..::Football III::..

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Rodgers: Liverpool will be title challengers next season

Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool will be capable of a Premier League title challenge next season.

The Reds narrowly missed out on lifting the trophy in the 2013-14 campaign, with Manchester City instead securing the title by a two-point margin over the Reds.

But they have not been able to replicate the same form this time around despite spending in excess of €100 million following the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, and currently sit eighth in the table - 17 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

And the former Swansea City boss does not think the Anfield outfit were ever cut out to challenge this term, but will be much improved come next season.

Rodgers told reporters: "This season was always going to be difficult for us. We weren't going to challenge for the league this year. That was the reality.

"Next season we will be able to challenge for the league again."

Rodgers also revealed that despite Daniel Sturridge returning to training, the England striker will not be risked against Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup.

Sturridge has not appeared for the Reds since August after a string of injuries and, though Rodgers had previously claimed the forward would play in January, the game against the Trotters will come too early for him.

"He won't be available for the weekend," the ex-Watford coach confirmed.

 

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Blanc: Resting Ibrahimovic the right call

Under-fire Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has defended his decision to rest Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Wednesday's win over Bordeaux.

The coach is under pressure due to PSG's stuttering title defence and his side were very unconvincing in their 2-1 triumph over les Girondins in the last 32 of the Coupe de France.

Early strikes from Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore ensured they scraped into the next round, though Diego Rolan's goal made for a tense second half before PSG defender Zoumana Camara was sent off with seven minutes to go.

Blanc - who guided les Parisiens to the Ligue 1 title in his debut season at the Parc des Princes helm last year - said fear of his star striker being disciplined or fatigued influenced his decision to rest Ibrahimovic."I wanted to rotate the squad," Blanc said. "What is more, Zlatan has accrued two yellow cards and a third one would have seen him suspended.

"Also he needs some rest so he is on top form for the weeks ahead and I am optimistic he will be. We have a loaded schedule in February, including the Champions League last-16 clash against Chelsea.

"The main thing was to qualify, and that's done, so we can be satisfied. It was a good first half punctuated by two goals. The second half was less impressive and we will analyse it all. But, again, the key thing is that we qualified."

PSG attacker Pastore, who bagged the second goal of the night, echoed Blanc's sentiment that the crucial aspect to take away from the last-32 cup clash was reaching the next round and praised the togetherness of his team-mates."We played very well in the first half by creating a lot of scoring opportunities," he added. "The second half was much worse, but the important thing is that we won.

"It was a very difficult game for us because we the team had been rotated and we're not overly familiar with each other. But we showed a lot of courage, we ran for the team and our solidarity enabled us to triumph.

"It's good to have a team with so many players available to play and win. This qualification is good news, it allows us to continue in the Coupe de France, and for me also because I hope to win this cup."Meanwhile, PSG sit third in Ligue 1, four points adrift of leaders Lyon with 21 games played.

 

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This is the best Bayern ever, says Hitzfeld

Ottmar Hitzfeld believes the current Bayern Munich roster is arguably the best the Allianz Arena side have ever had.

The Bavarians won three European cups in succession between 1974 and 1976, while they won a historic treble under Jupp Heynckes in 2012-13.

Nevertheless, Hitzfeld - who coached Bayern on two occasions from 1998 until 2004 and in 2007-08 - feels Pep Guardiola's squad possesses even more quality than those two illustrious teams.

"Is this Bayern side the best of all time? The team has never been so strong," Hitzfeld told the official Bundesliga website.

"They have a fantastic squad from top to bottom and there’s certainly never been so much quality."

Hitzfeld then went on to predict that Bayern could win the Bundesliga title even sooner than the last campaign's record-breaking win due to Borussia Dortmund's struggles at the bottom of the table.

"It’s certainly possible that they’ll set another record and will be celebrating at the Marienplatz [Munich’s central square] come Easter.

"The one side that could have posed a threat to Pep Guardiola’s men was Borussia Dortmund, but they’re suffering a crisis at the moment."

Bayern are top of the Bundesliga table, holding an 11-point lead over second-placed Wolfsburg, while Dortmund sit second-from-bottom in 17th at the moment.

 

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Madrid closing in on Lucas Silva after granting Illarramendi exit

Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Cruzeiro midfielder Lucas Silva after telling Asier Illarramendi he will be allowed to leave the club amid interest from Athletic Bilbao.

The Santiago Bernabeu side first showed an interest in signing the 21-year-old at the start of the 2014-15 season, but the deal was put on hold after Sami Khedira opted to remain at the club.

Madrid re-opened talks when Luka Modric picked up an injury in November, only for a deal to once again stall as the Croatia international made a quick recovery.

However, Madrid have already agreed personal terms with Lucas Silva and are confident of reaching an agreement with Cruzeiro, too. The Champions League holders have tabled a €12 million offer for the Brazil Under-21 international - a mere €3m below Cruzeiro's €15m asking price - and a deal appears to be imminent.

That move has subsequently pushed Illarramendi one step closer to a move to Athletic. The 24-year-old has failed to hold down a regular starting berth since joining the club in a €32.2 million from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2013.

Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde already hinted at a move for the former Spain Under-21 star earlier this week and the Bilbao outfit are ready to step up their interest.

"Illarra? There’s always speculation. He is a good player," Valverde was quoted as saying by AS.

"There are players at big clubs who are not interested in coming here, but we know which players are in the range of Athletic. There are four or five."

Athletic attempted to sign Illarra on a one-year loan deal at the start of the season, but their offer was rejected by Madrid and they are now preparing a bid to get their man on a permanent basis.

The Basque outfit have the financial resources to make a big-money signing following the summer sale of Ander Herrera to Manchester United and are willing to break their club record of €12m paid for Roberto Rios from Betis in 1997.

 

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Morata must knuckle down - Llorente

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has told Alvaro Morata he must "knuckle down" if he is to be a success in Turin.

The former Real Madrid man replaced Llorente in the starting XI for the Coppa Italia and Serie A victories over Verona and scored once in the 6-1 cup win.

That goal was his fifth in 22 appearances this season, a ratio he will be keen to improve upon, though his team-mate says he has all the quality to succeed providing he puts in the hard work.

"Everyone is important in this team," the Spaniard told Sky. "Alvaro possesses great qualities and can become a fine player. He just needs to knuckle down and keep doing what he’s doing.

"It was a useful breather for me because the most important moment of the season is on its way. Your body reacts better when you rest and that will be fundamental for the next game."

The reigning champions currently hold a five-point lead over second-placed Roma, but Llorente has stressed that Rudi Garcia's men should not be underestimated.

"Five points don’t mean a thing. Roma are a great team, we know they want to win the Scudetto and we can’t allow ourselves to ease off.

"We must keep working hard in order to give 100 per cent in every game and show our desire to taste further success."

Llorente has netted five goals in 17 Serie A appearances so far this term.

 

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Tottenham ready €26m player-plus-cash bid for McCarthy

Tottenham are putting together a €26 million player-plus-cash bid for James McCarthy to test Everton's resolve in January, Goal understands.

Goal confirmed earlier this month that McCarthy is now Spurs' primary target to bolster their midfield after giving up their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.

Tottenham - who first showed an interest in the player prior to him joining Everton18 months ago - are now set to put together a deal worth over €26m for the Everton midfielder, which would include cash plus players.

Spurs have a number of squad players they are understood to be happy to include in any deal that would see McCarthy move to White Hart Lane.

Goal understands centre-back and club captain Younes Kaboul and long-serving winger Aaron Lennon would appeal most to Everton.

McCarthy’s own position at Everton has become more and more uncertain in recent months, after it emerged the club backtracked on a promise to offer him a new deal following a hugely successful first campaign at the club.

The Republic of Ireland international has not featured for Roberto Martinez's struggling side since the 3-2 defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park on December 28.

Arsenal and Manchester United have also maintained a watching brief on McCarthy in the past 12 months, but it remains to be seen whether either club will try to rival Spurs for his signature.

 

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Wenger expects Coquelin to sign new Arsenal deal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Francis Coquelin has been offered a new contract and is confident the France midfielder will commit his long-term future to the club.

The 23-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Freiburg, appeared to be heading for the Emirates Stadium exit door when he was sent to Championship side Charlton in November.

Injuries to Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta meant Wenger had little option but to recall the combative midfielder, who has since excelled in the defensive midfield role his manager has struggled to fill in recent times.

Coquelin's current deal is set to expire in the summer but he is set to be rewarded with a new offer following a series of excellent displays, most recently in Arsenal's 2-0 win at Premier League champions Manchester City last Sunday.

"I saw that [Coquelin] made huge improvements in training so I sent him on loan for match practice," said Wenger.

"He took that challenge and he's done very well. We will offer him a new deal We are confident it will be done soon."

Coquelin's defensive diligence has allowed the more creative members of Wenger's team to thrive in recent weeks, with Santi Cazorla the chief beneficiary.

The Spain international has been in spellbinding form and was singled out for special praise by his manager ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie at Brighton.

Wenger said: "He's very talented. He's added another dimension to his game since he's played centrally.

"In the recent games he's been in the best form of his career. He's a perfect example."

Cazorla may well be granted a rest this weekend with Wenger confirming Mesut Ozil will start his first game since October following a long-term knee injury, while there are also fitness doubts over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Hector Bellerin.

 

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Wenger: Gabriel Paulista talks progressing well

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says talks to sign Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista are "progressing well" with the Gunners hoping to complete a deal for the Brazilian in January.

Goal understands the Gunners are in advanced talks for the centre-back with the Brazilian's agent currently in London to try to finalise a deal.

The move has been complicated by work permit issues with Gabriel yet to be capped by Brazil, but Arsenal are optimistic they can satisfy the criteria demanded by the Football Association and Wenger is relaxed about the situation.

"The talks are progressing quite well," he told reporters. "Can we find an agreement or not? I don't know."

Arsenal have already made their first signing of the window bringing in teenager Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw although Wenger says he will not be available to make his debut in the FA Cup against Brighton.

"He has only just come from Poland so he is not fit because they had a winter break. He won't play," he added.

The Frenchman also added that the Gunners could make more signings before the close of the transfer window if the right players become available.

"We are ready to pay the price for a player if he is good enough," he explained. "If the price is right, we will pay."

 

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Sterling not interested in Liverpool 'main man' tag

Raheem Sterling has insisted he is not looking to replace Steven Gerrard as Liverpool's "main man".

The 20-year-old rose to prominence last season as Brendan Rodgers's side mounted a serious, but ultimately unsuccessful, Premier League title tilt with the youngster a key player.

Sterling has been used sparingly during January, returning with an assist against Aston Villa before scoring a fine solo effort against Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday.

Despite being moved into a central and key focal point of Liverpool's attack in recent weeks, Sterling distanced himself from tags as the club's more dependable player.

"I try not to think about that too much," he told reporters. "Everyone in the team contributes and I'm no different. We are a team.

"I'm not trying to pick up a 'main-man status' this season. As long as the team wins and we get good performances, that's all that matters to me."

On his new role, he added: "I'm learning. You have to adapt to different positions and that's something I'm keen on doing.

"When I get in front of goal sometimes I get a bit excited, thinking 'I've done it all'. But it's about keeping focus, trying to get my game to the next level and trying to chip in with more assists and more goals.

"I have a personal goals target, but I don't want to share that in case I don't reach it! Obviously I always set myself goals and standards that I want to meet and that's no different this season."

 

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'No chance' of Cuadrado joining Chelsea, insists Montella

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella is adamant that there is "no chance" of Juan Cuadrado joining Chelsea.

The Colombia winger has been linked with a move to the Premier League title-chasers in the January transfer window and reports claimed he attended their League Cup draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday as a guest of the Blues' kit manufacturer.

However, Jose Mourinho professed to know nothing of such a visit from the 26-year-old, who only completed a switch to full ownership by the Tuscan club in 2014.

Cuadrado underlined his value to Fiorentina with a penalty in the 3-1 Coppa Italia victory over Atalanta on Wednesday, sending his side into the quarter-finals in a game which also saw Mario Gomez score twice to break his goal drought and Montella told the press afterwards that the winger is not going anywhere.

"To date, there is no chance that Cuadrado leaves Fiorentina," the Fiorentina coach stated.

"He knows that some things are exaggerated."

Chelsea are keeping a close eye on the Colombian's situation at the Artemio Franchi due to the uncertainty over the future of Andre Schurrle and Mohamed Salah at Stamford Bridge.

The Germany international has been linked with a move to Wolfsburg, while the Egyptian attacker has caught the attention of Roma, who are hopeful of bringing him to Serie A on loan until the end of the season.

Mourinho has so far stressed that he's keen to keep his current squad together, but he could turn to Cuadrado if one of the aforementioned attackers were to leave.

The former Udinese man has a contract with Fiorentina until June 2019, but has a buy-out clause of €35 million in his existing deal.

 

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Shaqiri & Podolski are top quality, says Icardi

Mauro Icardi has taken the time to praise Xherdan Shaqiri and Lukas Podolski in the wake of Inter's 2-0 Coppa Italia win over Sampdoria on Wednesday evening.

The Switzerland international joined the Serie A side from Bayern Munich this month, while the German attacker left Arsenal for the Giuseppe Meazza side and the duo haVE made an immediate impact at Inter.

Podolski provided the assist for Shaqiri's opening goal against Sampdoria - before Icardi made it two in the closing stages of the game - and the Argentine feels Inter's new arrivals are of the highest level.

"Shaqiri and Podolski are two top-quality players," Icardi told reporters.

"Hopefully we can go a long way with their help."

The 21-year-old then went on to admit that Sampdoria made life hard for Inter, even if they ended the match with nine men after red cards for Nenad Krsticic and Pawel Wszolek.

"After the first sending-off Sampdoria got every man behind the ball and it proved to be harder than we expected.

"We didn't play at our best at the start, but then we made the breakthrough and got the win.

"Can we win the Coppa Italia? We have to take each game as it comes and then we'll see at the end of the season."

 

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Suarez will come good, insists Rakitic

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic is confident that Luis Suarez will eventually reproduce the form that saw him become the Premier League's top goalscorer last season and seal a move to Camp Nou.

The Uruguay international had to wait until October to make his debut after serving a four-month ban for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup and has since struggled to find his feet.

The 27-year-old has scored just five goals for the club and endured another difficult evening on Wednesday as he missed a number of good chances in Barcelona's 1-0 Copa del Rey win over Atletico Madrid.

"Suarez is a very important player. The goals will come," Rakitic told the official Barcelona website.

"His work has been very positive and he’s a vital player for us."

The Croatia international then went on to voice his delight with his side's victory in the first leg of their quarter-final with Atletico, but stressed that the tie is not over yet.

"I congratulate the team for what they achieved. It isn’t easy to beat Atletico Madrid twice, we know that from last year.

"It is always important to win because that gives you an advantage for the second leg. But there are still 90 minutes to go and we’ll go to Madrid in a positive mood.

"It’s still wide open. It’s a long road to the semi-finals and we have to be ready for the return match."

The second leg at the Vicente Calderon is scheduled to take place on January 28.

 

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Blind: Gary Neville is wrong, I make Manchester United better

Manchester United midfielder Daley Blind has hit back at criticism from former Old Trafford right-back Gary Neville.

The ex-England international, now a television pundit and coach of the national side, suggested earlier in the season that the summer signing "plays far too many square passes and takes the easy option".

But Blind believes that his patient approach has helped his side play better, warning against forward passes for their own sake.

"I can take a bit of criticism. The people on TV can say what they want. You hear it but I think I have played some good games," the Dutchman told reporters.

"Of course you can play the ball forward but sometimes it is good to keep the ball in possession and make your team-mates play better. I can make other players more important than myself. If I can do that by switching the play to the other side or wait for the right moment to do that, then I will.

"If there is space forward, then I will play that ball but sometimes I think it is better to keep possession, to switch from side to side and move the ball and search for players who can make an individual action.

"I am not a player who does that. I like the possession game. I like to keep the ball and wait for the openings.

"Of course, I listen to [Neville] but I try to play my own game and do what the trainer [Louis van Gaal] wants from me. He wants me to keep possession. It is important to keep the ball and make the opponent more tired.

"You don't have to win matches in the first half. You can wait until the second half. It is all about waiting for the right moment. Sometimes the space is there but other times you just have to keep the ball and wait for an opening."

 

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Pulis: West Brom interested in Man Utd's Fletcher

Tony Pulis has confirmed he is looking at the prospect of bringing Darren Fletcher to West Brom from Manchester United.

The Scotland international has seen appearances limited at Old Trafford this season, with just four Premier League starts under Louis van Gaal in 2014-15.

Pulis revealed in a press conference on Thursday that West Brom had registered their interest in the player, but that the club were waiting for Fletcher to weigh up his options.

"He is talking to three or four clubs. We showed an interest and he'll make a decision and we'll wait and see," Pulis said.

The head coach, who took over from Alan Irvine on New Year's Day, said that West Brom were in talks with Wigan Athletic about a possible deal for Callum McManaman, before bemoaning the lack of time available to him in the January window.

He added: "It's the most difficult window I've had because I've not had time to get things in place."

 

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Real Madrid signing Martin Odegaard relishing chance to train with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale

The highly-rated 16-year-old was unveiled as a Madrid player on Thursday afternoon after completing his move from Stromsgodset.Speaking to Real Madrid TV, he said: “It's a dream come true. It's incredible. It's an honour to join the best club in the world.

“I'm very enthusiastic and can't wait to start training. All the players have a lot of class. There is Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in the world, I like Gareth Bale too and Isco, I could name all of them."Odegaard visited many of the top clubs in Europe over the past few months before deciding upon Madrid and signing a six-year deal with Los Blancos.

"My reason is that this move gives me the best possibility to develop as a player and it offers me the best conditions in my personal life," he said."My aim is to become the best player possible. I saw Real as the best option and the club welcomed me in the best possible way. I felt right at home."

Odegaard will have a familiar face with him in the Spanish capital as his father, Hans Erik Odegaard, will be working with Real Madrid’s youth teams.The attacking midfielder is expected to play most of his games for the club’s second team to start with, but will train with the star-studded first team.

"I don't feel the pressure but it's different to play for Real Madrid than for Stromsgodset," he said. "I will try and enjoy this dream as much as possible. The past year has been incredible, it has all happened much quicker than I expected. This year hasn't started bad either."

Real Madrid’s institutional director Emilio Butragueno labelled Odegaard an ‘extraordinary talent’ and told him: “We are honoured to have you here. We will do everything for you to be happy at Madrid so you are able to develop your talent here. We have no doubt you will be successful at Real."

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck Odegaard!​

 

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Winter Transfer Window 1ka close wenna thawa 10 days wage thiyennethamath Manchester United move 1kak nahane1 Mid Player & World Class Defenders 2nnek aniwa ganna wenawa Top 4 secure karaganna nam​

 

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Benitez insists: I'm happy at Napoli

Rafa Benitez insists he is happy at Napoli and will hold talks over his future towards the end of the season.

The former Liverpool boss' current contract at the San Paolo is due to expire in June and he has yet to negotiate fresh terms with the club.

However, Benitez says he will discuss his future with president Aurelio De Laurentiis during the spring and is adamant he has not been in talks with another club.

"I've been clear - I'll talk to the president in two or three months," he told Rai Sport. "I am happy here, I want to get the best out of every game and have absolutely no other side lined up for the future, whatever else the rumours say."

Benitez watched his side overcome Udinese 5-4 on penalties in the Coppa Italia on Thursday after a 2-2 draw, with the 10-man visitors battling through normal and extra-time to force the shootout.

Dries Mertens missed a penalty during the game as Napoli were unable to make their dominance count, but Benitez says he always had faith the holders would prevail.

"Missing a penalty so early gave confidence to the other team," he continued. "When we went 2-1 up it seemed over, but Udinese scored again and we need to defend better in those situations.

"I had faith we could do it, as the team were in control. Udinese were only occasionally dangerous but we were missing that final ball."

Benitez also refused to comment on the performance of the officials, adding: "I don't talk about referees, I never do usually and I want to carry on like that.

"There are many coaches who talk about referees every day."

Marek Hamsik scored with a fierce strike during extra-time to give Napoli a temporary advantage and Benitez hopes to see the Slovakian's confidence improve after the goal.

"He's had some good performances recently and this goal will really boost his confidence," he said. "We know he can make the difference and is hugely talented, so I hope the goal increases his self-belief."

 

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Chelsea rumours no distraction for Cuadrado

Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado is refusing to be distracted by persistent talk linking him with a possible move to Chelsea.

The Colombia international has emerged as a target for Jose Mourinho's side in recent days, though the Portuguese coach claimed innocence when asked whether Cuadrado was at Anfield to watch the Blues in the League Cup this week.

Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah is closing in on a potential move to Roma after rejecting the chance to become part of a deal to bring Cuadrado to Stamford Bridge, however, while Vincenzo Montella has said there is "no chance" he would sanction a sale.

And Cuadrado himself says he is fully focused on Fiorentina's upcoming encounter with the Giallorossi, joking to Viola Channel: "I am at the coach's disposal, but I don't know if I'll be picked yet!

"We need to prepare for this battle against a great team with a lot of talented players, then see what happens.

"We hope to play our style and prove we too are a great side, as we have the players to challenge them face to face and get three very important points for us."

Fiorentina beat Atalanta 3-1 in Coppa Italia on Wednesday, with Cuadrado scoring in between two goals from striker Mario Gomez.

And the Colombian was delighted to see the Germany striker, who has received heavy criticism for his form in recent months, get back amongst the goals.

"We are all very happy for him, as he got back on the scoresheet and I think now the goals will start flowing," he added. "He's a great champion who gives so much to the team."

 

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Napoli 2-2 Udinese AET (5-4 on pens): Higuain scores decisive spot-kick to send holders through

Holders Napoli will face Inter in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals after defeating Udinese on penalties following a 2-2 draw at the San Paolo on Thursday.

The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes before both sides scored in extra time to send the match to penalties.

The first eight spot kicks were scored before Mariano Andujar produced a fantastic left-handed save, diving to his right to deny Allan, allowing Gonzalo Higuain to despatch the final penalty.

Andrea Stramaccioni's side had earlier gone in front after 58 minutes when Cyril Thereau completed a flowing counterattack with a smart finish, low to Andujar's left.

But the advantage lasted just seven minutes as Jorginho pulled Rafael Benitez's side level from the penalty spot after Duvan Zapata was felled in the box.

Things got worse for Udinese three minutes later when Silvan Widmer was sent off for a second bookable offence, but the visitors survived to the end of 90 minutes.

With the one-man advantage it was all Napoli in the first half of extra time until Marek Hamsik scored with an unstoppable effort from 18 yards in the 99th minute.

Udinese responded as substitute Panagiotis Kone connected with a half-volley from the edge of the box to force penalties, where Napol held their nerve.