him for his commission from his transfer from Lille to Napoli in 2019.

"Victor, you are evil! I only asked you for the commission (for the transfer from #Lilla to #Napoli) and instead, you sent the police to beat and harass my wife (his sister) naked on the streets of Nigeria. You will pay for this," the translated post stated.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-intended-to-offend-or-make-fun-of-victor-osimhen-napolis-official-statement-on-viral-tik-tok-video-640746">Also read |&nbsp;Never intended to offend or make fun of Victor Osimhen: Napoli's official statement on viral Tik-Tok video</a>

<h2>Osimhen and controversies&nbsp;</h2>

The Italian side posted a video on TikTok with a high-pitched voice showing Osimhen missing a penalty in their 0-0 draw against Bologna on Sunday, which was later deleted.

Another controversial video showed Osimhen's head, with a voiceover saying, "I have a coconut head".&nbsp;

After the videos went viral on social media, Osimhen's agent Roberto Calenda threatened legal action while the striker removed all images of himself in a Napoli shirt from his social media accounts.&nbsp;

It was only after backlash from the players and fans that the club released a statement, iterating that it wasn;t their intention to offend the Nigerian.&nbsp;

"To avoid any potential exploitation of the matter, Napoli would like to explicitly state that the club never intended to offend or make fun of Victor Osimhen, who is an asset to the club," read a statement on the team's official website.

"If Victor was in any way offended, this was not at all in the club's intentions."

Osimhen helped Napoli end their 33-year wait for a league title last season as he was Serie A's top scorer with 26 goals.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has found himself embroiled in yet another controversy after his brother-in-law accused him of sending police to arrest his sister.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has found himself embroiled in yet another controversy after his brother-in-law accused him of sending police to arrest his sister. Osita Okolo is married to Osimhen's sister and was part of the group that negotiated the striker's move from Lille to Napoli in 2020. According to Italian journalist Mirko Nicolino, Okolo called the Napoli star "evil", adding that he "will pay" for the current situation. The alleged 'arrest' transpired due to Osimhen's brother-in-law asking him for his commission from his transfer from Lille to Napoli in 2019. "Victor, you are evil! I only asked you for the commission (for the transfer from #Lilla to #Napoli) and instead, you sent the police to beat and harass my wife (his sister) naked on the streets of Nigeria. You will pay for this," the translated post stated. Also read | Never intended to offend or make fun of Victor Osimhen: Napoli's official statement on viral Tik-Tok video Osimhen and controversies The Italian side posted a video on TikTok with a high-pitched voice showing Osimhen missing a penalty in their 0-0 draw against Bologna on Sunday, which was later deleted. Another controversial video showed Osimhen's head, with a voiceover saying, "I have a coconut head". After the videos went viral on social media, Osimhen's agent Roberto Calenda threatened legal action while the striker removed all images of himself in a Napoli shirt from his social media accounts. It was only after backlash from the players and fans that the club released a statement, iterating that it wasn;t their intention to offend the Nigerian. "To avoid any potential exploitation of the matter, Napoli would like to explicitly state that the club never intended to offend or make fun of Victor Osimhen, who is an asset to the club," read a statement on the team's official website. "If Victor was in any way offended, this was not at all in the club's intentions." Osimhen helped Napoli end their 33-year wait for a league title last season as he was Serie A's top scorer with 26 goals. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Shocking! Victor Osimhen's brother-in-law claims Napoli star had sister 'arrested'

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