A seasonedChampions Leaguereferee has reportedly been suspended following allegations of issuing a death threat to a player.
Italian outlet Corriere della Sera reported that referee Fabio Maresca was accused of threatening Khaled Al Murshed during a Kuwait Premier League match between Al Kuwait and Al Arabi last week.
Al Murshed has claimed Maresca said, “See you next time, I’ll kill you,” though another player reportedly believes the referee said: “See you next time.”
The official, who has been involved in European football matches for six years, is said to have insisted it was just a joke,, but a punishment has now come his way.
Due to the allegations, Maresca is reportedly facing a one-month suspension from officiating in Italy. The 43-year-old referee was also pulled from his role as the fourth official in Tuesdayâs Champions League clash between PSV and Sporting CP.
Despite his lengthy experience in Italian football since 2011, Maresca wonât face any disciplinary action in Kuwait, as the incident was deemed part of “on-field diplomacy.”
Over the years, Ghanaian footballers have left a notable mark on Serie A, with numerous players consistently finding the back of the net.
Below is a compilation of the top five highest-scoring Ghanaians in the history of Serie A.
Agyeman Badu and Asamoah Gyan: 11 goals
In the Italian league, Agyemang Badu andAsamoah Gyan share the record for scoring 11 goals each.
Badu had stints with Udinese and Hellas Verona, while Gyan plied his trade with Udinese and Modena.
Kwadwo Asamoah: 12 goals
This Ghanaian midfielder, who showcased his talents in Serie A, had tenures with Udinese, Juventus, and Inter Milan. Asamoah, known for his versatility and ability to perform on the wing or in the center of the field, netted 12 goals during his 204 appearances in the Italian top flight. His reputation was built on his exceptional work ethic and precise passing skills.
Emmanuel Gyasi: 13 goals
The Ghanaian striker who currently plays for Empoli played for Spezia and Sassuolo in Serie A. Gyasi has scored 13 goals in 101 appearances in the Italian top flight.
Gyasi is a quick and skilful striker who is known for his finishing ability. He has also represented Ghana at the international level, scoring two goals in eight appearances.
KP Boateng: 15 goals
KP Boateng, another influential Ghanaian midfielder, left a significant mark in Serie A with 15 goals across 131 appearances for Milan, Genoa, and Fiorentina.
His time in Italy was adorned with triumphs, as Boateng clinched the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia title, and the Supercoppa title. On the international stage, he proudly represented Ghana, participating in two FIFA World Cups.
Sulley Muntari – 29 goals
Sulley Muntari holds the record as the highest-scoring Ghanaian in Serie A history, having notched an impressive 29 goals throughout his 206 appearances for Udinese, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. Muntari, renowned for his versatility, was particularly noted for his thunderous shots and knack for scoring from long range.
He was not only a force in club football but also a crucial figure for the Ghana national team, contributing to their journey to the quarter-finals of the2010 FIFA World Cup.
Lautaro Martinez has criticizedRomelu Lukaku amid a strained relationship between Lukaku and Inter.
Inter had been in talks with Chelsea regarding Lukaku’s potential transfer, but it was later revealed that Lukaku was also negotiating with Serie A rivals Juventus.
As a result of this development, Inter swiftly pulled out of the negotiations. While reports suggest that Lukaku attempted to mend fences with Inter and his former teammates, he was met with a cold reception from the squad.
Martinez, Lukaku’s former strike partner, expressed his disapproval of Lukaku’s “attitude” and revealed that the 30-year-old didn’t even respond to his calls during the tumultuous period.
“I was disappointed, itâs the truth. I also tried to call him in those days of chaos, he never answered me, the same he did with my other companions.
“After so many years together, after so many things lived together, I was disappointed. Thankfully, itâs his choice. I wish him the best. But I didnât expect this attitude,” he stated to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
After a phenomenal last season where he scored 27 goals in 56 matches across all competitions, Martinez, has been handed the armband for the 2023-24 season.
He is ecstatic after being bestowed with the honour of leading the Serie A side and feels “ready” for the job.
“Wearing it means taking on more responsibility within the team, inside the locker room. But Iâve always done it before. I have a goal: to lend a hand to comrades in need. Important players have left?
“True, but Iâm ready. For me it is a source of pride, I want to live up to the many champions who have worn the armband in Interâs history and make everyone proud of me.
âIâm in my sixth season here: I understand everything, I know everything, what Iâve learned I make available. I told the newcomers that if theyâve arrived at Inter itâs because they have something and theyâve been chosen, not by chance.
“When you play, give everything and then the love of the fans will take care of the rest,” he stated. Juventus are trying topersuade Chelsea to allow Lukaku to leave on another loan spell with an option to buy but the Blues remain adamant that they want a permanent sale.
On Thursday, Martinez is set to participate in a pre-season friendly against Al-Nassr at the Nagai Stadium in Japan.
USMNT star, Christian Pulisic, has embarked on anew challenge at AC Milan after completing a summer transfer from Chelsea, where he spent four years.
Pulisic joins former Chelsea teammate Fikayo Tomori in Italy and both players believe that Milan will offer them more opportunities than they had in London.
Despite making a strong start in pre-season with numerous assists, Pulisic has been cautioned about the difficulty of Serie A compared to the Premier League.
The competition in Italy is expected to present unique tests and challenges that he hasn’t encountered before in his career.
Nevertheless, Pulisic seems determined to embrace this new chapter and make a mark in one of Europe’s toughest football leagues.
Tomori has told Sky Sport Italia of welcoming Pulisic to Milan and what lies in store for him: âWeâve known each other since Chelsea and weâve talked a lot. Iâve told him that Serie A is really difficult.
“Tactically and in terms of details, it is more difficult [than the Premier League]. He is feeling well with the team and hopefully, we can have a great season together.â
Pulisic is one of seven new recruits to have been snapped up by Milan this summer â as they continue to be linked with his international colleagues Yunus Musah and Folarin Balogun â and Tomori believes that the 2021-22 Serie A champions are well placed to challenge for major honours in the upcoming campaign.
The 25-year-old defender added: âWe feel on the pitch that we have a strong team. We want to win again because we didnât do what we wanted last season. Now, also thanks to new players, we are strong and keep improving.
“Weare Milan and we want to win. We didnât do it last season but we want to do it this year,â he continued. We have new players and I think we can win. We are aware of our qualities.â
Ghanaian talent, Ibrahim Sulemana aims for Black Stars call-up while starting his journey with Cagliari Calcio in Serie A.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who recently signed a four-year contract with Cagliari from Hellas Verona, is resolute in wearing the national colors and representing his beloved country on the international stage.
Speaking on his club’s YouTube channel, Sulemana expressed his commitment to showcase his best performances to attract the attention of the national team selectors.
He said, “I’m giving everything, I hope to play well, and when the time comes to be called up, I’d like to play for Ghana because I love my country.”
The young talent’s admiration for the four-time African champions shines through, and he eagerly awaits the opportunity to display his skills on the international stage.
On working with 71-year-old Claudio Ranieri, he said: “I like to learn, constantly improve. Being coached by one of the most experienced Italian coaches in the world, who has led top European clubs and won a Premier League will help me do it.”
Christian Pulisic is on the verge of finalizing a transfer to AC Milan after the Italian Serie A club reached an agreement with Chelsea regarding the transfer fee.
The talented United States international is expected to join Milan in a deal reportedly worth âŹ20 million, with potential add-ons included.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Milan is making arrangements for Pulisic to travel to Italy in order to undergo a medical examination at the club.
This transfer brings an end to a protracted saga for the 24-year-old winger. Pulisic and Milan had already agreed on personal terms several weeks ago, as the Rossoneri were his preferred destination.
However, it took some time for Milan to strike a deal with Chelsea, with reports indicating that two previous offers were rejected.
Pulisic can now move on from a disappointing stint at Chelsea, where he initially signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 but was immediately loaned back to the German club for an additional year.
The winger failed to live up to expectations at Chelsea, despite making 145 appearances for the club.
Pulisic featured 24 times in the Premier League last season, but only eight of those were in the starting XI, seemingly giving him no choice but to move on.
A captivating video circulating on social media shows Nigerians gathering to witness the homecoming of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to his childhood residence in Lagos State.
Osimhen, who was born in Olusosun, had a humble upbringing that involved undertaking various manual tasks to sustain himself before his football talent propelled him towards success.
In the recently concluded European season, Osimhen achieved a significant milestone by contributing to Napoli’s triumph in securing the Serie A title, a feat they hadn’t accomplished in 30 years.
The former Lille strongman also became the first African to win the Golden Boot award in the history of the Serie A.
Days after netting a brace for the Super Eagles in their 3-2 win over Sierra Leone in the African Cup of Nations qualifying game, Osimhen returned to Lagos.
It was an emotional moment as fans were happy to see the Napoli superstar.
Meanwhile, Osimhen has been linked with a move to the Premier League with Chelsea and Man United interested in his services.
Victor Osimhen melts the heart
Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Nigerian international Victor Osimhen visited his old friends in the Ojota area of Lagos State, where they shared a reunion.
Osimhen grew up in the area and attended Olusosun Primary School during childhood.
Following his successful season after leading Napoli to the Italian Serie A, having scored 26 league goals, the forward returned home to reunite with his old pals.
There was indescribable joy on the faces of the friends as they took turns to share hugs with the former Lille of France striker who is nicknamed ‘Ijaya Olusosun’.
Despite his current status, Osimhen has always paid a courtesy visit to the hood anytime he is in the country.
The 26-year-old forward only started once for the Bergamo squad before being loaned out three times to Eintracht Frankfurt, Empoli, and Sampdoria.
Lammers is optimistic he will be given a fair chance to establish himself at Ibrox as he attempts to restart his career after signing a four-year deal with Rangers.
âThis is what Iâve been searching for,â he told Sky Sports. âAfter this season I made it clear for myself that I wanted a new place to settle down, a new home because even last year I was at two clubs and before that I was on loan in Germany.
âI think now is time to settle somewhere and itâs good to sign a permanent deal with Rangers. The confidence of the club is key for me to sign.
âComing into a new country is not easy. When you go from Holland to Italy itâs a change of language, a change of culture and everything.
âIt gets easier but you feel at home after one year or six months, you need time to settle, and it didnât happen for me in the last two years so Iâm happy that I have the possibility to do that here.â
During his first loan spell at Eintracht Frankfurt, Lammers encountered the Rangers support for the first time.
âWhen we got to the final, it felt as if it was the best-supported clubs of the Europa League colliding,â said Lammers.
âIt was, from both sides, very impressive. At that game you could see how big the club is and how it lives here in Scotland also.â
Lammers has scored only 27 career goals, the majority of which came on loan at Heerenveen in 2018-19. However, he insists his game is about more than just scoring.
âI know for a striker the main target is to score a lot of goals and I know I can do that also,â he said. âIâm aware of this being a big part of being a striker and this is also my goal at Rangers to do that, but Iâm not a typical striker who is only hanging inside the box for his one or two chances.
âI want to help the team, I can drop out of the striker position. With my legs you would expect me maybe to be a target man but thatâs not what I am.
âI want to score more goals again because I know I have it in me. In the past I scored a lot of goals then in the last couple of years not so much, but sometimes in the clubs I was at it wasnât easy as you didnât get a lot of chances.
âI think the attacking style of play at Rangers also fits me.â
In Napoli’s last Serie A match of the season against Sampdoria, Nigerian international Victor Osimhen shared a heartwarming moment by introducing his adorable daughter to the world.
The 24-year-old forward played a pivotal role in leading Napoli, fondly referred to as the Partenopei, to the Scudetto this season, emerging as the top scorer with an impressive tally of 26 goals.
Continuing his fine form, Osimhen found the back of the net once again in Napoli’s final game, converting a penalty in the 64th minute. Giovanni Simeone added another goal to secure a 2-0 victory, further highlighting Napoli’s historic season.
Victor Osimhen gestures during Napoli’s 1-1 draw against Udinese.
Amidst the on-field success, Osimhen’s introduction of his daughter showcased a touching moment that reflects the personal joys and fulfillment experienced by the talented footballer off the pitch.
But before the game, Osimhen took the opportunity to finally show off his beautiful daughter, Hailey, while thanking the Napoli fans for their remarkable support throughout their season.
He was pictured carrying his beautiful baby girl, who also wore a customised face mask like her father.
Fans react to Osimhen’s daughter
One said:
âIâm surprised so many people have no idea what a mixed child looks like in big 2023 lmao.â
Another added:
âI hope to see something more refreshing in the future!â
A fan advised:
âBro you need to register your properties under your motherâs name! Cos you never know!â
âBut I could never accept that someone could use abusive words towards my daughter or any of my family members.
I donât want to suffer these attacks on my affections, thatâs why I defend my familyâs privacy from the attacks of those who hate and are capable of writing horrible things on social media. I keep my private life to myself because it is not available to anyone.â
Osimhen speaks on winning Scudetto
Sports Brief earlier reported on Osimhen commenting on winning Serie A with Napoli after a record-setting season with the new champions.
The Nigerian striker led the Naples outfit to their first Italian top flight title in more than three decades, netting 26 goals during the season.
Osimhen also ended the campaign as the top scorer in the league, becoming the first African to win the golden boot in the Serie A’s history.
His impressive run of goals was crucial in Naples winning the Scudetto for the first time in more than three decades.
Osimhen’s latest goal came against Sampdoria in the final game of the season, with the Nigerian international finding the back of the net from the penalty spot in his side’s 2-0 victory.
The Golden Boot was not the only individual award Osimhen won, having also been declared the Serie A’s best striker of the season.
According to The Mirror, Manchester United are among the leading contenders for the signature of the Nigerian ace this summer.
The Red Devils are in dire need of a prolific striker following their struggles in front of the goal this season after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
It is understood that Osimhen is highly regarded by United’s transfer chiefs and tops the clubâs striking shortlist.
However, the Red Devils will have to contend with competition from Paris Saint-Germain, who have also been linked with a move for the 24-year-old.
Osimhen speaks on winning Scudetto
Sports Brief earlier reported that Osimhen is yet to fully come to terms with his achievement for newly-crowned Italian champions, Napoli.
The Nigerian striker led Gli Azzurri to their first top flight league title in over three decades after netting 26 goals in the recently-ended season.
Osimhen also top-scored in Serie AÂ at the conclusion of the campaign, becoming the first African to win the golden boot in the Italian league.
“Tomorrow (Sunday) evening after the final game of the season… AC Milan will say goodbye to Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a brief ceremony,” Milan said in a statement.
“AC Milan would like to thank Zlatan for the magnificent time that we have spent together.”
Ibrahimovic was a key figure in Milan’s resurgence to the top of Italian football after his return to the club as a free agent in late 2019, helping to bring them back from the doldrums and eventually win Serie A last season.
Ibrahimovic Zlatan
However he has hardly featured for Stefano Pioli’s side this term after being plagued with injuries, returning in February following surgery on his left knee in May.
The 41-year-old has only started one match for Milan this term, in a 3-1 win at Udinese in March in which he became the oldest goal scorer in Serie A history.
He then picked up a calf injury in a pre-match warm up in April and will end his Milan career sidelined due to the knock.
Ibrahimovic also won the Scudetto with Milan in 2011, which had been their most recent league title until pipping local rivals Inter Milan on the final day of last season.
Leading the Gli Azurris, Osimhen played a pivotal role in securing Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years, displaying his prowess by scoring an impressive 25 goals throughout the season.
Notably, Osimhen emerged as the league’s top scorer, an achievement that etched his name in history as the first African player to win the prestigious golden boot in Serie A.
Victor Osimhen in action for Napoli. Photo by MB Media Source: Getty Images Read more: https://sportsbrief.com/football/napoli/36572-uefa-spalletti-warns-osimhen-teammates-eintracht-frankfurt-clash/
Despite clinching the league title ahead of schedule, Osimhen admits that he wakes up each day with a sense of fulfillment, fully aware of the extraordinary feat he achieved with the Napoli squad, often considered underdogs in the competition.
“This season Napoli actually won the Scudetto,” he said while talking to a group of journalist at dinner in a video shared on social media. “Since the game against Udinese, now I wake up every morning with fulfillment. It is the best.
“That is why the celebration is different from the others. Because when you are used to success it’s normal but when you are wanting success and you finally get it. You know the true meaning of success.
“A lot of them put us as underdogs and you come up from nothing to win something. You want to celebrate every time.”
Osimhen’s future at Napoli has become the subject of intense transfer speculation with PSG and Bayern Munich reportedly interested in his services, as reported by ESPN.
Osimhen wins top award
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been named the best striker in the Italian Serie A for the 2022/23 League season beating Inter Milan’s Martinez and Rafael Leao of AC Milan.
Osimhen has been a wonderful striker this term for Napoli and the Nigerian has won the heart of many fans at Napple just because of his excellent goalscoring form.
After 33 years of wait, Osimhen and his other teammates won the Serie A title with Napoli and the Nigerian is also on the verge of winning the Golden Shoe award.
Osimhen wins top award
Osimhen spotted in Berlin
Victor Osimhen could be set to leave Napoli this summer after helping the club to their first Serie A title since the 1989/90 season.
The Nigerian joined Napoli in 2020 from the French club Lille. It took him time to settle in Italy, but his exploits this season have made him a fan favourite.
Osimhen spotted in Berlin
He was one of Luciano Spallettiâs central men as they secured the Scudetto with five games to go when they drew 1-1 away at Udinese, a match Osimhen scored the only goal.
The announcement was made by Serie A, the organizer of the Italian top-flight, on their official Twitter account.
Victor Osimhen
Osimhen emerged victorious over strong contenders, including Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan and Rafael Leao from AC Milan, to secure the prestigious award.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in guiding Napoli to their first Serie A title since the 1989/1990 season, showcasing his exceptional talent and impact on the team’s success.
It is the third in the clubâs history after previously winning it in 1987 and 1990.
Osimhen is on the verge of becoming the first African to finish top scorer in the Serie A.
He is currently on 25 goals and is four ahead of closest rival Martinez with just one game left to play.
Also he has broken George Weahâs record for the most goals scored by an African in Serie A when he took his tally to 47.
As President Muhammadu Buhari concluded his tenure as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one of the beneficiaries of his final actions is Victor Osimhen, the talented Napoli striker.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in Napoli’s remarkable achievement of winning their first Serie A title in 33 years under the guidance of Italian manager Luciano Spalletti.
This victory marks the third Scudetto triumph in the club’s history.
Osimhen’s exceptional contributions cannot be understated, having scored 25 goals in the league and notably securing the crucial goal that sealed the title for Napoli in a 1-1 draw against Udinese.
Victor Osimhen gestures during Napoli’s 1-1 draw against Udinese.
Furthermore, he is currently positioned to contend for the prestigious Golden Boot award.
President Buhari’s support and recognition of Osimhen’s accomplishments serve as a testament to the striker’s remarkable talent and his impact on Nigerian football. Osimhen’s success on the pitch has brought immense pride and joy to both Napoli fans and the Nigerian football community as a whole.
Osimhen receives national honour
According to Cable Lifestyle, as part of the activities leading up to the change of government in his home country, Osimhen has been bestowed with a national honour – Member of The Order of Federal Republic (MFR).
Osimhen joins Davido, Temi on Buhari’s honour list
This was his recognition of his exemplary achievement in sports. Osimhen had previously won the FIFA U17 World Cup for Nigeria in 2017 – a tournament he was the golden boot winner with a record 10 goals in a junior World Cup.
Osimhen loses iconic face mask
Sports Brief reported that Victor Osimhen misplaced his face mask while on international duty with Nigeria for the games against Guinea Bissau.
The striker failed to find the back of the net in both games and when he returned to Naples, he found out he was without the iconic mask.
He started wearing the mask after a head injury in November 2021 that forced him to miss the 2022 African Cup of Nations.
Osimhen fumes at Spalletti
Sports Brief also reported that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen fumed at Spalettiafter the manager substituted him in the 67th minute of the 3-1 victory over Inter Milan.
The manager appeared unfazed as the player was furious because he wanted to keep his golden boot aspirations intact – his closest competitor Lautaro Martinez was still on the pitch for Inter.
Osimhen’s exceptional performance of scoring 23 goals in Serie A played a significant role in leading Gli Azzurri to their first league title in 33 years.
Prior to their meeting, Osimhen had already engaged in a conversation with the former Inter Milan striker through Instagram on the day Napoli secured the championship.
Victor Osimhen celebrates win
The duo finally met in Italy, after Balotelli returned home to watch the UEFA Champions League semi-final clash between his former clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
In a photo shared on social media, Balotelli and Osimhen were seen having fun as they celebrated the moment together.
“Trust me, you did incredible. You still don’t know what you did, trust me. You will realise what you did, not tomorrow, not next year, but in 10 years you’ll understand what you did,” Balotelli previously told Osimhen, as reported by Vanguard.
Balotelli and Osimhen go live to celebrate Serie A win
With the league wrapped up, Osimhen has now switched his attention to winning the golden boot. The Nigerian striker leads the goal race with 23 goals.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich and Paris-Saint Germain are reportedly interested in his services next season.
Balotelli celebrates Osimhen’s league success
Previously, Sports Brief reported that Italian striker, Balotelli heaped praise on Osimhen after the striker won the Serie A title with Napoli.
The Super Eagles forward has been the leading man for the side, with his 23 goals powering Gli Azzuri to their first Scudetto in 33 years.
With four games still to go in this campaign, Osimhen is said to have switched his focus to claiming the prize as the Serie A top scorer.
Okocha reveals career secret
Former Super Eagles captain, Jay-Jay Okocha has discussed leaving Nigeria at an early age and said this helped his football career flourish.
The legendary midfielder left his home country as a teenager to play in Germany, signing for Borussia Neunkirchen at the age of only 16.
After two years, Okocha moved to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he became famous for his wizard-like goal against legend, Oliver Kahn.
Michael Essien, a former Ghanaian footballer who played for Chelsea, has offered his congratulations to Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen on winning the Serie A title with Napoli.
Osimhen played a key role in helping Napoli secure their first league title in 33 years, scoring 23 goals in the Serie A this season.
With four matches remaining, he has the opportunity to increase his tally. By winning the league, the 24-year-old also surpassed George Weah’s long-standing Serie A record for the most goals scored by an African player in the Italian league, netting his 47th goal against Fiorentina last Sunday.
“Bravoo,” Essien wrote on Twitter with emojis applauding the striker.
Osimhen’s accomplishment has been celebrated across the continent with the likes of Didier Drogba all paying tribute to the striker.
His prolific goal scoring form has seen him become a target for German giants Bayern Munich as well as French side Paris-Saint Germain, as reported by GOAL.
The FIFA U17 World Cup winner’s future will be decided in the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Essien spent a season-and-a-half in the Italian Serie A with AC Milan between 2014 to 2015.
Victor Osimhen, a Nigerian footballer, has honored George Weah, a former AC Milan player, after breaking his record to become the highest-scoring African player in the history of the Italian Serie A.
Osimhen scored the only goal in Napoli’s 1-0 win over Fiorentina to achieve this feat.
The 24-year-old striker surpassed Samuel Eto’o’s previous record for the most goals scored by an African player in a single Serie A season.
Osimhen expressed his admiration for Weah, whom he considers an African football legend, in a heartfelt post on Twitter.
He hailed Weah’s achievements and expressed his gratitude for the support he has received on his journey.
âWhile growing up, I have always admired the great achievements of so many African legends, and His Excellency Mr George Weah is one of themâan icon in the world of football and also a leader to his people. Someone who has motivated and inspired millions of young talents alike.
“Yesterday, it was a great honor to break his record as the top-scoring African player in Serie A historyâan achievement I will forever cherish. Mr George Weah has set a foundation of excellence for individuals like me to emulate, and his legacy will forever be remembered.
“I celebrate this milestone with everyone who has inspired and supported me on this journey. Thank you for your contributions. God is the greatest,” Victor Osimhen stated.
Nigerians dethroned Napoli, the league winners, by challenging the Serie A league’s administrators on Twitter. Napoli had been chosen as the best player.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia received a crown placed on his head by Argentine legend and Napoli legend Diego Maradona, indicating that he was the club’s greatest player this season, according to a picture uploaded by Serie A.
In less than an hour following the posting, Nigerians started tweeting an altered version of the picture showing Maradona crowning Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen, a Nigerian international who has been considered the finest player on the Naples team all season, formed a solid relationship with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the club’s No. 77.
Osimhen has 27 goals with 4 assists so far whiles Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has 14 goals with 14 assists.
Osimhen has been one of the most influential players for the new Scudetto winners, as he was seen celebrating with his colleagues on the pitch and in the dressing room after the game.
If not Racism, Victor Osimhen should wear the crown. Retweet if you agree???? https://t.co/XImpK4RY3c pic.twitter.com/WtISjbu3O7
â French ???????? (@Mc_Phils) May 6, 2023
You couldn’t make this up. Except, of course, it is Italy. No matter what Osimhen did, you always knew he probably needed to score a 100 goals before he’s given his due. https://t.co/J9N5g0ulJW
Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) May 6, 2023
VICTOR OSIMHEN THE ONLY NEW KING OF NAPOLI ???? PIC.TWITTER.COM/B42MTOIYJQâ STEADY BOY ???? (@STEADYDEY) MAY 6, 2023
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and his colleagues have been urged by De Laurentiis, the president of the recently crowned Italian champions Napoli, to ensure that their Serie A title success is replicated next season.
Since Thursday night, when Napoli’s 1-1 draw at Udinese handed them the Serie A title courtesy to Osimhen scoring their goal, there has been a great deal of celebration in Naples.
Even though Napoli still has five games left in the season, the draw ended their 33-year wait for the Scudetto.
According to the report on Complete Sports, De Laurentiis explained that he is happy with the success recorded by his players as he urged them to continue making the club and fans proud.
Statement made by De Laurentiis
âYou always told me, we want to win. And we won! We all won together. And on Sunday against Fiorentina, everyone is here for the big party. Thank you to everyone.
âToday is the crowning of an expectation that lasted 33 years. When I arrived, I said it will take 10 years to get into Europe â we maintained that early. I said another 10 years to win the Scudetto, and we did that again a couple of years in advance.”
Osimhen breaks Serie A record
Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Victor Osimhen helped Napoli to become Serie A champions for the first time in 33 years, through his equalising goal against Udinese in the second half.
The Nigerian powered home a shot through the crowd after a scramble from a corner kick, to help Napoli hold on and seal the Italian league title away from home in Udine.
Neapolitans put everything in place for a party at home last Sunday against Salernitana, but the team fell short of victory despite Inter Milan beating Lazio 3-1.
Napoli are now 16 points clear of second-placed Lazio with a maximum of 15 points left to fight for, meaning they cannot be matched or overtaken mathematically.
Mario Balotelli, ex-Inter Milan striker, congratulated Victor Osimhen on facetime following Napoli’s victory in the Serie A on Thursday night. Osimhen’s goal against Udinese secured the Italian championship title for Napoli, their first in 33 years.
Osimhen has been a key player for Napoli this season, scoring 22 goals in the league to help his team achieve a historic triumph. In a heartwarming video shared on social media, Balotelli can be seen chatting with the Nigerian striker and celebrating his success.
Balotelli, who won the treble with Inter Milan, took time out to praise Osimhen’s achievements, expressing his admiration for the young forward. The video has since gone viral, with many football fans commending Balotelli for his graciousness and class.
“Trust me, you did something incredible. You still don’t know what you did, trust me. Now you’ve won, you will realise in years, not tomorrow, next year but in ten years you’ll understand what you did. It’s unbelievable, seriously.”
The victory is a significant milestone for Napoli, who have endured a long wait for Serie A glory. The club’s success has been built on a strong team spirit and a determination to succeed, with Osimhen playing a key role in their triumph.
Osimhen reacts after leading Napoli to Serie A title
As for Osimhen, the Nigerian striker has been widely praised for his performances this season, with many tipping him for a bright future in the game. At just 22 years old, he has already established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football, and his success with Napoli is sure to further enhance his reputation.
Osimhen later shared how fans of Napoli had warmly accepted him when he arrived at the club in 2020.
“I am so happy, mostly for the fans. It’s been amazing. I remember when I came, a lot of things happened and these people sent messages, encouraging me,” the Nigerian striker said.
Overall, Napoli’s triumph in the Serie A has been widely celebrated by football fans around the world, with the club’s success serving as a reminder of the enduring power and passion of the beautiful game.
Balotelli then congratulated Osimhen, encouraging him to enjoy the moment.
Osimhen reacts to league success
In related news, Sports Brief reported on the Super Eagles forward breaking his silence after leading Napoli to the Serie A title – their first Scudetto in 33 years.
Osimhen scored the goal against Udinese that put the Italian league title mathematically into their hands, with five games still to go in the current campaign.
Osimhen celebrates Serie A triumph
Sports Brief also reported on Osimhen leading Napoli’s celebrations after the Naples side was crowned champions of Italy for the first time in 33 years.
The Super Eagles striker scored the goal that won his team the Italian top flight league title, during their 1-1 draw against Udinese on Thursday night.
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Osimhen is seen screaming in excitement as he celebrates the moment among his teammates.
A gloomy start till an exciting finishing
Victor Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Napoli in the Italian Serie A. Born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, Osimhen started playing football at a young age, and by the age of 18, he had made his professional debut for the Nigerian team, Ultimate Strikers Academy.
Osimhen’s big break came when he signed for Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga in 2017. However, he struggled to make an impact at the club and was loaned out to Charleroi in the Belgian First Division A, where he enjoyed a successful spell, scoring 20 goals in 36 appearances.
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 07: Victor Osimhen of Wolfsburg is challenged by Amine Harit of Schalke during the DFB Pokal quarter final match between FC Schalke 04 and VfL Wolfsburg at Veltins-Arena on February 7, 2018 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)
His performances earned him a move to Lille in the French Ligue 1 in 2019, where he made an immediate impact, scoring 18 goals in 38 appearances in his debut season. His goalscoring exploits helped Lille to finish fourth in the league and qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
In July 2020, Osimhen joined Napoli for a reported fee of âŹ50 million, becoming the club’s most expensive signing ever. Despite a slow start to his Napoli career due to injury and Covid-19 complications, he has gradually established himself as a key player for the club, scoring 10 goals in 24 appearances in his debut season.
Osimhen’s style of play is characterized by his pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing.
Director of Napoli Cristiano Giuntoli has come forth and stated categorically that the team has no remorse over missing on Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite holding a sizable lead at the top of Serie A, Gli Azzurri have struggled to score in recent games.
In the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against AC Milan on April 19, they faced their Italian rivals in an effort to overcome a 1-0 deficit.
AC Milan started with the same squad that beat Napoli 4-0 in a comprehensive performance earlier this month, while Napoli boss, Luciano Spaletti was forced to make several changes in the absence of Kim Min-jae and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – both through suspension – and Giovanni Simeone, who is still recovering from injury.
With Nigerian superstar, Victor Osimhen back in action from injury, it came as a slight boost for Napoli but they fell short in the second leg and could only manage a 1-1 draw.
‘We never thought of CR7’
Prior to the Champions League second leg, Giuntoli was asked about rumours Napoli wanted to sign Ronaldo over the summer, something he strongly denied.
“In all honesty, we never even thought about it. We had some financial parameters we needed to stick to and thought we could surprise people more with a group of lads who were eager to prove themselves,” he said, per FootballItalia.
However, there has been a general feeling that Al-Nassr has fallen off since the Portugal starâs arrival, with the club in danger of missing out on the league title despite being in pole position before Ronaldo had signed on.
Cristiano taunted with Messi chants
It was earlier reported on how Ronaldo was taunted with Messi chants by Al-Hilal fans on Tuesday, in a frustrating night for the veteran.
The Portuguese phenom’s side was dealt a crushing blow thanks to a brace from Nigerian striker, Idion Ighalo at the King Fahd International Stadium.
The result left Al-Nassr three points behind Saudi Pro League leaders, Al-Ittihad, who have a game in hand and look set to claim this season’s crown.
In his pursuit of becoming Africa’s leading scorer in the Italian top division, Nigerian international Victor Osimhen is edging closer to George Weah’s Serie A scoring record.
Just one goal short of Weah’s record, the 24-year-old attacker has 45 league goals for the Partenopei since joining Napoli in the summer of 2020.
George Weah of Liberia was the top-scoring African player in Italian football between 1995 and 2000 with 46 Serie A goals in 114 games for AC Milan.
But in just three seasons, Nigeriaâs Osimhen is set to overtake the record, but he admits that the former Ballon dâOr winner and current president of Liberia remains one of the greatest African players.
In a chat with Wole Opatola via Moor Sportz YouTube Channel, Osimhen said: âHe (Weah) has to be considered as one of the greatest African strikers that graced the Serie A.
I want to continue to do my best and continue to do well for myself and for my team.
âAt the end of the season, I think I stand a chance to surpass him or meet the record. I didnât have the opportunity of watching him play, and I have never met him.
Inter striker Romelu Lukaku has called for action from Serie A officials after allegedly being targeted by racist chants from Juventus fans following his equaliser at the Allianz Stadium.
The Belgium international netted a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time to earn Inter a 1-1 draw in Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final first leg, before using his finger to shush the home fans.
Referee Davide Massa booked Lukaku for the celebration and showed the goalscorer a second yellow card following a heated aftermath that spilled over past full-time, leading to Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado and Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic also seeing red.
Lukaku pointed to his previous experiences of racism in Italy as he responded to the events with an Instagram post.
He said: “History repeats. [I’ve] been through it in 2019 and [now in] 2023 again.
“I hope the league really take actions for real this time because this beautiful game should be enjoyed by everyone.
Following “despicable” racist abuse directed at their client, Romelu Lukaku’s representatives have demanded an apology from Juventus and asked the Italian government to intervene.
The 95th minute of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semifinal first leg between the two Serie A powerhouses saw Inter forward Romelu Lukaku score a penalty to earn his team a 1-1 draw.
However, Lukaku subsequently received a second yellow card after his celebration, which included holding a finger up to his lips in a “shushing” gesture to Juve’s fans, resulted in a melee between the teams.
Juve winger Juan Cuadrado and Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic also saw red.
Lukaku’s agency, Roc Nation Sports International, said the 29-year-old had been subject to racist abuse from sections of the home fanbase in Turin.
In a statement shared on Twitter, Roc Nation Sports International president Michael Yormark wrote:
“The racist remarks made towards Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were beyond despicable and cannot be accepted.
“Romelu scored a penalty in the game. Before, during and after the penalty, he was subjected to hostile and disgusting racist abuse.
“Romelu celebrated in the same manner he has previously celebrated goals. The referee’s response was to award a yellow card to Romelu.
A statement from the President of Roc Nation Sports International, Michael Yormark on tonightâs incident involving Romelu Lukaku pic.twitter.com/VSrNOupwdh
— Roc Nation Sports International (@RocNationSI) April 4, 2023
“Romelu deserves anapology from Juventus, and I expect the league to condemn the behaviour of this group of Juventus supporters immediately.
“The Italian authorities must use this opportunity to tackle racism, rather than punish the victim of the abuse. I am certain that the footballing world shares the same sentiment.”
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi also came to the forward’s defence.
“I see a player who scores, celebrates, and everything happens there.
Lukaku’s celebration was misunderstood,” he said.
“It certainly wasn’t a nice sight to see in a well-conducted and fair match until the 94th minute.”
On Wednesday, Inter tweeted: “We are brothers and sisters of the world. Since 9 March 1908, this has been our story.
“We want to firmly reiterate that we stand united against racism and all forms of discrimination.”
While praisingNapoli and “great coach” Luciano Spalletti, Francesco Totti asserts that the romping Serie A leaders have “been lucky” this year.
Since Diego Maradona was still a member of the team in 1990, Napoli has not won the Scudetto.
With only 11 games left, the Partenopei are massively ahead by 19 points, making a championship victory all but certain.
While praising Roma’s efforts under former Giallorossi manager Spalletti, Totti maintains that they have benefited from the lack of a true rival.
Legend Totti won only one title with Roma, although they finished as runners-up on a further nine occasions across his remarkable career, missing out to Juventus, Milan and Inter.
“I honestly didn’t expect it like this,” Totti told Sky Sport of Napoli. “I knew it was a good team with a great coach â it was a well-made combination.
“They expressed themselves to the fullest in everything and were also lucky because they didn’t have an opponent behind them who can keep up with their pace.
“When we were there, there was always Juve, Inter, Milan who always clung there.
“If you won 20 games, they won 19. Napoli doesn’t have a second team like that.”
Lazio are Napoli’s nearest rivals, but Juve would be second if not for a 15-point deduction. Even then, the Bianconeri would be 15 points off the pace.
Romelu Lukaku underlined his plans to continue in Serie A after this season by saying, “I’ve always had Inter in my heart.”
After joining the Blues for ÂŁ97.5 million, Lukaku scored just eight Premier League goals the previous season. He then returned to Inter on a season-long loan last June.
After suffering a thigh injury in August, the Belgian striker has missed the majority of this season. He also did not make a start at the World Cup after returning halfway through his nation’s disastrous group-stage campaign.
Despite enduring a frustrating second spell at San Siro, Lukaku is eager to make his Inter reunion permanent after being welcomed back by the Nerazzurri’s supporters.
“Inter fans are truly special; for me they’re the best I’ve met. Even if we are in trouble, they are always there to help the team,” Lukaku told Sky Sport.
“I thought they were still angry with me, but they know I’ve always had Inter in my heart, even if I left.
“I had a few conversations with my team-mates; I told them the truth about why I left and why I came back.
“I hope to stay in the future too. For me, Inter means everything. Now I have to do everything necessary, together with the team, for Inter to win. Then we’ll see.”
Wednesday’s pivotal matchup between Inter and Scudetto favorites Napoli will mark the start of their Serie A campaign. Simone Inzaghi’s fifth-place team is 11 points behind the league’s early leaders.
Lukaku insists Inter are still in the running to repeat as Scudetto winners despite Napoli’s big advantage at the top.
“As long as a team hasn’t lifted the trophy, anything is possible,” Lukaku said. “That’s the thing, anything is possible in football.
“Do I believe it? You have to believe in the impossible. People say it’s impossible for us, let’s see at the end of the season.
“Now, no one has raised it, we are still there and there are six months left. The championship ends on June 6, we are not yet on January 4!”
Samuel Iling-Junior, a youth player for Juventus, has extended his agreement with the Serie A powerhouse through the 2024â25 season.
In the 4-0 league victory over Empoli in October, the 19-year-old earned his senior debut for the Bianconeri. Since then, he has made two more appearances across all competitions.
In his three first-team appearances, Iling-Junior, a Chelsea academy product who joined Juventus in September 2020, has assisted two goals, one of which came in a Champions League match against Benfica.
On Monday, Juve announced on their official website that the England Under-20 international had signed new contracts.
The previous contract for Iling-Junior was set to expire at the conclusion of the current season.
Samuel Iling-Junior extends his contract until 2025, and is promoted to the Juventus First Team âȘâ«
Sinisa Mihajlovic, a former manager of AC Milan and Bologna, passed away at the age of 53 after a protracted battle with cancer.
The former Yugoslavia defender initially revealed he has leukemia in 2019. He had previously won the European Cup with Red Star Belgrade as a player in 1991.
Despite receiving a successful course of treatment, he was given a second disease diagnosis in March 2022.
“His impact in our game, country and hearts will be forever remembered,” said a Serie A statement.
Mihajlovic won Serie A as a player with Lazio and Inter Milan and also played for Roma and Sampdoria.
He won 63 international caps between 1991 and 2003, representing the former Yugoslavia at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Heaven has gained another legend. You will be sorely missed, SiniĆĄa.
He managed Serbia’s national team and was Bologna boss up until September when he was sacked following a poor start to the season.
“It was the most difficult decision I have made since I have been president of Bologna,” said Bologna president Joey Saputo at the time.
“In recent years we have lived together with Sinisa beautiful and painful moments that have cemented a relationship that is not only professional, but above all human.
“Mihajlovic has faced the disease with courage and determination since the day he wanted to make his state of health public in a moving press conference.
“Since then, despite the hospital stays and the heavy effects of the treatments he has been subjected to, he has always remained close to the team, making every effort to be in contact with the players, in person or in connection, thanks also to the professionalism of his staff.”
In a statement posted on their website, the Serbian FA wrote: “Football has lost too soon a champion of Europe and the world, one of the best performers of free-kicks in the history of football, player, coach and selector, a man who left a deep mark in the history of Serbian and Italian football with his career.”
Javier Zanetti, who played with Mihajlovic at Inter Milan, said: “He was a good friend and now he is gone. He has done so much for football – big hug to his family.”
A minute’s silence was held for Mihajlovic before AC Milan’s game with Liverpool in the Dubai Super Cup on Friday.
Alessandro Del Piero is willing to assist Juventus as the Serie A powerhouse starts looking for a new chairman to succeed Andrea Agnelli and a new board of directors.
Following an urgent meeting on Monday, Juve declared that Agnelli, vice president Pavel Nedved, and managing director Maurizio Arrivabene had all resigned from their positions.
It comes after Juventus reported a record deficit of âŹ254.3 million for the 2021â2022 season and as a result of an inquiry into an alleged tax fraud, which Juventus has disputed.
Exor, who owns a majority ownership in Juve, said on Tuesday that Gianluca Ferrero will take over as president in lieu of Agnelli.
Agnelli, Nedved, and Arrivabene’s successors are anticipated to be chosen during a shareholders’ meeting on January 18.
Del Piero, a club great, has said he is prepared to help Juve in any way he can, just like he did as a player, during this difficult time off the field for the Turin team.
âYou’re asking the question to someone like me that spent almost 20 years there,” Del Piero, who spent nine years with the Bianconeri, told beIN SPORTS.
“I got relegated with the team and I decided to stay so the relationships with me and the team, with the owners, the fans, are quite deep, very deep.
“We’ve been through everything to reach the top of the world and the bottom point in the club’s entire history. This great journey brought me here with you.
“It’s something where every news regarding Juve is emotional for me and I’m going to stand by and see what’s going to happen.
“I was with them this summer for the tour they did in Los Angeles where I lived, and also in Lisbon. I’m friends with Pavel and everybody. It’s sad for me seeing this situation.”
Del Piero added: “I don’t know the plan; nobody has called me. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I know very well all that’s happened. I still have a house in the city…”
Juve were stripped of titles and relegated to Serie B in the 2006-07 campaign over the ‘Calciopoli’ scandal, but Del Piero does not expect any such punishments this time around.
“This is not regarding the team;Â it’s not going to affect the team in terms of relegation or other things,” he said.
“It’s going to affect the people because it’s allegations ongoing about the people, not only the president but the other board members. This will affect them if there’s proof.”
Stefano Pioli was left frustrated as his AC Milan side were held to a 0-0 draw by winless Cremonese in Serie A on Tuesday.
An impressive performance from Cremonese goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi saw him deny the likes of Divock Origi and Junior Messias as Milan dominated the first half.
Origi thought he had broken the deadlock soon after the break, but a VAR check ruled him offside before Cremonese saw out the remaining minutes to pick up a valuable point and prevent Milan from keeping pace with leaders Napoli, who beat Empoli2-0 earlier on Tuesday.
Attempting to win their second straight league title, Pioli’s men now sit eight points Napoli, and the Milan head coach was disappointed in their display as they failed to pick up all three points on the road for the fourth game in seven to start this season, having only dropped points away from San Siro five times last campaign.
“We could have done more tonight,” Pioli told DAZN. “We played a decent first half, but the second was not up to par.
“We did not create enough to be really dangerous. With our quality we could do more, despite the few spaces granted by Cremonese.
“In the second half there was little fluidity and clarity. We won a few offensive duels and so it is difficult to score.”
Pioli acknowledged the lead that Napoli now hold over his side, and spoke of his desire to see an improved display at the weekend as they look to bounce back against Fiorentina.
“Eight points are a lot,” Pioli added. “We don’t like this result, but on Sunday we have the opportunity to redeem ourselves.
“We didn’t want this gap. Congratulations to Napoli but we could have done more.”
Milan drew a blank despite Pioli introducing Rafael Leao with half an hour to play, but the head coach refused to criticise the substitute for the little impact he had.
Pioli explained: “I think it’s wrong to point the finger only at a single player [Leao]. If you don’t work well as a team, the results won’t come. The overall performance was not up to par.
“We expected this attitude from Cremonese. We had some opportunities to score goals, but if you don’t unlock them immediately then everything becomes more complicated.”
Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi is hopeful of a title charge despite Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Juventus, which leaves them 11 points off the pace in Serie A.
The Nerazzurri were downed in the Derby d’Italia by second-half goals from Adrien Rabiot and Nicolo Fagioli, snapping their four-game winning run.
The Bianconeri climb above Inter into fifth, while Inzaghi’s side slid down to seventh on 24 points from 13 games, well behind leaders Napoli.
“There are 25 games to go from now to the end,” Inzaghi told reporters about their title prospects.
“This is a defeat that slows us down a lot with the progress of this championship but we must be good at putting this defeat behind us immediately.
“We have to improve in these matches, the performance has been there but we have to be better.”
Inzaghi added to DAZN: “At this moment, Inter must focus on becoming more consistent. We were coming off four consecutive victories, we are back on the field in a couple of days and a defeat like this can leave some psychological scars, as it was an important match.
“We had been able to score in 24 consecutive Serie A matches, this time unfortunately we were unable to.”
Scoring goals has not been an issue for Inter, but conceding them has, shipping 19 from 13 games this campaign, which is the equal sixth worst in Serie A.
The Nerazzurri have conceded 16 of those 19 goals away from home which is the leakiest record in Serie A, having managed only nine points from seven away league games this term.
“We played the most complicated games away,” Inzaghi said, having travelled to Lecce, Lazio, Milan, Udinese, Sassuolo, Fiorentina and Juventus this Serie A season.
“Clearly we need to improve in the big matches and in the goals scored. Juve shot three times on goal and scored two goals and one hit the post. We shot eight, nine times, with clearer chances and we didn’t score.
“This is a defeat that slows us down, that hurts and for what we have seen on the pitch it is not deserved. It’s regret having ended the first half at 0-0.”
0 – Juventus ended a 1st half against Inter in Serie A without any shot on target for the first time since Opta collected this data (since 2004/05). Duel.#JuveInter#JuventusInter#SerieA
Stefano Pioli wanted to share the credit around after signing a contract extension to keep him as Milan coach until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Former Inter coach Pioli took over at Milan in 2019, and has overseen a rejuvenation in the Rossoneri’s fortunes.
Having finished second in the 2020-21 campaign, Milan clinched their first Serie A title in 11Â years last term.
Milan, who sit third in Serie A 12 games into this season, are also on the verge of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign. They need only to avoid defeat against Salzburg on Wednesday to join Chelsea in progressing from Group E.
When asked about signing his new deal in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Pioli said: “The credit belongs to everyone. The club is giving me great confidence.
“I am very happy with the renewal. I thanked the players because without them this renewal would not have been possible.
“We started our three-year journey, now we really care about passing [our objectives for] the season.
“I really appreciated this. The club could have extended my contract by a year, but they did it with a longer time frame.
“It is a sign of our vision, of our collaboration, to try to make Milan bigger and bigger. I really appreciated the renewal and I can only thank the owners. I have always felt appreciated.”
The omens are promising for Milan, seven-time European champions, ahead of their meeting with Salzburg at San Siro, given they are unbeaten in all three of their previous encounters with the Austrian side.
They do come into the match on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Torino in Serie A, however, though Pioli â whose side lost successive matches to Chelsea before bouncing back with a 4-0 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb â is confident Milan can get the job done.
“We are a strong team, we have values and a lot of motivation,” he said. “We know the difficulties of the match. Salzburg have not lost away from home [in this season’s Champions League].
“We have strong players and we play this match in front of our fans, I can tell you that we have all the right cards to do well.
“Doing well would mean a lot, we had our first goal clearly in mind. We built this possibility, it was conceivable that if we hadn’t won a match with Chelsea the last one would have been decisive.
“The team now knows how to manage these heavy commitments. We are disappointed, but now it’s another game.”
Ex-Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has heaped praise on Tottenham coach Antonio Conte claiming he gives 100% on the field of play and always lead by example.
The pair worked together at Juve between 2012 and 2014 where Asamoah was a key cog of the team.
He played an instrumental role in helping the club to six consecutive Serie A titles between 2013 and 2018, among other titles.
“The first memory is the final of the 2013-14 season. We had won the championship a few days early, but Conte didn’t want to relax. 100 because he wanted at all costs to cross the line of 102 points. In the end we succeeded and we were all very satisfied,” the 33-year-old said as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“That’s how Conte is, he is a great coach and an exceptional motivator: both in training and in matches he never makes you relax.
Asamoah added, “He always wants to go one hundred percent and he is the first to lead by example. And then he takes great care of the details: with him you can miss a step, but not a position.”
Ex-Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has heaped praise on Tottenham coach Antonio Conte claiming he gives 100% on the field of play and always lead by example.
The pair worked together at Juve between 2012 and 2014 where Asamoah was a key cog of the team.
He played an instrumental role in helping the club to six consecutive Serie A titles between 2013 and 2018, among other titles.
“The first memory is the final of the 2013-14 season. We had won the championship a few days early, but Conte didn’t want to relax. 100 because he wanted at all costs to cross the line of 102 points. In the end we succeeded and we were all very satisfied,” the 33-year-old said as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“That’s how Conte is, he is a great coach and an exceptional motivator: both in training and in matches he never makes you relax.
Asamoah added, “He always wants to go one hundred percent and he is the first to lead by example. And then he takes great care of the details: with him you can miss a step, but not a position.”
Stefano Pioli has signed a contract extension that will keep him at AC Milan until the end of the 2024-25 season.
The Rossoneri coach has been in position at San Siro since 2019, having previously taken charge of rivals Inter.
Pioli did not last long with the Nerazzurri, yet he has been a huge success with Milan, last season winning the Scudetto â their first since 2011.
The 57-year-old’s deal was due to expire at the end of this campaign, but the club confirmed a two-year extension on Monday.
“Having begun this virtuous path, which led to the 2021-22 Serie A title, AC Milan and Stefano shall continue to work on this ambitious project, which reflects the club’s history and values,” a short statement added.
Pioli has won 87 of his 153 matches as Milan coach, with that 56.9 per cent win rate his best at any club.
Milan finished sixth in Serie A in Pioli’s first season after he took over in the October, before jumping to second and then first in the subsequent campaigns.
Despite a shock defeat to Torino on Sunday, the Rossoneri are third this term.
Milan forward Ante Rebic has been left out of Croatia’s preliminary 34-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Rebic was a key part of the Croatia team who reached the World Cup final in Russia in 2018, opening the scoring in an impressive 3-0 group-stage win over Argentina in that tournament.
However, the Rossoneri man has only made three Serie A starts this season, and although he has hit the net three times in his seven total league appearances, it has not been enough to enter him into Zlatko Dalic’s thoughts.
Rebic last played for his country at last year’s Euro 2020.
Luka Modric briefly sparked concerns over his fitness when he missed Real Madrid’s Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig this month, but the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner is included on the list, as are Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic and Tottenham’s Ivan Perisic.
Croatia will begin their Group F campaign against Morocco on November 23, before facing Canada and Belgium, and they will name their final 26-man squad on November 9.
Croatia preliminary squad in full: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivica Ivusic (Osijek), Ivo Grbic (Atletico Madrid), Dominik Kotarski (PAOK), Nediljko Labrovic (Rijeka); Domagoj Vida (AEK), Dejan Lovren (Zenit), Borna Barisic (Rangers), Duje Caleta-Car (Southampton), Josip Juranovic (Celtic), Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig), Borna Sosa (Stuttgart), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongracic (Lecce), Martin Erlic (Sassuolo), Josip Sutalo (Dinamo Zagreb); Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Ivanusec (Dinamo Zagreb), Lovro Majer (Rennes), Kristijan Jakic (Eintracht Frankfurt), Luka Sucic (Salzburg), Josip Misic (Dinamo Zagreb); Ivan Perisic (Tottenham), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Josip Brekalo (Wolfsburg), Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Mislav Orsic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marko Livaja (Hajduk Split), Antonio Colak (Rangers).
Jurgen Klopp thinks Napoli can go all the way to the Champions League final if they can maintain their current level of performance.
The Liverpool manager has already felt the force of Luciano Spalletti’s in-form side this season, losing 4-1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on matchday one of the Champions League group stage.
Napoli sit top of Group A with five wins from five games, and also lead Serie A by five points after beating Sassuolo 4-0 on Saturday.
When questioned at a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture at Anfield whether Napoli can reach the Champions League final, Klopp said: “I think if they can play like they play at the moment, they have a good chance to go to the final… I think Napoli is the team in form in Europe, they play really well.
“Spalletti is a very experienced coach, has worked everywhere pretty much, and it looks like all his experience and a few really good signings and good decisions, he brought a group together which works on an exceptionally high level together.”
Napoli have not lost since April, and have won a staggering 13 consecutive matches.
Liverpool have had a comparatively poor start to their season, sitting ninth in the Premier League with just four wins from 12 games.
They have fared well in the Champions League, though, winning four of their five group games to qualify along with Napoli for the last 16 with one game to go.
In order to leapfrog the Italians and top the group, Liverpool will need to win by at least four clear goals on Merseyside.
Klopp is not “scared” of facing Napoli again three days after his team were beaten 2-1 at home by Leeds United.
“When I speak about the positive aspects of Napoli at the moment it is because I am a football lover,” he said.
“I’m not afraid or scared [of playing them] it’s just a tough challenge, that’s all. I really respect what they are doing and I know Luciano respects what we have done the last few years.”
AC Milan failed to move back within three points of Serie A leaders Napoli as goals from Koffi Djidji and Aleksey Miranchuk condemned the Rossoneri to a surprise 2-1 loss to Torino.
Miranchuk followed up Djidji’s glancing header with a cultured left-footed finish as Torino scored twice in two frantic first-half minutes to stun Milan at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.
Stefano Pioli’s men travelled to Turin looking to stay within touching distance of the Serie A summit, but were uncharacteristically lethargic for long periods on Sunday.
Junior Messias was gifted a goal following a bizarre mix-up at the back, but Milan failed to build on that strike late on as Torino clung on for a huge win.
Rafael Leao missed two golden chances in the first six minutes, sending a wild volley over after breaking in behind before mishitting his shot after being teed up by Brahim Diaz.
Torino punished Milan for their wastefulness 10 minutes before the break, as Djidji nodded Valentino Lazaro’s deep free-kick in off the right-hand post.
Things quickly went from bad to worse for the champions as Miranchuk latched onto Nikola Vlasic’s knock-down before shifting the ball onto his left foot and finishing coolly across Ciprian Tatarusanu.
Sergino Dest fired over from range as Milan attempted to lift the tempo after the break, before Messias ensured a tense finish when he curled home following a clash between Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Perr Schuurs.
Torino boss Ivan Juric was dismissed for berating referee Rosario Abisso following that goal, but his team showed greater composure to see out the closing stages in relative comfort.
Although the likes of Napoli and Atalanta have made headlines in Serie A by emerging as surprise pacesetters, Milan had begun their title defence in solid fashion, stretching their unbeaten away run to 17 league games ahead of Sunday’s contest (W12 D5).
Milan had also kept five consecutive clean sheets in league meetings with Torino prior to this game, but they saw both of those records fall by the wayside after a quickfire double from their hosts, who richly deserved the win following a disciplined performance.
Djidji ends barren run
To say Torino have struggled against Milan in recent meetings would be an understatement: Djidji’s opener ended a 499-minute run in which Torino had failed to find the net against Milan in Serie A meetings.
Their previous goal against the Rossoneri in the competition was scored by Andrea Belotti in September 2019, and prior to Sunday’s game, no player in Torino’s current squad had scored a league goal against Milan.
Leao kept quiet
Leao has emerged as the most obvious goal threat in an exciting Milan team, having recorded nine league goal contributions (five goals, four assists) ahead of the trip to Turin.
However, the Portugal attacker was hauled off at the break after a disappointing first half in which he squandered chances amounting to 0.51 expected goals (xG) and failed to hit the target with any of his four attempts.
Key Opta facts
– Torino scored as many first-half goals in this match as they had scored in their previous seven full Serie A home games (two).
– Junior Messias has been involved in three goals in his last four Serie A games, after failing to record a goal contribution in the first five games of the Serie A season.
– After assisting against Udinese last time out, Aleksey Miranchuk has been involved in a goal in consecutive Serie A appearances for the second time (after two consecutive goals between April and May 2021 with Atalanta).
– Koffi Djidji’s goal was his first in Serie A since April 10, 2021, when he was playing for Crotone. It was also Torino’s first from a set-piece situation in the competition this season.
What’s next?
Milan host Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday, needing to avoid defeat to reach the last 16. Torino, meanwhile, go to Bologna in Serie A next Sunday.
Pablo Mari says he and his family are “fine” and the on-loan Monza defender expressed his gratitude for the support he has received after being stabbed on Thursday.
The Spaniard, who joined Monza from Arsenal on a season-long deal in August, is expected to be out of action for at least two months after undergoing back surgery following the horrific attack in a supermarket near Milan.
One person died and a suspect was arrested after being disarmed, with former Napoli footballer Massimo Tarantino named as being among those who stopped the assault.
Mari stated on Friday that he felt lucky to be alive before posting a picture of himself and his wife giving the thumbs up in hospital on Instagram.
The 29-year-old wrote: “After the hard moment we experienced yesterday, both my family and I want to communicate that fortunately we are all fine despite the circumstances.
“We want to thank all the messages of support and affection that we are receiving.
“In addition, we want to send our condolences and all our strength to the family and friends of the deceased person, and we sincerely wish that all injured people recover as soon as possible.”
Massimiliano Allegri wants Juventus to channel their Champions League “anger” and show the rest of Serie A they remain a force to be reckoned with.
Under-pressure head coach Allegri said Juventus would “play an unspectacular game if necessary” on Saturday to get the better of Lecce.
After recent wins over Torino and Empoli, Juventus are looking for a third Serie A victory on the bounce, but results in Europe have been dreadful by comparison, with defeats to Maccabi Haifa and Benfica dumping the Bianconeri out at the Champions League group stage.
Italian media have not been slow to link Tottenham boss Antonio Conte with a return to Juventus, possibly at the end of the season when the former Italy coach’s contract expires at Spurs, though the Premier League club do have an option to extend that agreement.
But Allegri wants to prove his Juventus are not a busted flush, and a long streak of league wins would be timely, possibly for the 55-year-old’s job security.
The last time the Bianconeri won three league games in a row without conceding was back in February 2021, but winning 1-0 at Torino and 4-0 at home to Empoli last weekend has set up that possibility.
Now Lecce stand in Juve’s way, and Allegri said: “We have to react after the elimination from the Champions League and carry the anger with us throughout the Serie A season.
“We will have to play an unspectacular game if necessary. Up to now Lecce has always kept the games in the balance, we know the importance of tomorrow’s match, we will have to take it on as a team, with great consistency.”
He will be without striker Dusan Vlahovic due to injury, while midfielder Manuel Locatelli misses out for personal reasons, with Allegri taking a 19-player group.
Federico Chiesa and Paul Pogba are not ready to return from their injury lay-offs, while Allegri was unsure whether he would field young midfielders Nicolo Fagioli and Fabio Miretti.
Juventus have 19 points from 11 games, losing twice, and they trail leaders Napoli by 10 points.
Their next Serie A assignment, after this weekend, is a clash with improving Inter.
The Lecce game is far from a formality, but Juventus have lost only four of 32 previous Serie A encounters with the team from the Salento peninsula.
“Right now we have to do something more to get out of this situation,” Allegri said, quoted on his club’s official website.
“It’s an opportunity for everyone, it’s a time for growth, I have a group of guys who have important moral values. Talking about the Scudetto today is useless, now we have to react starting from Lecce.”
Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored a freak last-gasp goal to snatch a 4-3 victory for Inter over Fiorentina in a Serie A thriller at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
A frantic first half saw Inter race into a two-goal lead with only 15 minutes on the clock, Nicolo Barella opening the scoring and Martinez doubling the lead, but Arthur Cabral’s penalty gave the Viola hope.
Jonathan Ikone curled home an equaliser on the hour mark before Martinez doubled his tally from the penalty spot, but Luka Jovic appeared to have snatched a point with time running out.
The drama was not over, however, as substitute Lorenzo Venuti saw his attempted clearance hit Mkhitaryan on the shin and bobble into the net in one stunning final twist.
Inter got the breakthrough inside 90 seconds, Martinez winning possession high up the field and feeding a pass through to Barrella to poke a finish past Pietro Terracciano with the outside of his right boot.
The ruthless Nerazzurri doubled their advantage after 15 minutes, when Martinez skipped through the defence to drill home a low strike.
A poor challenge from Federico Dimarco on Giacomo Bonaventura gave Fiorentina hope, with a penalty awarded after a VAR review and Cabral stepping up to coolly send Andre Onana the wrong way.
Just before the hour mark, the Viola had their equaliser as first-half substitute Ikone surged into the box from the right side and shifted the ball onto his left foot before curling a fantastic shot into the top-left corner.
A VAR review with 20 minutes remaining gave Inter a chance to regain the lead, as Martinez was felled by Terraciano in the box and the striker stepped up to rifle into the top-right corner, but Jovic then equalised with an acrobatic volley following a corner.
The hosts were cruelly denied a point five minutes into time added on, when Mkhitaryan knew little above an attempted clearance from Venuti that struck him and found the back of the net to settle a classic contest.
What does it mean? Leaky defence a concern for Inzaghi
It was ultimately job done for Inter, but there will certainly be some concerns about the defensive performance of Simone Inzaghi’s side.
This was the fifth occasion in 15 matches this season that Inter have conceded at least three goals, having previously done so against Lazio, Udinese and Milan in Serie A, as well as Barcelona in the Champions League.
Cremonese. Spezia, Monza, Verona, Sampdoria and Monza are the only sides to have conceded more than the 17 goals Inter have shipped in Serie A this season.
Marvellous Martinez shines again
Martinez continues to be linked with an array of Europe’s top clubs and his performance against Fiorentina will not go unnoticed having displayed his attacking awareness, deft ability and composure in an exceptional performance.
A brace takes his tally for the season to six Serie A goals, level at the top of the scoring charts alongside Ciro Immobile, Dusan Vlahovic and Marko Arnautovic, while his performances will provide optimism for Argentina ahead of the World Cup.
Mammoth streak continues
Inter’s victory over Fiorentina extended their streak without a draw to 20 Serie A matches, the longest such record in Italy’s top-flight, and sees the Nerrazzuri hit that tally for the first time since January 1941.
They have now gone 11 matches against the Viola without a defeat (six wins, five draws), having lost five of their previous six in the competition beforehand.
Key Opta Facts
– 93 minutes and 20 seconds of play elapsed between Nicolo Barrella’s opening goal and Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s winner.
– Lautaro Martinez is the only player who has scored at least three goals with both his right and his left foot in Serie A this season.
–Â With two goals scored in his first 10 Serie A appearances this season, Jonathan Ikone has already equalled the amount of league goals netted throughout the whole last season (two in 35 games across Serie A and Ligue 1).
– Nicolo Barella is one of three midfielders to have both scored at least four goals and delivered at least four assists in the big-5 European leagues this season, alongside Bukayo Saka and Florian Kainz
What’s next?
Inter will look to take a huge stride towards the Champions League knockout stages against Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday, while Fiorentina host Istanbul Buyuksehir in the UEFA Conference League the following day.
Until now, Napoli have pretty much risen to every challenge this season as they aim to win the Scudetto for the first time since 1990.
They sit top of the Serie A table after 10 games and are one of just two teams to not lose a game, with Luciano Spalletti’s men already beating Lazio and Milan away from home.
While their past three league games â wins over Torino, Cremonese and Bologna â would have always been expected to yield Napoli victories, a slightly trickier run begins this weekend.
Before the break for the World Cup, Napoli still have to face Rangers and Liverpool in the Champions League, plus high-flying Udinese, second-placed Atalanta, Sassuolo and, first up, Jose Mourinho’s in-form Roma in Serie A.
Sunday’s trip to the capital poses a real threat to a historic achievement that isâŠ
⊠within touching distance
While Napoli’s Champions League exploits â hammering Liverpool, Rangers and Ajax, twice â have attracted plenty of praise, the true extent of their form doesn’t appear to have really registered outside of Italy yet.
However, they are undeniably on a remarkable run across all competitions.
Napoli have won each of their past 10 matches, meaning they are just one victory away from equalling the longest such run in the club’s history.
That 11-game winning streak was recorded between April and September 1986, the Diego Maradona era.
Although the run ended in September, that was still the season Napoli won their first Scudetto.
Kvaradona
Napoli may not have a player of Maradona’s ilk this time, though supporters have certainly taken to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Georgia winger only joined in pre-season, but his impact has been phenomenal.
Already he has been involved in 13 goals in 14 appearances in all competitions, which is more than any other Serie A player.
He heads into the weekend on a particularly effective run, too, having registered one assist in each of his past four games. The last Napoli player to have a better run (five games) was club great Lorenzo Insigne in early 2016.
The ‘Kvaradona’ nickname is seemingly here to stay.
Napoli’s versatile arsenal
As good as Kvaratskhelia has been for Napoli this term, it wouldn’t be fair to say they’re completely dependent on him.
In fact, the Partenopei have earned themselves a reputation for being adaptable and versatile.
For starters, they’ve had 15 different scorers in Serie A this season, which is the joint-most with Bayern Munich across the big five leagues.
And on top of that, Napoli’s 35 goals from set-pieces (including penalties) since the start of last season is more than any other Serie A team.
Omens on Napoli’s side?
Mourinho has Roma in good shape. They’re fourth in Serie A and go into the weekend having won each of their past three league games â they last managed four successive top-flight wins in August 2020.
But their recent record â for what it’s worth â against Napoli is pretty poor, having only won one of their previous eight Serie A meetings, a 2-1 victory in November 2019.
On top of that, Roma are winless in their past 12 home league games against teams in the top four at the beginning of the matchday, losing the three most recent examples.
A Roma win will put them just a point behind Napoli, however. Regardless of the latter’s fine start to the season, they won’t be expecting a straightforward contest.
Unbeaten Serie A leaders Napoliare in irresistible form â but Jose Mourinho’s resurgent Roma will be aiming to stop the Partenopei in their tracks this Sunday.
Elsewhere, it is second versus fifth as Atalanta look to preserve their own unbeaten run against a dangerous Lazio side.
Meanwhile, reigning champions AC Milan can keep the pressure on at the top when they host mid-table Monza, who have put a little distance between themselves and the relegation zone.
The Rossoneri’s city rivals Inter Milan travel to face Fiorentina, while inconsistent Juventus host Empoli.
Game of the week: Roma vs Napoli (Sunday, 7.45pm)
History appears to be in Napoli’s favour as they bid to extend their winning run in all competitions to 11 games in Rome.
The visitors have lost just one of their last eight meetings with Roma (four wins, three draws).
Additionally, Sunday’s hosts are winless in their last 12 at home in the league against opponents occupying a top-four spot at the beginning of the matchday (seven draws, five defeats).
However, Roma are on a three-game winning streak in Serie A â and Mourinho will be keen to claim four victories on the trot for the first time since arriving in the Italian capital.
These two sides are the league’s set-piece specialists, scoring more goals from dead-ball situations since the start of last season (35 for Napoli, 31 for Roma) than any other team.
Atalanta vs Lazio (Sunday, 5pm)
Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the leading assist provider in Serie A
Atalanta also have an unbeaten run to protect â but Lazio will provide a stern test of their credentials.
The hosts boast a strong record in this fixture having lost just one of their last 10 league games against Lazio (four wins, five draws) and have only claimed more Serie A victories in their history against Bologna (37) than the Biancocelesti (36).
However, Atalanta have conceded more goals against Lazio since Gian Piero Gasperini took over (22) than they have against any other side â so expect another entertaining clash this time around.
These two outfits top the league’s charts for minutes spent in leading positions (402 for Lazio, 397 for Atalanta) and will be hoping to extend their respective records on Sunday.
AC Milan vs Monza (Saturday, 5pm)
AC Milan have been one of Serie A’s most dangerous teams going forward in 2022-23
AC Milan are third â three points off table-toppers Napoli â and will be keen to avoid a slip-up against Monza.
Encouragingly for the Rossoneri, they have won each of their last six Serie A games at home against promoted sides without conceding.
The last time Milan picked up seven wins from their first 10 league outings as reigning champions was 1992-93 â and they went on to retain the title that year.
Monza may not expect to beat the holders but they can be encouraged by their season so far, with 10 points after 10 games. Only four promoted teams have been relegated from Serie A from that position in the last 20 seasons.
Fiorentina vs Inter Milan (Saturday, 7.45pm)
Inter are enduring a disappointing campaign, sitting seventh after 10 games â but are beginning to inch their way back up the table.
The Nerazzurri are unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with Saturday’s opponents Fiorentina (seven wins, five draws).
Additionally, La Viola are in poor form, having won just three of their last 14 outings (six draws, five defeats) and have only scored eight league goals this term.
Inter have both netted and conceded in each of their last nine Serie A away clashes though, with at least three goals scored in every match during that run (33 total).
Juventus vs Empoli (Friday, 7.45pm)
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is joint-top of the Serie A goalscoring charts
Juventus are also having a challenging season and will hope to elevate themselves above eighth by beating Empoli.
The Old Lady have lost just one of their last 18 Serie A meetings with their next opponents (15 wins, two draws).
This may be a low-scoring encounter, with Juventus managing five clean sheets this term â conceding only seven times â while Empoli have shipped just 11 goals.
Max Allegri’s men rank third in the league for set-piece strikes with six â but Empoli have only conceded once from such situations this term, the joint-lowest tally in the division.
AC Milan’s never-say-die attitude was the key to victory as Sandro Tonali’s late goal gave the reigning champions a 2-1 away victory over Hellas Verona in Serie A.
That is the view of head coach Stefano Pioli, whose team went ahead within nine minutes when Rafael Leao’s cross was turned into his own net by Miguel Veloso, but Verona were level soon after when Koray Gunter’s shot deflected in off Matteo Gabbia.
With time running out, it appeared Milan would take just a point from the game, until Tonali swept home to secure a fourth straight league win for Pioli’s side with eight minutes remaining.
Milan move up to third in Serie A, crucially remaining just three points behind early leaders Napoli as they look to secure a second successive league title.
“[It was a] difficult game, we started well,” said Pioli.
“Then we made a few mistakes too many, conceding too many chances. But as usual, the team was able to endure it and our qualities made us win the game.”
When asked how positive he was feeling about his side ahead of a busy spell of fixtures, Pioli replied: “We have managed for the first time to win three consecutive games in this championship.
“We are growing, maybe I could have changed something more at the beginning, but we know how important this phase of the season is, and starting with a victory is the best way to face this period.
“They induced some mistakes with the pressure, we made some mistakes.
“But winning these difficult games means that we are growing mentally and in awareness, and that we never give up. This is a quality that my team has inside and knows how to bring out in the important moments.”
Sunday’s victory followed a midweek 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League, and Pioli acknowledged his team may have been struggling with fatigue despite the win over Verona.
“I know we can play better,” Pioli added. “But the boys know it too.
“Character growth is important and allows us to overcome difficult obstacles like these.
“We hope to be able to recover some energy and even some players, an important period of competition awaits us. I’m not saying that they will be decisive for the whole season, but we are close.”
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is “just getting started” and “has the quality to make Napoli dream this season”, according to team-mate Victor Osimhen.
Kvaratskhelia, who joined from Dinamo Batumi in July, has played an instrumental role in the Partenopei’s blistering start to the season.
The Georgia international has scored seven goals and provided eight assists in all competitions as Luciano Spalletti’s side have raced to the Serie A summit, while qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages with two matches to spare.
The 21-year-old registered his eighth direct goal involvement of the Serie A campaign by setting up substitute Osimhen for the winner as Napoli defeated Bologna 3-2 at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday.
“I am really happy for him, he deserves everything he is getting now,” Osimhen told DAZN of Kvaratskhelia. “He is just getting started, you guys have seen nothing yet.
“I believe he has the quality to make us dream this season, he has big confidence, and we are here to help support him. You can see he has been decisive for us.”
đ¶ Te voglio bene assajeâŠ
đ¶ (I love you very much…)
Osimhen also hailed the “solidarity” of the Serie A leaders as they recorded their 10th successive victory across all competitions.
“This is what we call team spirit,” he added. “We started well; Bologna are a good team, but we needed these points.
“Big kudos to the coach for the second-half talk; he gave us the zeal to go out for this game. I am happy for this victory. I love the solidarity in this team, which is the most important thing at this level.”
Juve confirmed on Monday that Bremer, who was taken off in the 52nd minute of Saturday’s win over his former side Torino, had suffered a “low-grade lesion to the hamstring of the left thigh”.
Bremer faces approximately 20 days out of action, meaning he will miss games against Empoli, Benfica, Lecce, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter during a hectic period of fixtures.
He might be fit to feature for Juve in matches against Verona and Lazio ahead of the break for the World Cup, which starts on November 20.
Brazil’s first game sees them take on Serbia four days later. While Bremer’s place in Tite’s squad was by no means guaranteed, the Selecao will be hoping Tottenham forward Richarlison â who has been a key player in recent seasons â recovers from a calf injury in time to make it to Qatar.
Massimiliano Allegri has denied reports that several Juventus players were angered by his decision to impose a training retreat ahead of Saturday’s derby against Torino.
Juventus suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat at Maccabi Haifa on Tuesday, leaving Allegri’s team on the brink of a group-stage exit from the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Juve have taken just 13 points from their first nine matches of the Serie A season, their worst return at this stage of a campaign since 2015-16 (12), and are already 10 points adrift of leaders Napoli.
Bianconeri chairman Andrea Agnelli was forced to reject reports Allegri would be fired following the loss in Israel, after which the Juventus coach revealed the team would hunker down at their Continassa training ground ahead of Saturday’s Derby della Mole.
Subsequent reports suggested that decision irritated several players, but Allegri claimed that is not the case on Friday, saying: “These are unfounded rumours. The team has never asked not to retire.
“We know the moment, we came back on Wednesday, we trained when we arrived and the next morning we were on the pitch.
A double session at Continassa ahead of #ToroJuve đȘ
“We are focused on trying to get out of this situation which is certainly not beautiful. We know that we cannot come out with just one match, but we must start achieving results.
“I talk to the team every day. Withdrawal is just a moment to be together, it is not a punishment.
“We had yesterday and today to do double workouts, to give a little more order because it is normal that when there are no results, we tend to see things blacker than they are.”
Juventus are winless in their last six away games in Serie A (D2 L4), their longest such run since they failed to win on seven consecutive road trips in 2010, but Allegri says the Bianconeri retain a sense of togetherness.
“It is not my personal challenge, it belongs to everyone,” he added. “It is not that one wins and the others lose, it is done all together.
“The team has worked well for two days, this afternoon we will do the last refinement and then we will arrive tomorrow evening to play against Torino.”
Maurizio Sarri has aired his frustration over the consistent speculation on Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and his future, amid frequent links with a move to Serie A rivals Juventus.
The Serbia international has been one of the form players of the campaign in the Italian top flight, with three goals and six assists for a total of nine involvements so far this term.
That form has not gone unnoticed, and Milinkovic-Savic has been subsequently mooted as a major transfer target, with La Gazetto dello Sport running a splash page on a potential Bianconeri switch.
It is not the first time the playmaker has been the subject of intense speculation, but the feverish nature has irked Sarri now, who believes too much hyperbole is being spun about his player.
“I think there is too much noise around him,” he stated ahead of his side’s UEFA Europe League clash with Sturm Graz.
“The day after our 4-0 win [over Fiorentina] a paper put his name on their front page [about] transfers.
“Milinkovic-Savic, he has room for improvement. You can see that from how many balls he loses.”
Lazio’s president Claudio Lotito previously warned potential suitors that  Milinkovic-Savic would cost a minimum of âŹ120million for any interested party to pry him away from the capital.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has not agreed a January move to Juventus, according to Lazio owner Claudio Lotito.
The Serbian midfielder has impressed this season with three goals and seven assists in his nine Serie A games, helping Maurizio Sarri’s side climb to third.
Such form is said to have piqued the interest of Juventus, with reports suggesting the Bianconeri will plan to offer up to âŹ60million, including bonuses.
But Lotito told Il Messaggero: “I have no agreement with his agent [Mateja] Kezman to sell him to Juventus or anyone else in the winter.
“On the contrary, he is now worth âŹ120m, not âŹ100m. Every month the price goes up.”
đ Most in-form players in Europe’s top 5 leagues:
đ„ Leo Messi – 8.77 form rating
đ„ Erling Haaland – 8.58
đ„ Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – 8.30 pic.twitter.com/CmaHNGo46B
The transfer talk emerged after Lazio’s convincing 4-0 win against Fiorentina on Tuesday, with Milinkovic-Savic adding to his tally with two more assists.
When asked about the performance, Lotito said: “I am satisfied with the spirit I saw again. As I have already said, if we continue with this attitude, we will not set ourselves limits and we can go far.”
Lazio face Austrian side Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Thursday before Sunday’s league fixture against fourth-place Udinese.
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri urged his under-fire team to manage their nerves ahead of Saturday’s trip to Serie A champions Milan.
Juve have only won three of their eight Serie Amatches this season, and Allegri has faced severe criticism with the Bianconeri already seven points behind leaders Napoli.
While Allegri’s team boosted their Champions League hopes by beating Maccabi Haifa on Wednesday, they go to San Siro having failed to win any of their three away league games this term.
Should they fail to beat the Rossoneri, it will be just the second time they have started a Serie A season with a four-match winless run on the road, having done so in 1993-94.
Allegri believes his team’s problems are primarily psychological, saying: “The other day I was reflecting, we made a mistake with Salernitana [in a 2-2 draw last month], regardless of what happened at the end.
“We got too nervous and it doesn’t have to happen any more, because the championship is long.
“We wasted a lot of energy and we arrived at Monza not in the ideal conditions to get the three points that would have changed the standings.
“The most important thing is to give continuity, tomorrow is a great game and we have to play it. We need a high level of performance.
“However, they have a strong team, with technical and very fast players. They have [Rafael] Leao who can shift the balance, then they play in front of their fans and San Siro pushes them when full.
“You need personality and clarity. It will be a good test.
“It is Milan-Juventus, we play against the Italian champions and it will be more difficult than usual because they come from a bad defeat [3-0 to Chelsea], and they will want to make up for it.”
Allegri led Milan to the Scudetto in the 2010-11 season, but Stefano Pioli ended the Rossoneri’s 11-year wait to replicate that triumph in May.
The Juventus boss heaped praise on his counterpart as he added: “He is doing better [than myself], because they have four points more than us.
“I can only congratulate Pioli for the work he is doing, for the championship he won last year, which they haven’t won since 2011. The numbers are all on his side.”
Milan have avoided defeat in four of their last five Serie A meetings with Juventus (W2 L2), having lost 13 of their previous 14 league games against them (W1).
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