..::Football III::..

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Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Monaco: Falcao cancels out Ibra opener

Paris Saint-Germain missed the chance to go top of Ligue 1 after recording a 1-1 draw with Monaco.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave the French champions the lead after a matter of minutes but Radamel Falcao rescued a point for the table-toppers to ensure that both sides' unbeaten records in tact.

PSG coach Laurent Blanc made just one change from the side that won 4-1 at Olympiacos on Tuesday, with Ezequiel Lavezzi coming in for Lucas Moura.

Claudio Ranieri, meanwhile, kept faith with the starting XI that ran out 1-0 winners at home to Lorient last weekend.

The hosts made a near perfect start, Ibrahimovic getting across Danijel Subasic's dive at the near post to volley home Maxwell's inviting left-wing cross from six yards.

They were dealt a blow soon afterwards, though, when captain Thiago Silva was forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury, and the visitors took advantage to equalise just six minutes later.

Joao Moutinho was the architect when he whipped a ball in from the left-hand side, and Falcao got across his marker at the near post to touch the ball home at full stretch.

Ibrahimovic threatened again in he 24th minute, chesting down a high ball expertly before firing a volley from distance just wide.

Meanwhile, Yannick Carrasco should have made Salvatore Sirigu in the PSG goal work five minutes later, but he sent his shot well over after a loose ball fell kindly for him inside the area.

The game became increasingly open as the half wore on, with Edinson Cavani running onto Ibrahimovic's flick before firing across Subasic and wide of goal.

Ibrahimovic should have given his side the lead for a second time in the 37th minute, but the Sweden international headed Lavezzi's free-kick over the crossbar when unmarked eight yards from goal.

A minute later, Falcao sent a 25-yard free-kick narrowly wide as both sides looked to take an advantage into the break.

Ibrahimovic again almost provided it with two minutes of the half remaining, but this time he sent his deft chip wide of the post with Subasic stranded.

There was still time for Cavani to flick a header wide in first-half stoppage time as PSG ended the half the stronger.

Things were more subdued in the second half, but six minutes after the break Lavezzi and Ibrahimovic combined again, only for the latter's backheel to be denied by a sprawling Subasic.

Carrasco then wasted a good opening for the visitors five minutes later, volleying wide when in space 12 yards out.

Both sides continued to push for a winner, but their respective defences stood firm as the points were shared.

The pair remain unbeaten in the league so far and occupy the top two places, with PSG trailing their opponents by two points.

 

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AC Milan 1-2 Napoli: Balotelli misses penalty as visitors maintain perfect start

Napoli kept up their 100 per cent start to the 2013-14 season with an impressive 2-1 over AC Milan at San Siro on Sunday.

The visitors started the game brightly and were soon ahead through Miguel Britos, with Gonzalo Higuain doubling their lead just after half-time.

Mario Balotelli squandered the chance to regain a foothold in the match, missing the first penalty of his career, though the Italy international scored a brilliant consolation strike at the death.

Both sides enjoyed winning starts to their Champions League campaigns on Wednesday, and the hosts made three changes from their 2-0 success over Celtic as Ignazio Abate, Urby Emanuelson and Andrea Poli replaced Cristian Zaccardo, Kevin Constant and Antonio Nocerino.

Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez made two alterations from Napoli's 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, with Giandomenico Mesto and Blerim Dzemaili coming in for Christian Maggio and Gokhan Inler.Benitez’s side flew out of the traps and carved out a host of early opportunities, with Valon Behrami and Higuain particularly threatening.

And this early pressure paid off when Britos headed home from close range after just five minutes.The Uruguayan stole into the six-yard box and converted calmly after defensive partner Raul Albiol had knocked a deep free-kick back across goal.

Milan's top scorer Balotelli brought a good save out of Pepe Reina four minutes later as the hosts sought an immediate response, and the lively Italy international then curled a free-kick just wide shortly after.

The home side dominated the remainder of the half, but struggled to create any clear-cut chances as the Napoli defence stood firm in the face of lengthy spells of Milan possession.

While Massimiliano Allegri’s men continued their bright play in the second half, they quickly fell further behind thanks to Higuain's third league goal of the season after 53 minutes.

The Argentina international struck a powerful effort from outside the area and Christian Abbiati was unable to prevent the shot from finding the bottom corner, even though he got a hand to it.Milan were handed a way back into the game a minute before the hour mark though when Albiol brought down Balotelli in the box.

However, the forward was thwarted by a superb Reina save, the Spaniard getting down well to his right as the former Manchester City and Inter man missed the first penalty of his career.Undeterred, the ever-dangerous Balotelli threatened again 10 minutes later as he struck a powerful against the bar.

And the 23-year-old did eventually get the goal his performance deserved as he bent a glorious strike past the helpless Reina in the 91st minute, but Napoli held on to maintain their perfect start to the Serie A season.

The defeat was compounded for Milan after the final whistle when Balotelli was shown a red card, with his dismissal appearing to be for dissent.

 

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Balotelli ta meh first time penalty 1kak miss wela thiyenne.

 

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Pellegrini surprised by emphatic derby win

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has admitted he did not expect his first Manchester derby to end in a 4-1 victory.

The Chilean oversaw a huge win against fellow derby debutant David Moyes at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with City laying down an early marker in their bid to reclaim the Premier League title from local rivals United.

But, while Pellegrini conceded that the emphatic nature of the scoreline was a surprise, he was keen to attribute that to his players' performance rather than any failures on United's part.

"It was a very important result. Normally you don't expect to win 4-1 to Manchester United but the most important thing is the way we played and I'm very happy," he told reporters.

"Normally, derbies are more equal but today we had a very good day and that allowed us to have the superiority.

"Maybe [United] couldn't play better because we played very well. We had good possession, we tried from the beginning to make space and we did it.

"I also think that in defence we played well, we didn't give them space to do damage."

The former Real Madrid boss also insisted that his charges can get even better under his guidance as they adapt to his style of play over time.

"I would be very happy if we win all the games 4-1, we wouldn't need to improve!" he enthused.

"But I think we must improve every day. Not every game is the same, we don't have the same day. We are just starting another style, another way to play, and I hope we will improve."

Manchester City sit third in the Premier League after Sunday's win, two points behind north London duo Arsenal and Tottenham.

 

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Blanc: The team comes before Cavani

Laurent Blanc has defended his tactics after Edinson Cavani played out of position once again for Paris Saint-Germain in their 1-1 draw with Monaco.

The Uruguayan has scored three times in all competitions since his move to Paris in the summer but has rarely been deployed in his favoured central position this season.

However, Blanc says he is merely eager to find the right balance in his team, with Sunday's scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic playing as the lone strike.

“I think he’d like to be more up front,” the PSG coach told reporters when asked about Cavani after the game.

“But I have to think about the balance of the team. That comes ahead of the players’ desires.”

Blanc admitted he was a little disappointed with the result but insists that the home team were the better side on the evening and were unlucky not to come up with all three points.

“It was a good game even though we regret not having won.

“In the second half we dominated even without Thiago Silva. In this match we deserved to win.

“We had more chances than Monaco. The two teams played to win and that’s worth nothing.”

The draw means that both sides remain unbeaten this season, with Monaco holding a two-point advantage over Blanc's side at the top of Ligue 1.

 

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Van Persie injury 'not bad', says Moyes

David Moyes does not expect Robin van Persie to be out of action for long after the Dutchman missed Manchester United's derby defeat with a groin strain.

Van Persie was a surprise absentee for United ahead of their trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and Moyes' side missed their star striker as they lost 4-1 - their heaviest defeat at City for nine years.However, Moyes revealed after the game that the 30-year-old had only been left out as a precaution after picking up the problem in training.

And the manager believes the ex-Arsenal man will be fit again sooner rather than later. "I don't think it's that bad," the former Everton boss said. "We thought he was going to make it.

"He felt something in his groin, he did a little bit of training the past couple of days but he just felt it when he made any sharp movements and he didn't want to aggravate it so we took that decision."

Van Persie is United's top scorer in the Premier League this season with three goals in four appearances.

 

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Get well soon RVP

 

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Schweinsteiger: I hope Pep stays for a long time

Bastian Schweinsteiger says he hopes that Pep Guardiola stays at Bayern Munich for the long term.

The former Barcelona coach has made a sound start to life in the Bundesliga, dropping just two points from six games, despite criticism from some fans.

However, Schweinsteiger believes his side are as hard to face as ever and would like to see the Spaniard remain in Bavaria.

“It all looks pretty good. We are very flexible, which makes it so hard to play against us. Our coach has a lot of variations on the field," he told the club's official website.

“The mix of Bayern Munich and Pep Guardiola is hopefully a long-term success.”

Bayern beat Schalke 4-0 at the Veltins Arena on Saturday and Guardiola believes his side's mentality was key to the rout.

“We approached the game very seriously from the first minute. The mentality was there.”

Schweinsteiger has been deployed in a deeper role this season and has been happy with how he has performed in his new position.

“I’m trying to find my game in our system, so it is good for the team.

“I feel very comfortable at the position since I can integrate myself going forwards and backwards.”

 

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Villas-Boas: Justice was served with late Tottenham winner

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas claims that justice was served as a late Paulinho strike secured a 1-0 win over Cardiff City on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors spent most of the game on the front foot and were only kept at bay by a string of saves from Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall.

However, Paulinho back-heeled a 93rd-minute winner after latching onto Erik Lamela drilled pass across the six-yard bow, and Villas-Boas feels Spurs' dominance throughout warranted all three points.

"Today it was different from normal in that there was justice in football," he told reporters. "We created so many chances that there could only be one winner."

"Marshall is a great goalkeeper. He did extremely well today."

Villas-Boas feels the manner of the victory will provide his squad confidence as they aim to continue their impressive away form of last season.

"Last season we had the best record away from home after Manchester United," he continued. "We looked very strong.

"Bearing in mind the win [Cardiff] got against Manchester City there won't be many teams getting points here so I'm happy. It's a great win. But I suffered a lot … like everyone else!"

 

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Allegri: Balotelli needs to shut up

Massimliano Allegri has warned Mario Balotelli to keep his mouth shut after the striker was sent off after the final whistle in AC Milan’s 2-1 defeat to Napoli.

The Italian striker missed from the penalty spot for the first time in his professional career and he compounded a bad day at the office by receiving a second booking for dissent, much to the frustration of his coach.

“When games are over it’s better to stay quiet and I am against hysteria,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s best to shut up and leave rather than stay there arguing with the referee, as it’s not going to change anything. Balotelli needs to improve that.”

The ex-Manchester City forward did get on the scoresheet with a smart finish late on and despite the lack of maturity at full-time, the Milan boss was still pleased with his striker’s performance on the pitch.

“He received a fair few kicks, including many from behind, though he overall had a good game.”

The result means the San Siro side have only picked up four points from their opening four Serie A games, but Allegri is refusing to panic just yet and is confident of turning things around.

“We must try to pick up as many points as possible now. Napoli are one of the candidates for the Scudetto an we played on a par with them overall despite missing many key players.

“I already have ideas on how to fix things, but I need some of the players to recover from injuries first.”

 

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Conte: Llorente must do better

Antonio Conte has challenged striker Fernando Llorente to produce even bigger and better performances for Juventus after netting his first goal for the club against Hellas Verona.

The Spaniard headed home what proved to be the winning goal in first-half stoppage time to put his side 2-1 ahead but the 44-year-old believes the summer acquisition from Athletic Bilbao is still capable of more.

“I think the goal has given us confidence and helps him to grow further because he can and must do more,” the coach told Mediaset Premium.

“I chose this home game to allow him to have the boost of the fans. I put him in the best conditions to express himself and it went well.

“Llorente has done well, he can do even better and this should continue to work.”

Fellow signing Carlos Tevez meanwhile has settled into life in Turin much more seamlessly and grabbed his third goal of the campaign, prompting Conte to commend the importance of the role he has already established in the side.

“The Argentine is becoming an important player for us, especially in times of difficulty, he can be decisive," he continued.

“In just a few months here, he has won the respect and confidence of his team-mates.”
The Bianconeri remain unbeaten this season in Serie A and face Chievo away on Wednesday before the Turin derby next weekend against Torino.

 

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Di Canio sacked by Sunderland

Sunderland have confirmed they have parted company with manager Paolo Di Canio following the Black Cats' 3-0 defeat to West Brom on Saturday.

The defeat leaves Sunderland bottom of the Premier League table with just one point from five games and with Liverpool and Manchester United the next visitors to the Stadium of Light in the league.

Before then the club face Peterborough in the Capital One Cup with Sunderland confirming that Kevin Ball will take charge of the team for Tuesday's clash.

Di Canio replaced Martin O'Neill at the Stadium of Light in March and helped the club avoid relegation as Sunderland finished the season in 17th position, three points clear of the drop zone.

The Italian then oversaw a busy summer in the transfer window bringing in 14 new players including the likes of Jozy Altidore, Vito Mannone, Ki Sung-Yueng, Fabio Borini and Andrea Dossena.

However, despite the new arrivals Sunderland have endured a poor start to the season picking up just one point, away at Southampton, and suffering defeats at the hands of Fulham, Crystal Palace, Arsenal and West Brom.

Following the defeat to the Baggies, Di Canio had walked across the pitch to stand in front of the club's away supporters as they vented their frustrations at full-time.

Speaking after the match, the Italian had said: "I absorb the insults as it's part of the game - if I was in their position I'd be furious.

"But I'm professional: 24 hours a day I work for this cause. One day their reaction will be a different reaction."

Former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has been installed as the early bookmakers' favourite to replace Di Canio at the Stadium of Light, with Gustavo Poyet also in the running.

 

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Dani Alves confirms Abidal liver gesture

Dani Alves has confirmed he offered to donate parts of his liver to Eric Abidal during the Monaco star's battle with cancer.

The pair formed a firm friendship while they played alongside one another at Barcelona and Abidal recently revealed that the Brazilian had made the ultimate gesture of offering to sacrifice a portion of the organ to help get him back to full health.

In an interview with Lance, Alves has revealed he did indeed make the offer to the Frenchman and insists the welfare of his former team-mate was more important than potentially putting his own football career at risk.

The 30-year-old said: "My desire was only to help, because of the admiration I have for Eric, for the love I have for his family. When a life is at stake, the game remains in the background.

"Clearly there was a risk. It's not quite true thatI would have to leave football for the donation. There was a risk, but when a life is at stake, football is not important."

"From God I have the strength and intelligence to have alternatives and can live even without football. If I had to do that (donate part of his liver) to save a life, God would open other doors."

Abidal's cousin Gerard came to the defender's rescue by donating part of his liver in April 2012, but the Frenchman wasn't offered a new deal by Barcelona after returning to full fitness at the end of last season.

However, several clubs across Europe made a move for his services, with the 30-year-old eventually deciding to join Monaco on a free transfer earlier this summer.

 

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'We're all happy for Milito'

Inter wing-back Alvaro Pereira says the team is happy for Diego Milito after he scored a double against Sassuolo on his return long-term injury.

The Argentine, who has just recently recovered from a torn knee ligament, netted twice during the Nerazzurri's 7-0 on Sunday, and the Uruguayan is delighted with the result and his colleague's comeback.

"We're all happy with the win and for Diego," the 27-year-old told the club's official website.

"We know how hard he's worked to come back. Now he's back among the goals and with us again, he'll be a big help to the team.

"We have to keep up the work we're doing but we've performed well so far."

The former Porto man is yet to make an appearance this season, but he is content with the situation and determined to step up whenever necessary.

"I seem very relaxed this season? I always try to do my best. We're all pulling in the same direction as a team and that's the main thing.

"I'm using my right foot a lot more? I think opponents are getting to know me now and they know I like to go onto my left, so sometimes I shift to the other side."

 

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Mourinho: I do not know my best Chelsea team

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted he does not know what his strongest side is and has called on his players to make up his mind.

The Portuguese returned to Stamford Bridge in July for a second spell, but has seen his squad struggle for consistency during the opening stages of the season.

Mourinho is expected to offer a rare chance to full-backs Cesar Azpilicueta and Ryan Bertrand in the Capital One Cup tie against Swindon Town, as well as Juan Mata and David Luiz, as he looks to rotate and give his entire squad first-team opportunities.

"Of course, I don’t know [what my best team is],"Mourinho told reporters. "But the players have to give me the answers. I cannot dig and dig and dig looking for the best team. The players must give me the answer.

"Do I have a doubt that [Branislav] Ivanovic is in this moment my right-back? I have no doubt. You see the way the guy performs. So it is up to them.

"If somebody is waiting for me to give shirts because of status and history, that’s not the point. Of course, I have some doubts in some positions and I think it’s normal."

 

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Suarez 'chomping at the bit' after bite ban, says Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Luis Suarez is "chomping at the bit" to make his first-team return after serving a 10-game ban.

Suarez was punished for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in April, but is now available for selection to face Manchester United in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.

Rodgers has admitted he is unsure if the Uruguyuan will play apart against the Premier League champions due to his lack of competitive action, but is confident he will shine once back to full fitness.

"It has been a really difficult time for him not playing games," Rodgers told reporters. "How he has prepared himself over the last number of weeks has been fantastic.

"He's really chomping at the bit to help the team. Everyone knows the depth of his quality and his attitude. Once he gets back on the field again he will show what he has shown since he's been here."

"He certainly comes back into the squad and we're delighted to have him. He'll travel with us and we'll reflect in the next 24 hours whether he starts or not. Having someone of that quality back into your squad gives everyone a lift.

"You never get the full match fitness until you're playing and you have the crowd and everything, but one of the things that has astounded me in the time I've been here has been his physicality.

Rodgers, thought, as admitted he might be without Daniel Agger after the defender limped out of Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Southampton.

"We'll see how he is for the game,” Rodgers said. “He could be a doubt for that game as he has not quite recovered.

"But we'll see. He's a player who makes a good recovery and we'll see over the next 24 hours how he gets on for the game on Wednesday."

 

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Balotelli banned for Juventus showdown

AC Milan will be without the services of Mario Balotelli for their trip to Juventus in October after the 23-year-old was handed a three-match ban for his red card against Napoli on Sunday.

The Italy international angrily confronted the referee following the Rossoneri's 2-1 loss to the Partenopei, picking up a second yellow card for dissent in the process.

And he has now been handed a three-game ban by the Italian football authorities, ruling him out of the showdown with the Bianconeri, as well as the clashes against Bologna and Sampdoria.

"The ban was given for misconduct against an opponent and protests against the match officials as well as addressing the referee with insulting and intimidating expressions," the judge in charge explained the decision.

Balotelli had an eventful game on Sunday, missing the first penalty of his professional career, but making partial amends with a spectacular consolation goal late on.

 

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Ronaldo: Casillas is in a difficult situation

Former Brazil star Ronaldo says Iker Casillas is in a difficult situation as Real Madrid have another quality goalkeeper in Diego Lopez.

The 32-year-old has not made a single appearance in La Liga this season and was injured a few minutes into his first game in eight months against Galatasaray last week.

And Ronaldo believes opting for Lopez instead of Casillas is not a hard choice to make for the coach, considering the shot-stoppers' respective quality.

"Casillas is in a difficult situation," he told AS.

"He has not had a competitor like this to date, but he is one of the best goalkeepers in history.

"I had Diego also training with me and he is very good. So [coach Carlo] Ancelotti does not have any trouble choosing."

Ronaldo went on to back compatriot Neymar to shine at Barcelona, but believes he will need time to adapt to life in La Liga.

"I believe that good players always understand each other. Neymar will have difficulties at first but then do well playing in Europe with great players.

"He spent his last year in Brazil without evolving. Though football is harder in Europe and the competition will make him better."

Finally, Ronaldo has voiced his belief that Madrid, Barca, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich will battle it out for the Champions League crown this season.

"Madrid have a good chance of winning it, but also the Germans, who played very well last year," he mused.

"Madrid and Barca are always favorites. I believe it will be between the Germans, Barca and Madrid."

 

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'Ozil can win Arsenal the Premier League' - Pires

The club-record signing of Mesut Ozil has turned Arsenal into credible contenders for the Premier League title, according to Robert Pires.

The Gunners now boast a mix of youth and experience, with the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud excelling so far this term, but the club are without a trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2005.

Pires feels that the key to rejuvenating Arsenal's title hopes lie with Ozil, who played a part in all three goals in the victory over Stoke City on Sunday.

"It’s possible [for Arsenal to win] because now the young players have grown up and have more experience. They also have a good mix for [Arsene] Wenger. If you put Ozil in the middle, I think it’s a very good mix for Arsenal," Pires told Goal in Lagos on Sunday.

"[Ozil’s] a very good player, he plays for the German national team, he played for Real Madrid, now he’s playing for Arsenal. He has the experience. I think the football will be more simple now."

With Arsenal also chasing glory in the Champions League and hoping to get out of their 'group of death' that includes, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund and Marseille, Pires says that the club should concentrate on the their domestic commitments.

"Seriously, I think Arsenal have a good potential to win the Premiership. For the Champions League I don’t know but the most important thing is to focus on the Premiership because it is very important for the club and for the fans," he said.

 

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Sunderland 'brave' to sack Di Canio - Quinn

Sunderland have made a "brave decision" to sack manager Paolo Di Canio just five matches into the season, according to Niall Quinn.

Di Canio was relieved of his duties after Saturday's 3-0 defeat to West Brom left the Black Cats with just one point in the Premier League, and without a win this season.

And while Quinn says he would have given the Italian more time, he suspects dressing room unrest played a key role in his swift departure.

"It's a quick decision - some will say too quick," the Irishman told Sky Sports News.

"They're making a quick decision on this again and looking back, the support Paolo Di Canio got in the summer with the players he brought in, I honestly thought he was going to get longer, no matter the start.

"If we start to peel the layers off in the coming days and find out what life was like under him from various players, you'll probably see a story that says this was a guy who did things in a totally unique way and by the looks of things, the players weren't buying into it.

"They've made a very brave decision to appoint him, they got what they wanted out of him, and now they've made a brave decision [for him] to go.

"It wouldn't have been my style. I think I would probably have tried to give people as much time as possible.

"Something tells me there's a little more to it as well.

"It was perhaps they felt that the players were finding it hard to conform to his unique style. I think that might have played a part in it as well.

"They've made such a brave decision now. Will it pay off for them?"