..::Football III::..

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Roma 1-0 Chievo: Borriello heads home to make it 10 wins from 10

A second-half header from Marco Boriello earned Roma a 1-0 win over Chievo on Thursday to seal a 10th win in 10 matches for the capital club.

The 31-year-old steered home Alessandro Florenzi's cut-back on 67 minutes to secure maximum points at Stadio Olimpico and set a new record in Serie A as their perfect start to the campaign continues.

Rudi Garcia's men now boast a record that no team in the history of the Italian top flight can lay claim to, even the Juventus team of 2005-06, whose nine-match winning run from the start of that campaign was expunged as a result of the sanctions following the Calciopoli scandal.

The hosts made three changes from the side that beat Udinese on Sunday, with Vassilis Torosidis deputising for the suspended Maicon, while Florenzi had to be content with a place on the bench after Marquinho was preferred.

Chievo, who surrendered a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 at home to Fiorentina on Sunday, brought in four new faces, as Dario Dainelli, Gennaro Sardo, Sergio Pellissier and Luca Rigoni were all called up.

Roma applied early pressure but found it difficult to break through as Chievo defended resolutely.

And when opportunities did come their way, Roma were wasteful - Borriello and Kevin Strootman in particular fluffing good first-half chances.

Christian Puggioni was forced into the first save of the match midway through the half when Strootman collected the ball 30 yards from goal and let fly from the edge of the penalty area, with the Chievo goalkeeper punching clear.

It was a similar story after the interval, with Roma controlling possession and forcing the issue, only to find the away side in determined mood.

But, just as Chievo were daring to dream, Florenzi and Adem Ljajic linked well on the left-hand side of the box, with the former bustling past his man and lobbing in a cross that Borriello headed into the far corner from six yards for his first goal of the campaign.

Chievo thought they had won a penalty when Pellissier was fouled from behind by Mehdi Benatia, but the offside flag had already been raised.

And that was as close as Chievo came to scoring an equaliser, as Roma held on for a slender victory to move five points clear of Napoli and Juventus, while the Gialloblu remain rock-bottom on just four points.

 

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Atletico Madrid & Roma Patta!

 

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De Gea can be best goalkeeper in the world, says Manchester United coach

Manchester United coach Chris Woods has tipped David De Gea to become the best goalkeeper in the world.

De Gea, who arrived at United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, endured a difficult first season at the club but has since secured the No.1 spot at Old Trafford following a number of eye-catching performances.

The 22-year-old's part in last weekend’s win over Stoke City drew praise from Red Devils manager David Moyes and team-mate Javier Hernandez, and Woods believes that he has everything needed to realise his ambition of becoming the best in the world.

“David has got everything that you need to be the best and he has just got to keep doing what he is doing at the moment,” he told United Review.

“It is about achieving a level of consistency, which he is now doing but I don’t want to tempt fate. He has everything needed to be up there with the best.”

Woods also reserved praise for the other goalkeepers on United's books, including Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos, and highlighted the healthy competition for places at the club.

“They have been absolutely first class,” Woods continued.

“From my point of view, they have taken the training on board, worked hard and I don’t think they have moaned! They have worked really hard and we are forming that coach/player relationship that you need."

 

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My relationship with Allegri 'wasn't the best', claims Seedorf

Former AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has hit out at former boss Massimiliano Allegri, claiming the Rossoneri coach did not trust his fitness levels during his final season at San Siro.

Seedorf signed for Brazilian side Botafogo in the summer of 2012 after spending ten years with the Italian giants, and he feels he had little choice but to leave the club after Allegri lost faith in his ability to continue performing at the highest level.

"My relationship with Allegri wasn't one of the best," he told sports show Redacao. "Not because of anything personal, but he made me play all the important matches, against Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona, Inter, and then I'd sit on the bench for four games.

"It wasn't a matter of age. When you train constantly and you play frequently, you keep yourself fit.

"He made people question whether I was fit to play. It wasn't a matter of age. When you train constantly and you play frequently, you keep yourself fit.

"[Paul] Scholes and [Ryan] Giggs were protagonists for Manchester United until last year. What happened to me was a shame."

Seedorf admits he is enjoying his time in the Brazilian top flight, and made it clear he will not make a decision over his retirement until the end of 2013.

"I knew I needed some time to adapt to Brazil, but for me, having a new motivation was really important," said the 37-year-old. "In my case, I needed to move on with joy, and I found it here in Brazil.

"I'm not putting a limit on anything. There's nothing concrete about it [retirement].

"You will know when I know. My focus right now is to play for Botafogo at least until the end of the year."

 

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Simeone: We know how to struggle to a win

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was delighted his team overcame Granada in La Liga on Thursday despite not playing their best football.

Simeone's side needed spot kicks from Diego Costa and David Villa before a late sending off of Atletico's Filipe Luis and a goal to Granada's Odion Ighalo made for a nervy finish in their 2-1 victory.

Granada dominated on the ball, holding 68 per cent of the possession, but Simeone was impressed with his players' resilience in obtaining the three points.
"I am left with the impression that team gave me, which is that they know how to struggle when they have to and still manage to win, because we are going to have to struggle to stay in the position we are just now," Simeone said after the match.
"Penalties are part of the game and winning away from home is difficult."

Atletico are now one point behind Liga leaders Barcelona after 11 games but Simeone maintained that he would keep the players focused week-to-week.

"I am very happy for the effort the players have shown, it is not easy to keep winning, but we are not thinking further than the match against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday," he added.

 

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'We're going to enjoy it' - Borriello revels in record-breaking Roma

Marco Borriello was delighted to have scored the goal which saw Roma make Serie A history on Thursday against Chievo.

The 31-year-old steered home Alessandro Florenzi's cross in the second half at Stadio Olimpico to secure a 1-0 win - the Giallorossi's 10th from the opening 10 games this season.

Borriello admitted he was thrilled to have played his part as Rudi Garcia's side became the first to win their opening 10 matches in Italy's top flight, but is refusing to become distracted by talk of a title push.

"It is the first target achieved, if we want to call it that. It's satisfying that this Roma side has entered the history books, so we're going to enjoy it," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"Can this team win the Scudetto? We're moving fast, but for the moment we've taken another step towards Europe and broken further away from fourth place.

"The statistics are impressive, and it's pleasing that everyone is having such a great season."

Captain Francesco Totti missed the clash on Thursday evening as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, and Borriello was quick to highlight the veteran's importance to the Giallorossi's remarkable early form.

"I scored the decisive goal tonight, but Francesco is the added bonus. When he's here, the team plays better – we have to be honest," he added.

The win moves Roma five points clear of Napoli and reigning champions Juventus at the top of Serie A.

 

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'We're going to enjoy it' - Borriello revels in record-breaking Roma

Marco Borriello was delighted to have scored the goal which saw Roma make Serie A history on Thursday against Chievo.

The 31-year-old steered home Alessandro Florenzi's cross in the second half at Stadio Olimpico to secure a 1-0 win - the Giallorossi's 10th from the opening 10 games this season.

Borriello admitted he was thrilled to have played his part as Rudi Garcia's side became the first to win their opening 10 matches in Italy's top flight, but is refusing to become distracted by talk of a title push.

"It is the first target achieved, if we want to call it that. It's satisfying that this Roma side has entered the history books, so we're going to enjoy it," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"Can this team win the Scudetto? We're moving fast, but for the moment we've taken another step towards Europe and broken further away from fourth place.

"The statistics are impressive, and it's pleasing that everyone is having such a great season."

Captain Francesco Totti missed the clash on Thursday evening as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, and Borriello was quick to highlight the veteran's importance to the Giallorossi's remarkable early form.

"I scored the decisive goal tonight, but Francesco is the added bonus. When he's here, the team plays better – we have to be honest," he added.

The win moves Roma five points clear of Napoli and reigning champions Juventus at the top of Serie A.

 

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Gomis hints at summer Lyon exit

Olympique Lyonnais striker Bafetimbi Gomis has hinted he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The France international appeared set to end his four-year stint with the club in the summer, but a proposed move to Premier League side Newcastle United fell through.

Gomis will become a free agent at the end of the season when his current deal at the Stade de Gerland expires, and the former Saint-Etienne man insists 2013-14 will be his final term with Remi Garde's outfit.

"I will stay until the end of the season," he told RMC.Gomis was forced to train away from the first team during the transfer window after refusing to sign a new contract.

But the 28-year-old was quick to stress that the dispute between himself and the club has been forgotten. "It was complicated but there is no problem," the 28-year-old added."I have the confidence of managers and coaches. Everything that happened that is ancient history.

"I will give everything for Lyon, I am very attached to this club.
"You cannot erase everything that happened, but we have a common goal."

 

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Martino hits out at Messi critics

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has hit out at critics of Lionel Messi's form despite the Argentine only netting once in the month of October.

Messi has 12 goals in just 13 games so far this season, but his only strike in the past month came in the Champions League draw with AC Milan.

Although the Argentine has been sidelined for much of the past three weeks with a thigh problem, he has not been immune to criticism from some quarters - something which Martino believes to be unjust.

"If Messi doesn't score three goals in a game people start to think there's a problem," he told reporters.

"Injuries happen. To Messi, or anyone."

Neymar has been in strong form during Messi's absence, contributing three goals and three assists in October, and Martino is thrilled to see the Brazilian beginning to adapt to life in Catalunya.

"Neymar is very good, but also very intelligent and very modest. That's why he's adapting easier," he said.

Barcelona emerged unbeaten in all competitions in October and secured a 2-1 win in the first Clasico of the season, but Martino admits his side have not been at their strongest during their impressive run - although he defended his persistent rotation policy.

"If you rotate, you always take a risk. When we lose, there will be criticism," said the Argentine. "But I continue to think it's the best thing to do.

"We don't like it that we don't control some games, but when it happens, we always come out of it as the best."

 

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Quagliarella could move to MLS this summer - agent

Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella could quit Serie A for the MLS next summer, according to his agent.

The 30-year-old was linked with a move from the Italian champions prior to the start of the 2013-14 season but a transfer failed to materialise.

Nevertheless, Beppe Bozzo has confirmed a number of North American sides were keen on the Italy international and hinted that the likes of Toronto could make a renewed bid for his signature at the end of the campaign.

"It's true, Toronto FC have expressed an interest in him, as well as a number of other MLS sides," Bozzo told Tuttosport.

"Nevertheless, we’ll see what happens in the summer. For now, Quagliarella is just focused on Juventus and getting back to action as soon as possible."

Quagliarella has made seven appearances for Juventus so far this season, scoring three goals.

 

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'Messi & Ronaldo cannot touch my record' - Inzaghi

AC Milan legend Filippo Inzaghi has claimed that his goalscoring record in cup finals is unrivalled by anyone in world football - even Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 40-year-old struck a total of eight goals in finals throughout his playing career for both Juventus and the Rossoneri.

But the legendary Italian striker is particularly proud of his goalscoring exploits in 2007, where he fired both of Milan's goals in the Champions League victory over Liverpool in Athens, before scoring a further three times in the club's subsequent wins over Sevilla and Boca Juniors in the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa World Club Cup respectively.

And Inzaghi is confident that his prowess on the big stage will not be matched by anyone - including the Ballon d'Or frontrunners.

"[Then Milan coach] Carlo Ancelotti was uncertain whether or not to play me or Alberto Gilardino in the Athens final, but I played and scored twice," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Then I scored in the Super Cup final win over Sevilla and another two against Boca Juniors.

"Five goals in three finals, which were three of the most important finals and we won all of them. Not even Messi or Ronaldo will achieve that. It's a record I will hang on to."

Inzaghi, now training the younger generation of Milan stars, went on to state that he wants to spend the rest of his coaching career at San Siro.

"Now that I coach the youngsters, what I try to convey to them is that hunger for victories that we had, that endless ambition," he added.

"My dream is to stay at AC Milan for my entire career."

The veteran called time on his 21-year career in July 2012.

 

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Alonso keen to extend Madrid stay

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has revealed that he is ready to sit down with the club's hierarchy in a bid to extend his current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The ex-Liverpool playmaker is out of contract in the Spanish capital next summer, with former coach Jose Mourinho rumoured to keen on luring the 31-year-old to Chelsea.

But Alonso, who returned to first-team duties following a five-month absence for the 7-3 demolition of Sevilla on Wednesday, is hoping that his return to fitness can coincide with opening negotiations over extending his contract with the Blancos.

"Now is the moment to begin to talk to the club about my future," the Spaniard told Canal Plus.

"While I was not fit I did not feel up to talking. I have good communication with the club."

Alonso joined the Spanish giants in 2009 for a fee in the region of €35 million.

 

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'Pogba will extend Juventus contract' - Marotta

Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that the wheels are in motion for midfielder Paul Pogba to be offered a contract extension at the club.

The France international has emerged as one of Europe's brightest young prospects, with Bianconeri president Andrea Agnelli fuelling speculation of a possible departure by claiming the club would accept a big-money offer for the 20-year-old.

However, Marotta insists that Pogba - whose current deal expires in 2016 - has no intention of leaving the Turin club, where he looks set to be offered the opportunity to extend his stay with the Scudetto holders the near future.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he said: "Pogba is happy at Juventus and he has no intention of leaving.

"We will meet with the Frenchman's agents soon to extend our agreement and, at the same time, we will give him a pay-rise for his development."

Marotta went on to comment on Fifa's shortlist for the Ballon d'Or and World Coach of the Year, with Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo and coach Antonio Conte among the nominations - the former of which is Serie A's solitary representative.

"We are proud," he added. "We re-launched Pirlo's career and that fills us with joy.

"As for Antonio, he is a young coach, an emerging one and the fact he is included is a motive of honour for all of us.

"The omission of Arturo Vidal? The only player nomination from Serie A is our playmaker, so this shows the selection was very rigid."

Juventus, who sit two points adrift of high-flying Roma at the summit of Italy's top flight, travel to Parma on Saturday, before hosting Real Madrid in Turin three days later in a crucial Champions League encounter with the Spanish giants.

 

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Arshavin hits out at Arsenal fans

Former Arsenal player Andrey Arshavin has criticised the Gunners faithful for the "weird" atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium.

The 32-year-old now plays his football for Zenit St Petersburg, having left the North London club when his contract ended in June to return to the side Arsene Wenger first bought him from in 2009.

In what was a difficult period for the Russian playmaker, Arshavin recalls the lack of support from the home fans and the resulting absence of a home advantage at the Emirates.

"The atmosphere was weird. It felt like the crowd was at the theatre - good seats, expensive tickets and they wanted to see a show, not to support the team,” he told the Sun.

"It was like there was no advantage in playing at home. Many of the players - the leaders that were left from the club’s time at Highbury - often complained that the atmosphere in the stands was so bad."

Despite sitting top of the Premier League, Arsene Wenger’s side have lost their last two home games against Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, and next face Liverpool on Saturday at the Emirates.

However, the Frenchman remains positive ahead of a difficult run of games, including away trips to Dortmund and Manchester United.

"We want to win every home game, so the home form is a concern - but not as big a concern as the statistics might show it," he told the Mirror.

"Against Dortmund and Chelsea, we gave easy goals away. That is a positive and a negative. The negative is that we gave the goals away, but the positive is that neither of them created too many chances against us.

"It is down to how we get rid of those mistakes without losing the belief in our qualities. That is what is at stake."

 

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Beckham backs Moyes to succeed at Man United

David Beckham has faith David Moyes is the right man to lead Manchester United despite struggling during the early days of his tenure.

The former England captain, who recently revealed he wanted Sir Alex Ferguson to coach his new MLS franchise, believes whoever succeeded the Scot was always going to endure a difficult period of transition.

Moyes has faced criticism for United's poor league form following defeats to Liverpool, Manchester City and West Brom, but the former midfielder is certain the club can move on from Ferguson's departure and enjoy success with him at the helm.

"I played with [Moyes] during my loan spell at Preston and I've seen him progress as a manager over the years at Everton," the 38-year-old told talkSPORT.

"I'm really happy for him that he got the job at United because he’s a really great person and he’s a talented manger. It's good to see him there and the United fans are behind him well which is a good thing.

"Whoever took over after Sir Alex Ferguson left it was always going to be a difficult time, a transitional time, but at the end of the day, it’s like when a player leaves, Manchester United are still Manchester United.

"Sir Alex has retired, but David Moyes has taken over, United always move on when they sell players and I’m sure they will with Moyes as manager now."

 

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La Liga 2013.11.1 Fixture

La Liga 2013.11.1 Fixture

Barcelona Vs Espanyol​

 

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Atletico Madrid & Roma Patta!

Full morale eken gahanne

 

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