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Udinese 1-0 Napoli: Danilo piles pressure on Partenopei
Napoli slumped to a second successive Serie A defeat as they lost 1-0 at Udinese on Sunday.
Danilo scored the only goal of the game 19 minutes from time, capitalising on a mistake from Kalidou Koulibaly to heap more pressure on the Partenopei and their under-fire president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
Napoli, who were eliminated from the play-off stage of the Champions League by Athletic Bilbao, lifted some of the gloom around the San Paolo with a midweek Europa League win over Sparta Prague and coach Rafa Benitez had called on his troops to build on that momentum at the Fruili.
However, they rarely threatened during a tight and turgid first half, with Udinese's Emmanuel Badu going closest to breaking the deadlock with a sweet strike that whistled just wide.
The visitors could have taken the lead after the restart but Walter Gargano saw his curling effort from the edge of the area hit the post.Orestis Karnezis then produced a couple of fine stops to deny Gonzalo Higuain and then Jose Callejon.
Therefore, it was somewhat against the run of play when Udinese went ahead, Danilo firing home at the back post after Koulibaly had botched his attempt to clear an Antonio Di Natale free kick.
Napoli poured forward in search of an equaliser but Udinese stood firm to clim to fifth in the Serie A standings, 10 places above the Partenopei.
Napoli slumped to a second successive Serie A defeat as they lost 1-0 at Udinese on Sunday.
Danilo scored the only goal of the game 19 minutes from time, capitalising on a mistake from Kalidou Koulibaly to heap more pressure on the Partenopei and their under-fire president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
Napoli, who were eliminated from the play-off stage of the Champions League by Athletic Bilbao, lifted some of the gloom around the San Paolo with a midweek Europa League win over Sparta Prague and coach Rafa Benitez had called on his troops to build on that momentum at the Fruili.
However, they rarely threatened during a tight and turgid first half, with Udinese's Emmanuel Badu going closest to breaking the deadlock with a sweet strike that whistled just wide.
The visitors could have taken the lead after the restart but Walter Gargano saw his curling effort from the edge of the area hit the post.Orestis Karnezis then produced a couple of fine stops to deny Gonzalo Higuain and then Jose Callejon.
Therefore, it was somewhat against the run of play when Udinese went ahead, Danilo firing home at the back post after Koulibaly had botched his attempt to clear an Antonio Di Natale free kick.
Napoli poured forward in search of an equaliser but Udinese stood firm to clim to fifth in the Serie A standings, 10 places above the Partenopei.
Roma 2-0 Cagliari: Destro & Florenzi ruin Zeman's return
Mattia Destro and Alessandro Florenzi ruined Zdenek Zeman's return to Roma as the capital club defeated the Czech's Cagliari side 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.Destro opened the scoring after just 10 minutes of play and Florenzi added a second moments later, effectively ending the game as a meaningful contest.
Zeman had not faced his former club since being sacked by the Giallorossi two years ago and had arrived in Rome insisting that he was not looking for revenge, which was just as well, really.
Cagliari were unbeaten in their previous four visits to the Olimpico but they folded inside 15 minutes this time around.Destro had already tested Alessio Cragno with a low shot when he broke the deadlock he tapped home a Florenzi cross at the far post.The latter then turned goalscorer. Gervinho controlled a long punt forward into the area and although the Ivorian's shot was blocked, the ball broke for Florenzi.
The Italy international finished emphatically first time with his right foot and then ran into the stands to hug his grandmother, who had come to see him play at the Stadio Olimpico for the first time.Florenzi's 82-year-old nan was visibly moved by the gesture but the referee Sebastiano Peruzzo didn't see the funny side and promptly booked the midfielder.
Roma went close to extending their lead, with Maicon seeing a piledriver fly just wide and Gervinho failing to beat Cragno, who was making his Serie A debut, with a close-range strike.
In the end, Rudi Garcia's men did not manage to add to their tally but their early two-goal salvo proved sufficient to earn the Giallorossi a third successive Serie A win of the season.
The one negative on an otherwise positive afternoon, though, was the injury that forced Daniele De Rossi off with just eight minutes to go.
Mattia Destro and Alessandro Florenzi ruined Zdenek Zeman's return to Roma as the capital club defeated the Czech's Cagliari side 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.Destro opened the scoring after just 10 minutes of play and Florenzi added a second moments later, effectively ending the game as a meaningful contest.
Zeman had not faced his former club since being sacked by the Giallorossi two years ago and had arrived in Rome insisting that he was not looking for revenge, which was just as well, really.
Cagliari were unbeaten in their previous four visits to the Olimpico but they folded inside 15 minutes this time around.Destro had already tested Alessio Cragno with a low shot when he broke the deadlock he tapped home a Florenzi cross at the far post.The latter then turned goalscorer. Gervinho controlled a long punt forward into the area and although the Ivorian's shot was blocked, the ball broke for Florenzi.
The Italy international finished emphatically first time with his right foot and then ran into the stands to hug his grandmother, who had come to see him play at the Stadio Olimpico for the first time.Florenzi's 82-year-old nan was visibly moved by the gesture but the referee Sebastiano Peruzzo didn't see the funny side and promptly booked the midfielder.
Roma went close to extending their lead, with Maicon seeing a piledriver fly just wide and Gervinho failing to beat Cragno, who was making his Serie A debut, with a close-range strike.
In the end, Rudi Garcia's men did not manage to add to their tally but their early two-goal salvo proved sufficient to earn the Giallorossi a third successive Serie A win of the season.
The one negative on an otherwise positive afternoon, though, was the injury that forced Daniele De Rossi off with just eight minutes to go.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Olympique Lyonnais: Umtiti's late leveller ensures champions are held again
Samuel Umtiti struck a late equaliser as Olympique Lyonnais held stuttering Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-1 draw.
Umtiti was on hand seven minutes from time to score with a deflected shot, restoring parity after Edinson Cavani's first-half header to add to the home side's indifferent form.
Despite their unbeaten opening to the campaign, a run of three consecutive draws in all competitions is likely to lead to further speculation surrounding coach Laurent Blanc's position at the club, with fans growing increasingly frustrated at a perceived sluggish start to their title defence and in Europe.
They were given a good contest by visiting Lyon, who threatened to make a breakthrough before Umtiti's strike before half time when Arnold Mvuemba's free-kick cannoned back off the woodwork.The hosts thought they had earned a win at the death when Marco Verratti headed home late on, but the Italian's effort was ruled out for an earlier foul.Despite Blanc facing criticism in the build-up to this match, he would have been pleased with his side's early efforts at the Parc des Princes.
The hosts had an appeal for a penalty turned down after 12 minutes, when Blaise Matuidi's cross appeared to come off the arm of Bakary Kone, before Yohan Cabaye latched onto Zlatan Ibrahimovic's flick-on inside the box and fired wide.
Lyon, who made just one change from their surprise win over Monaco last week, struggled to get out of their own half and found themselves behind on 21 minutes.
A teasing cross from Lucas Digne on the left found Cavani at the far post, who diverted an expert header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.Alexandre Lacazette nearly responded for the visitors on 25 minutes, but drilled harmlessly wide, before Mvuemba rattled the crossbar five minutes later with a curling free-kick from just outside the box.
Cavani spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to double his tally eight minutes before the break, firing high and wide after an onrushing Lopes fluffed his punch during an aerial collision with Ibrahimovic.
Matuidi diverted an angled volley wide nine minutes into the second half, but the hosts seemed happy to simply keep possession as the period progressed, although the home faithful will have been pleased to see the return of midfielder Thiago Motta, who came off the bench on 65 minutes to a predictably warm ovation.And he nearly helped to add a second within five minutes of his return, dinking in a lovely ball for Cavani, whose header across goal was nodded towards his own net by Umtiti, forcing an impressive save from Lopes.
Umtiti recovered from the uncertainty to strike the crucial blow with six minutes left. PSG totally failed to clear a corner and the France Under-21 defender's scuffed effort deflected off Serge Aurier and past a helpless Salvatore Sirigu.
Corentin Tolisso wasted a golden opportunity to snatch a win for Lyon and Verratti found the net, but Lucas Moura had blatantly impeded Lopes.
The final whistle was greeted by jeers from the crowd and Blanc now requires a strong response from his side when they visit Caen in midweek.
Samuel Umtiti struck a late equaliser as Olympique Lyonnais held stuttering Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-1 draw.
Umtiti was on hand seven minutes from time to score with a deflected shot, restoring parity after Edinson Cavani's first-half header to add to the home side's indifferent form.
Despite their unbeaten opening to the campaign, a run of three consecutive draws in all competitions is likely to lead to further speculation surrounding coach Laurent Blanc's position at the club, with fans growing increasingly frustrated at a perceived sluggish start to their title defence and in Europe.
They were given a good contest by visiting Lyon, who threatened to make a breakthrough before Umtiti's strike before half time when Arnold Mvuemba's free-kick cannoned back off the woodwork.The hosts thought they had earned a win at the death when Marco Verratti headed home late on, but the Italian's effort was ruled out for an earlier foul.Despite Blanc facing criticism in the build-up to this match, he would have been pleased with his side's early efforts at the Parc des Princes.
The hosts had an appeal for a penalty turned down after 12 minutes, when Blaise Matuidi's cross appeared to come off the arm of Bakary Kone, before Yohan Cabaye latched onto Zlatan Ibrahimovic's flick-on inside the box and fired wide.
Lyon, who made just one change from their surprise win over Monaco last week, struggled to get out of their own half and found themselves behind on 21 minutes.
A teasing cross from Lucas Digne on the left found Cavani at the far post, who diverted an expert header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.Alexandre Lacazette nearly responded for the visitors on 25 minutes, but drilled harmlessly wide, before Mvuemba rattled the crossbar five minutes later with a curling free-kick from just outside the box.
Cavani spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to double his tally eight minutes before the break, firing high and wide after an onrushing Lopes fluffed his punch during an aerial collision with Ibrahimovic.
Matuidi diverted an angled volley wide nine minutes into the second half, but the hosts seemed happy to simply keep possession as the period progressed, although the home faithful will have been pleased to see the return of midfielder Thiago Motta, who came off the bench on 65 minutes to a predictably warm ovation.And he nearly helped to add a second within five minutes of his return, dinking in a lovely ball for Cavani, whose header across goal was nodded towards his own net by Umtiti, forcing an impressive save from Lopes.
Umtiti recovered from the uncertainty to strike the crucial blow with six minutes left. PSG totally failed to clear a corner and the France Under-21 defender's scuffed effort deflected off Serge Aurier and past a helpless Salvatore Sirigu.
Corentin Tolisso wasted a golden opportunity to snatch a win for Lyon and Verratti found the net, but Lucas Moura had blatantly impeded Lopes.
The final whistle was greeted by jeers from the crowd and Blanc now requires a strong response from his side when they visit Caen in midweek.
Palermo 1-1 Inter: Kovacic spares Vidic's blushes
Mateo Kovacic bailed Nemanja Vidic out of jail as Inter came from behind to draw 1-1 at Palermo on Sunday.
Franco Vazquez stunned the visitors by opening the scoring with just three minutes on the clock, after stripping a sleeping Vidic of possession near the touchline in the area.
However, Kovacic produced a cool finish to level matters just before the break and, despite the best efforts of both sides, an entertaining encounter ended level, with the Nerazzurri ultimately rather fortunate to hold on for a point and maintain their 100 per cent start to the new Serie A season.
Walter Mazzarri's men came into the game in fine form, unbeaten in their first five competitive fixtures of the 2014-15 campaign without conceding a goal and having thrashed Sassuolo 7-0 last weekend.
But they fell behind to Franco Vazquez's early strike and were second best in the first half before Mateo Kovacic came up with something from nothing to get them back into it before half-time.
The Milanese outfit twice thought they had taken the lead, either side of the break, but were denied on both occasions by an offside flag, while the hosts were also frustrated by a disallowed goal in the dying embers of the match - a decision that coach Giuseppe Iachini protested so fiercely that he was banished from the touchline.The result leaves Palermo looking for their first league victory since their return to the top flight and Inter with five points from three games.
Inter's confidence was clear from the first whistle as Danilo D'Ambrosio, who scored the winner against Dnipro in the Europa League on Thursday, drove down the right from the kick-off and won a dangerous free-kick.
But, with that set-piece failing to yield an opening, they were behind just a minute later. Nemanja Vidic hesitated with the ball at his feet in the box, when a routine clearance was all that was required, and Vazquez picked his pocket before lifting over Samir Handanovic from a tight angle to give Palermo a shock early lead.That setback sapped the self-assurance from Inter's play and they struggled to find their rhythm, uncomfortable in possession all over the pitch.
Mazzarri's charges played themselves into trouble time and again, and would have been two down had Michel Morganella made any contact with Achraf Lazaar's teasing left-wing cross in the 19th minute.Palermo continued to dominate the midfield, stifling Inter until the 42nd minute when Kovacic reacted first as the ball broke from a tackle to sweep it low into the corner from 25 yards to level the match against the run of play.
Vidic then thought he had atoned for his error and completed an unlikely turnaround two minutes later but his header from a Fredy Guarin free-kick was ruled out, with Pablo Daniel Osvaldo in an offside position.The visitors had another goal chalked off for offside in the 51st minute, Vidic and Guarin combining again from a free-kick before Mauro Icardi, who appeared to be level with the last defender, converted.
Inter were in the ascendency but the final ball continued to escape them and it was Vazquez who came closest to a deciding goal, hitting the crossbar with a deflected shot in the 72nd minute before firing wide a minute later.
It was Palermo's turn to feel aggrieved in the 88th minute when substitute Andrea Belotti beat Handanovic on the break, only to have been judged to have fouled Yuto Nagatomo in the build-up.
Iachini was so incensed by the decision that he was sent to the stands for his protests but his side earned a well-deserved point.
Mateo Kovacic bailed Nemanja Vidic out of jail as Inter came from behind to draw 1-1 at Palermo on Sunday.
Franco Vazquez stunned the visitors by opening the scoring with just three minutes on the clock, after stripping a sleeping Vidic of possession near the touchline in the area.
However, Kovacic produced a cool finish to level matters just before the break and, despite the best efforts of both sides, an entertaining encounter ended level, with the Nerazzurri ultimately rather fortunate to hold on for a point and maintain their 100 per cent start to the new Serie A season.
Walter Mazzarri's men came into the game in fine form, unbeaten in their first five competitive fixtures of the 2014-15 campaign without conceding a goal and having thrashed Sassuolo 7-0 last weekend.
But they fell behind to Franco Vazquez's early strike and were second best in the first half before Mateo Kovacic came up with something from nothing to get them back into it before half-time.
The Milanese outfit twice thought they had taken the lead, either side of the break, but were denied on both occasions by an offside flag, while the hosts were also frustrated by a disallowed goal in the dying embers of the match - a decision that coach Giuseppe Iachini protested so fiercely that he was banished from the touchline.The result leaves Palermo looking for their first league victory since their return to the top flight and Inter with five points from three games.
Inter's confidence was clear from the first whistle as Danilo D'Ambrosio, who scored the winner against Dnipro in the Europa League on Thursday, drove down the right from the kick-off and won a dangerous free-kick.
But, with that set-piece failing to yield an opening, they were behind just a minute later. Nemanja Vidic hesitated with the ball at his feet in the box, when a routine clearance was all that was required, and Vazquez picked his pocket before lifting over Samir Handanovic from a tight angle to give Palermo a shock early lead.That setback sapped the self-assurance from Inter's play and they struggled to find their rhythm, uncomfortable in possession all over the pitch.
Mazzarri's charges played themselves into trouble time and again, and would have been two down had Michel Morganella made any contact with Achraf Lazaar's teasing left-wing cross in the 19th minute.Palermo continued to dominate the midfield, stifling Inter until the 42nd minute when Kovacic reacted first as the ball broke from a tackle to sweep it low into the corner from 25 yards to level the match against the run of play.
Vidic then thought he had atoned for his error and completed an unlikely turnaround two minutes later but his header from a Fredy Guarin free-kick was ruled out, with Pablo Daniel Osvaldo in an offside position.The visitors had another goal chalked off for offside in the 51st minute, Vidic and Guarin combining again from a free-kick before Mauro Icardi, who appeared to be level with the last defender, converted.
Inter were in the ascendency but the final ball continued to escape them and it was Vazquez who came closest to a deciding goal, hitting the crossbar with a deflected shot in the 72nd minute before firing wide a minute later.
It was Palermo's turn to feel aggrieved in the 88th minute when substitute Andrea Belotti beat Handanovic on the break, only to have been judged to have fouled Yuto Nagatomo in the build-up.
Iachini was so incensed by the decision that he was sent to the stands for his protests but his side earned a well-deserved point.
Levante 0-5 Barcelona: Brilliant Blaugrana maintain perfect record
Luis Enrique's perfect record as Barcelona boss continued as his rampat side routed Levante 5-0 on Sunday.
Despite wasting numerous chances throughout the match, Barca eased to a fourth straight league victory that moved them back to the top of the table and continued their run of not conceding in the Spanish top-flight this term.Neymar saw three opportunities go begging in the first half, before eventually finding the breakthrough in the 34th minute.
Loukas Vyntra then picked up a red card for tripping Lionel Messi in the area just before half-time and, although the Argentine sliced his spot-kick wide for the first time in his La Liga career, Ivan Rakitic stylishly ensured Barca held a 2-0 lead at the break.Neymar was withdrawn just after half-time following a knock on his ankle, but his replacement Sandro Ramirez swiftly opened up a three-goal advantage.
Pedro and Messi then added gloss to the scoreline in the final 30 minutes, extending a run without a league defeat at Levante that began during the 1964-65 season and leaving their winless hosts rock bottom of the Primera Division.
Luis Enrique acknowledged in the build-up that Levante would likely set up with 10 men behind the ball and the hosts unsurprisingly invited pressure onto themselves from the start.
In fact, Levante should have been behind after just three minutes as Jeremy Mathieu received Dani Alves' cut-back but could only produce a tame first-time effort that deflected wide.Barca continued to slice through Levante at will and Neymar went close twice before the half-hour mark.
The Brazilian first fired at Jesus Fernandez from 10 yards, before nodding just wide after beating the goalkeeper to Javier Mascherano's lofted pass.Neymar finally got his name on the scoresheet in the 34th minute, however, as he latched onto Messi's fine throughball, skipped past Jesus, and coolly slotted into an empty net.
Barca's advantage grew seven minutes later as Vyntra received a straight red card for tripping Messi inside the area, but the No.10 skewed his spot-kick wide.
Nevertheless, the visitors did go into half-time with a two-goal cushion as Rakitic blasted a ferocious half-volley in from 25 yards, opening his Barca account in emphatic fashion.
The visitors endured a disappointing start to the second half as an ankle knock forced Neymar off after an innocuous clash with Pedro Lopez.The 22-year-old appeared unhappy to be taken off but his replacement Sandro made an instant impact, stroking home from the edge of the area after being teed up by Messi in the 57th minute.
Barca's fourth arrived seven minutes later as Jordi Alba burst into the Levante area before handing Pedro a tap-in after drawing the goalkeeper out.And there still time for Messi to make amends for his surprise penalty miss earlier in the game.
The forward capitalised on a dreadful attempted clearance 13 minutes from time to delicately chip in from the edge of the area, capping off a resounding victory for Luis Enrique's men.
Luis Enrique's perfect record as Barcelona boss continued as his rampat side routed Levante 5-0 on Sunday.
Despite wasting numerous chances throughout the match, Barca eased to a fourth straight league victory that moved them back to the top of the table and continued their run of not conceding in the Spanish top-flight this term.Neymar saw three opportunities go begging in the first half, before eventually finding the breakthrough in the 34th minute.
Loukas Vyntra then picked up a red card for tripping Lionel Messi in the area just before half-time and, although the Argentine sliced his spot-kick wide for the first time in his La Liga career, Ivan Rakitic stylishly ensured Barca held a 2-0 lead at the break.Neymar was withdrawn just after half-time following a knock on his ankle, but his replacement Sandro Ramirez swiftly opened up a three-goal advantage.
Pedro and Messi then added gloss to the scoreline in the final 30 minutes, extending a run without a league defeat at Levante that began during the 1964-65 season and leaving their winless hosts rock bottom of the Primera Division.
Luis Enrique acknowledged in the build-up that Levante would likely set up with 10 men behind the ball and the hosts unsurprisingly invited pressure onto themselves from the start.
In fact, Levante should have been behind after just three minutes as Jeremy Mathieu received Dani Alves' cut-back but could only produce a tame first-time effort that deflected wide.Barca continued to slice through Levante at will and Neymar went close twice before the half-hour mark.
The Brazilian first fired at Jesus Fernandez from 10 yards, before nodding just wide after beating the goalkeeper to Javier Mascherano's lofted pass.Neymar finally got his name on the scoresheet in the 34th minute, however, as he latched onto Messi's fine throughball, skipped past Jesus, and coolly slotted into an empty net.
Barca's advantage grew seven minutes later as Vyntra received a straight red card for tripping Messi inside the area, but the No.10 skewed his spot-kick wide.
Nevertheless, the visitors did go into half-time with a two-goal cushion as Rakitic blasted a ferocious half-volley in from 25 yards, opening his Barca account in emphatic fashion.
The visitors endured a disappointing start to the second half as an ankle knock forced Neymar off after an innocuous clash with Pedro Lopez.The 22-year-old appeared unhappy to be taken off but his replacement Sandro made an instant impact, stroking home from the edge of the area after being teed up by Messi in the 57th minute.
Barca's fourth arrived seven minutes later as Jordi Alba burst into the Levante area before handing Pedro a tap-in after drawing the goalkeeper out.And there still time for Messi to make amends for his surprise penalty miss earlier in the game.
The forward capitalised on a dreadful attempted clearance 13 minutes from time to delicately chip in from the edge of the area, capping off a resounding victory for Luis Enrique's men.
Balotelli taunts Manchester United after Leicester loss
Mario Balotelli has taunted Manchester United following Sunday's shock 5-3 loss to newly-promoted Leicester City.
Robin van Persie and Angel Di Maria gave United a 2-0 lead inside 16 minutes, with Ander Herrera restoring the margin just before the hour-mark.
However, goals from David Nugent, from the penalty-spot, and Esteban Cambiasso saw Leicester fight back before Jamie Vardy and Leonardo Ulloa's second claimed a stunning victory.
United's collapse marked the first time in Premier League history they have seen a two-goal lead slip on the way to losing a game.
And Balotelli, who recently joined Liverpool and includes Manchester City among his former sides, took to Twitter to broadcast his post-match reaction soon after the final whistle.
Unfortunately, in response, the striker received a barrage of racist abuse from a number of Twitter users. Others, in defence of Balotelli, reported a number of the messages to police.
Mazzarri refuses to blame Vidic for draw
Inter boss Walter Mazzarri refused to make a scapegoat out of Nemanja Vidic after the defender's dreadful error in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Palermo.
Just three minutes of the game had elapsed when the former Manchester United captain was caught in possession inside his own area by Franco Vazquez, who promptly fired past Samir Handanovic.Inter needed a goal from Mateo Kovacic to salvage a point but Mazzarri did not want to blame Vidic for ruining the team's unblemished defensive record after the first two rounds of the Serie A season.
“The Vidic error was like the ball going through a goalkeeper’s legs – it happens once in 100 years," the former Napoli coach told Sky Sport Italia."He is a very experienced player, but these things can happen to anyone.
“We were beating a record of clean sheets, but managed to gift a goal within three minutes, so nobody needs to talk about that anymore!“Palermo were pressuring us and we held out, then for half an hour after the restart did everything right except the goal.
“We used up a lot of energy to go for a win and I moved to a four-man defence, but Palermo were fresher and we risked defeat at the end.“It was a tight game and one incident could send the result one way or the other."I know what I need to tell the lads and where we can improve, but it was tough and I accept the result."
The 20-year-old Croatian brought his team to life and is integral to so much of what Inter do in attack but his coach insists they cannot rely on him too heavily.
"I honestly did expect Kovacic to make this step up, as it was only a matter of time," added Mazzarri.
"We must all realise that the same players cannot play every three days for 90 minutes at full tempo. We have to all train well and keep mentally and physically alert to share out the resources."
Inter boss Walter Mazzarri refused to make a scapegoat out of Nemanja Vidic after the defender's dreadful error in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Palermo.
Just three minutes of the game had elapsed when the former Manchester United captain was caught in possession inside his own area by Franco Vazquez, who promptly fired past Samir Handanovic.Inter needed a goal from Mateo Kovacic to salvage a point but Mazzarri did not want to blame Vidic for ruining the team's unblemished defensive record after the first two rounds of the Serie A season.
“The Vidic error was like the ball going through a goalkeeper’s legs – it happens once in 100 years," the former Napoli coach told Sky Sport Italia."He is a very experienced player, but these things can happen to anyone.
“We were beating a record of clean sheets, but managed to gift a goal within three minutes, so nobody needs to talk about that anymore!“Palermo were pressuring us and we held out, then for half an hour after the restart did everything right except the goal.
“We used up a lot of energy to go for a win and I moved to a four-man defence, but Palermo were fresher and we risked defeat at the end.“It was a tight game and one incident could send the result one way or the other."I know what I need to tell the lads and where we can improve, but it was tough and I accept the result."
The 20-year-old Croatian brought his team to life and is integral to so much of what Inter do in attack but his coach insists they cannot rely on him too heavily.
"I honestly did expect Kovacic to make this step up, as it was only a matter of time," added Mazzarri.
"We must all realise that the same players cannot play every three days for 90 minutes at full tempo. We have to all train well and keep mentally and physically alert to share out the resources."
'I can't believe Costa stayed on the pitch' - Zabaleta
Pablo Zabaleta has apologised for the red card he was issued in Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Chelsea, but believes Diego Costa should have been sent off too.
The Argentina international was dismissed for two yellow cards in the draw at the Etihad Stadium, with both punishments coming after challenges on Costa.
But the Chelsea striker was pictured putting his hands around Zabaleta's throat following the second challenge, though he only picked up a booking from referee Mike Dean.
But Zabaleta has now criticised the decision, taking to Twitter to express his disbelief at Dean's decision to allow the Spain international to remain on the pitch.
"I would like to apologise to everyone for my red card today," he wrote. "However after seeing this image I can't believe that Diego Costa remained on the pitch."
As a result of his dismissal Zabaleta will miss City's Capital One Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.
Pablo Zabaleta has apologised for the red card he was issued in Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Chelsea, but believes Diego Costa should have been sent off too.
The Argentina international was dismissed for two yellow cards in the draw at the Etihad Stadium, with both punishments coming after challenges on Costa.
But the Chelsea striker was pictured putting his hands around Zabaleta's throat following the second challenge, though he only picked up a booking from referee Mike Dean.
But Zabaleta has now criticised the decision, taking to Twitter to express his disbelief at Dean's decision to allow the Spain international to remain on the pitch.
"I would like to apologise to everyone for my red card today," he wrote. "However after seeing this image I can't believe that Diego Costa remained on the pitch."
As a result of his dismissal Zabaleta will miss City's Capital One Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.
Merseyside Police are set to investigate after Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli was subjected to apparent racial abuse on Twitter.
The Italian forward took to the social media website on Sunday to tweet his thoughts on rivals Manchester United's shock 5-3 defeat to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
"Man Utd LOL [laugh out loud]," the 24-year-old wrote.
The post attracted a number of abusive replies, many of which were then deleted - though a number were copied and shared by eagle-eyed users.
And Merseyside Police have revealed through their own official Twitter account that they will launch a probe into the abuse.
They wrote: "We can confirm officers are looking into offensive comments made on Twitter about Mario Balotelli earlier today."
Balotelli has been the victim of abuse on a number of occasions throughout his career.
The Italy international faced offensive chants during Milan's clash with Roma in May 2013, and was forced to hit back at one fan for describing him as "not Italian" following his country's 2014 World Cup exit.
Getafe 0-3 Valencia: Rodrigo sees Red but Los Che cruise into second spot
Valencia moved into second place in La Liga with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Monday night.
Paco Alcacer opened the scoring after just seven minutes of play with a sublime sliding finish before teeing up Andre Gomes' for the visitors' second midway through the first half.
Rodrigo then added a third in the second half from the penalty spot only to then get himself sent off just moments later.However, so poor were Getafe from start to finish, that even with the extra man, they failed dismally to trouble a young and dynamic visiting side.
Valencia had come into the game on the back of two successive wins, over Espanyol and Malaga, and they effectively had this game wrapped up by the 20-minute mark.
Unsurprisingly, the in-form Alcacer proved pivotal. After some desperately sloppy play from Getafe's Sammir in the middle of the park, the newly-capped Spain international prodded the ball into the path of team-mate Rodrigo.The winger's immediate return pass was slightly ahead of Alacacer but the striker made light of an ever-decreasing angle by ingeniously going to ground to slide across the turf and whip the ball into the far corner in one fluid movement.
Alcacer turned provided 20 minutes in. After a sublime first touch had taken Rodrigo away from Sergio Escudero wide on the right touchline, the ball was worked infield to Andre Gomes , who played a brilliant one-two with Alcacer before coolly slotting past a dreadfully exposed Vicente Guaita.
Having been involved in the first two goals, it seemed only fitting that Rodrigo got himself on the scoresheet in the 72nd minute.Naldo needlessly tripped Sofiane Feghouli in the area while the midfielder was actually moving away from goal and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Rodrigo stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly stroke the ball down the middle of the goal.However, his sense of celebration quickly turned to embarrassment, with the winger dismissed for a second bookable offence after stupidly taking Escudero's legs from under him.
It made no difference to the outcome of the game, of course, with Valencia cruising through the remaining 18 minutes to draw to within two points of leaders Barcelona.
Valencia moved into second place in La Liga with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Monday night.
Paco Alcacer opened the scoring after just seven minutes of play with a sublime sliding finish before teeing up Andre Gomes' for the visitors' second midway through the first half.
Rodrigo then added a third in the second half from the penalty spot only to then get himself sent off just moments later.However, so poor were Getafe from start to finish, that even with the extra man, they failed dismally to trouble a young and dynamic visiting side.
Valencia had come into the game on the back of two successive wins, over Espanyol and Malaga, and they effectively had this game wrapped up by the 20-minute mark.
Unsurprisingly, the in-form Alcacer proved pivotal. After some desperately sloppy play from Getafe's Sammir in the middle of the park, the newly-capped Spain international prodded the ball into the path of team-mate Rodrigo.The winger's immediate return pass was slightly ahead of Alacacer but the striker made light of an ever-decreasing angle by ingeniously going to ground to slide across the turf and whip the ball into the far corner in one fluid movement.
Alcacer turned provided 20 minutes in. After a sublime first touch had taken Rodrigo away from Sergio Escudero wide on the right touchline, the ball was worked infield to Andre Gomes , who played a brilliant one-two with Alcacer before coolly slotting past a dreadfully exposed Vicente Guaita.
Having been involved in the first two goals, it seemed only fitting that Rodrigo got himself on the scoresheet in the 72nd minute.Naldo needlessly tripped Sofiane Feghouli in the area while the midfielder was actually moving away from goal and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Rodrigo stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly stroke the ball down the middle of the goal.However, his sense of celebration quickly turned to embarrassment, with the winger dismissed for a second bookable offence after stupidly taking Escudero's legs from under him.
It made no difference to the outcome of the game, of course, with Valencia cruising through the remaining 18 minutes to draw to within two points of leaders Barcelona.
Gomez injury blow for Fiorentina
Fiorentina have confirmed that Mario Gomez has been ruled out of action for three weeks through injury.The Germany international played all 90 minutes of Sunday's Serie A clash with Atalanta in Bergamo but the Viola have now revealed that the striker is facing a short spell on the sidelines.
"ACF Fiorentina can confirm that in the closing stages of the Atalanta v Fiorentina match, Mario Gomez sustained a grade one injury to the myotendinous junction of the flexor tendons in his right thigh," read a statement on the club's official website.
"This diagnosis was confirmed by medical checks carried out today [Monday].
"Gomez has already started treatment on the injury, and will undergo more tests in 10 days."He is expected to return to full fitness within three weeks."
Gomez, who had yet to find the net for Fiorentina this season, has been beset by injury problems since joining the Artemio Franchi outfit from Bayern Munich last summer.
Fiorentina have confirmed that Mario Gomez has been ruled out of action for three weeks through injury.The Germany international played all 90 minutes of Sunday's Serie A clash with Atalanta in Bergamo but the Viola have now revealed that the striker is facing a short spell on the sidelines.
"ACF Fiorentina can confirm that in the closing stages of the Atalanta v Fiorentina match, Mario Gomez sustained a grade one injury to the myotendinous junction of the flexor tendons in his right thigh," read a statement on the club's official website.
"This diagnosis was confirmed by medical checks carried out today [Monday].
"Gomez has already started treatment on the injury, and will undergo more tests in 10 days."He is expected to return to full fitness within three weeks."
Gomez, who had yet to find the net for Fiorentina this season, has been beset by injury problems since joining the Artemio Franchi outfit from Bayern Munich last summer.
'Barcelona are the best team in La Liga' - Duda
Duda says that while Malaga are going up against the best team in La Liga on Wednesday night, Javi Garcia's men will create chances against in-form Barcelona.
The Blaugrana made it four wins from four in the Primera Division by triumphing 5-0 at Levante on Sunday night, so will be in high spirits when they arrive at the Rosaleda.Duda is well aware of the challenge facing Malaga, who have won just one game so far, but the midfielder insists that Javi Gracia's men are capable of causing the Catalans problems at the back.
"It will be a difficult game but we hope to be up to the task," the Portuguese told reporters on Monday. "We are playing at home, in front of our fans. We know that we are facing the best team in the league."We have to do our homework and have a bit of luck. If we carry on doing things as we have been we will have our chances.
“We have been seeing a lot of the ball. Against Barcelona it will be impossible [to dominate possession] but we will try to surprise them with some things I’m not going to talk about here!"We have pace and good passing. The boss wants us to play with the ball at our feet and we will have chances to score.
"We are happy with the team we have and the important thing is for the group to keep working as it has been."
Duda says that while Malaga are going up against the best team in La Liga on Wednesday night, Javi Garcia's men will create chances against in-form Barcelona.
The Blaugrana made it four wins from four in the Primera Division by triumphing 5-0 at Levante on Sunday night, so will be in high spirits when they arrive at the Rosaleda.Duda is well aware of the challenge facing Malaga, who have won just one game so far, but the midfielder insists that Javi Gracia's men are capable of causing the Catalans problems at the back.
"It will be a difficult game but we hope to be up to the task," the Portuguese told reporters on Monday. "We are playing at home, in front of our fans. We know that we are facing the best team in the league."We have to do our homework and have a bit of luck. If we carry on doing things as we have been we will have our chances.
“We have been seeing a lot of the ball. Against Barcelona it will be impossible [to dominate possession] but we will try to surprise them with some things I’m not going to talk about here!"We have pace and good passing. The boss wants us to play with the ball at our feet and we will have chances to score.
"We are happy with the team we have and the important thing is for the group to keep working as it has been."
Marotta: Serie A title between Juventus and Roma
Giuseppe Marotta believes that this season's Serie A title race will once again be between only Juventus and Roma.The two sides finished first and second last term, with the Bianconeri claiming a third successive Scudetto courtesy of a record points haul of 102.
AC Milan and Inter have made encouraging starts to the 2014-15 campaign but Marotta says it is impossible to look past Juve and Roma, both of whom boast 100 per cent records after three rounds of action."The indications from the start of the season are that it is between Juve and Roma," the Juve director general told Radio Anch'io lo Sport."Securing nine points in three matches says that we are top-evel sides and serious candidates for the Scudetto."
Marotta admitted, though, that European success is of slightly greater importance to Juventus this season.“If I had to choose between the fourth Scudetto in a row and the Champions League, I would say the latter," he admitted.
“It is something so extraordinary that I would willingly chase it. But, if I could, I would choose both.”Encouragingly, Juve kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Malmo last week, meaning the Bianconeri have won all four of their first competitive fixtures under new coach Massmiliano Allegri.
The decision to replace Antonio Conte with the former Milan boss did not go down well with the club's fans but Marotta says he never had any doubts about appointing Allegri.
"After what Conte did here the scepticism over Allegri was understandable,” he conceded."When replacing a coach who has won three successive Scudetti and set so many records the backlash can be negative.
"This is because the coach is the leader of the group, but I believe also that behind the coach and the team there has to be a strong club with the right to support the role of the coach."We have to give great credit to Allegri - he did well at Milan and was not an unknown when he arrived.
"He won the Scudetto in his first year, he is a winner and when we gave him the squad we did it responsibly, knowing that he had the right attributes to coach Juventus."
Giuseppe Marotta believes that this season's Serie A title race will once again be between only Juventus and Roma.The two sides finished first and second last term, with the Bianconeri claiming a third successive Scudetto courtesy of a record points haul of 102.
AC Milan and Inter have made encouraging starts to the 2014-15 campaign but Marotta says it is impossible to look past Juve and Roma, both of whom boast 100 per cent records after three rounds of action."The indications from the start of the season are that it is between Juve and Roma," the Juve director general told Radio Anch'io lo Sport."Securing nine points in three matches says that we are top-evel sides and serious candidates for the Scudetto."
Marotta admitted, though, that European success is of slightly greater importance to Juventus this season.“If I had to choose between the fourth Scudetto in a row and the Champions League, I would say the latter," he admitted.
“It is something so extraordinary that I would willingly chase it. But, if I could, I would choose both.”Encouragingly, Juve kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Malmo last week, meaning the Bianconeri have won all four of their first competitive fixtures under new coach Massmiliano Allegri.
The decision to replace Antonio Conte with the former Milan boss did not go down well with the club's fans but Marotta says he never had any doubts about appointing Allegri.
"After what Conte did here the scepticism over Allegri was understandable,” he conceded."When replacing a coach who has won three successive Scudetti and set so many records the backlash can be negative.
"This is because the coach is the leader of the group, but I believe also that behind the coach and the team there has to be a strong club with the right to support the role of the coach."We have to give great credit to Allegri - he did well at Milan and was not an unknown when he arrived.
"He won the Scudetto in his first year, he is a winner and when we gave him the squad we did it responsibly, knowing that he had the right attributes to coach Juventus."
Tevez overlooked again by Argentina
Argentina boss Gerardo Martino has once again resisted the temptation to recall in-form forward Carlos Tevez.The Juventus star was ostracised under previous coach Alejandro Sabella, who repeatedly resisted calls to include the forward in his squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, and he was also excluded from Martino's first squad, for last month's friendly against Germany.
It was thought that Tevez might earn a recall in light of his impressive performances so far this season, with the 30-year-old having hit three goals in his last three games, including the winner in Sunday's 1-0 win over AC Milan at San Siro - but he has been omitted from the 19-man panel to face Brazil on October 11 and Hong Kong three days later.
However, while Tevez remains in international exile, where he has resided since 2011, his Juventus team-mate Roberto Pereya has been included, while there is also a recall for Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Javier Pastore.Captain Lionel Messi returns after missing the 4-2 win over Germany through injury, as does Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio.
Argentina Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero, Nahuel Guzman.
Defenders: Marcos Rojo, Federico Fernandez, Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, Mateo Musacchio, Santiago Vergini.
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia, Javier Pastore, Roberto Pereyra, Angel Di Maria, Erik Lamela, Enzo Perez, Nicolas Gaitan.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero.
Argentina boss Gerardo Martino has once again resisted the temptation to recall in-form forward Carlos Tevez.The Juventus star was ostracised under previous coach Alejandro Sabella, who repeatedly resisted calls to include the forward in his squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, and he was also excluded from Martino's first squad, for last month's friendly against Germany.
It was thought that Tevez might earn a recall in light of his impressive performances so far this season, with the 30-year-old having hit three goals in his last three games, including the winner in Sunday's 1-0 win over AC Milan at San Siro - but he has been omitted from the 19-man panel to face Brazil on October 11 and Hong Kong three days later.
However, while Tevez remains in international exile, where he has resided since 2011, his Juventus team-mate Roberto Pereya has been included, while there is also a recall for Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Javier Pastore.Captain Lionel Messi returns after missing the 4-2 win over Germany through injury, as does Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio.
Argentina Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero, Nahuel Guzman.
Defenders: Marcos Rojo, Federico Fernandez, Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, Mateo Musacchio, Santiago Vergini.
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia, Javier Pastore, Roberto Pereyra, Angel Di Maria, Erik Lamela, Enzo Perez, Nicolas Gaitan.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero.
Top form inna attacker kenek neh.
Liverpool must cut out mistakes, says Rodgers
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers expects his players to put their poor start to the season behind them in their League Cup clash with Middlesbrough.
The Reds came agonisingly close to a first Premier League title since 1990 in May but were just pipped at the post by Manchester City and, following the sale of star striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona, have struggled to reproduce their best form in the early weeks of 2014-15, losing three of their first five fixtures.
Tuesday's third-round tie at Anfield represents a chance for Rodgers's men to pick up a much-needed win and regain some confidence, with the Northern Irishman searching for an improved display from the one seen in Saturday's 3-1 reverse at West Ham.
"We've made mistakes in games and we need to cut those out," he told a press conference on Monday. "We just have to go back to working and moving the ball but on top of that we need to be more aggressive with our defending.
"As a team we need to be better. We started poorly at the weekend and you see [in] the results [that] there is no easy game at this level. You will be tested physically and mentally at this level and you have to be ready to fight that.
"It is a long campaign and we have a lot of games. We haven't made a great start by any means but we'll improve.
"We need to concentrate on the game [against Middlesbrough] because we need to get through. We want to win a trophy this season, I've said that before and this competition is an opportunity to do that."
Rodgers confirmed that Rickie Lambert will make his first competitive start since joining from Southampton in the close-season but Jordan Henderson (hip) and Philippe Coutinho (groin) are unlikely to feature, with the Liverpool manager set to give some of the club's academy players a chance to shine.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers expects his players to put their poor start to the season behind them in their League Cup clash with Middlesbrough.
The Reds came agonisingly close to a first Premier League title since 1990 in May but were just pipped at the post by Manchester City and, following the sale of star striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona, have struggled to reproduce their best form in the early weeks of 2014-15, losing three of their first five fixtures.
Tuesday's third-round tie at Anfield represents a chance for Rodgers's men to pick up a much-needed win and regain some confidence, with the Northern Irishman searching for an improved display from the one seen in Saturday's 3-1 reverse at West Ham.
"We've made mistakes in games and we need to cut those out," he told a press conference on Monday. "We just have to go back to working and moving the ball but on top of that we need to be more aggressive with our defending.
"As a team we need to be better. We started poorly at the weekend and you see [in] the results [that] there is no easy game at this level. You will be tested physically and mentally at this level and you have to be ready to fight that.
"It is a long campaign and we have a lot of games. We haven't made a great start by any means but we'll improve.
"We need to concentrate on the game [against Middlesbrough] because we need to get through. We want to win a trophy this season, I've said that before and this competition is an opportunity to do that."
Rodgers confirmed that Rickie Lambert will make his first competitive start since joining from Southampton in the close-season but Jordan Henderson (hip) and Philippe Coutinho (groin) are unlikely to feature, with the Liverpool manager set to give some of the club's academy players a chance to shine.
AC Milan have the best attack in Serie A - Inzaghi
Filippo Inzaghi believes AC Milan possess the best attack in Serie A due to the number of quality strikers at his disposal.The Rossoneri coach suffered his first defeat at the helm on Saturday as his side went down 1-0 at home to Juventus, but he was quick to talk up his attacking options.
"I have seven strikers so am spoiled for choice. We have the best attack in the league using the arrows we have in our bow," Inzaghi said in a press conference on Monday."I [also] have several solutions in the middle. Clearly a player like [Riccardo] Montolivo [who is recovering from a broken leg] is not easily replaced, but [loan signing Marco] Van Ginkel seems like a quality player and plays well."
But Inzaghi - whose men travel to Empoli on Tuesday before Sunday's trip to Cesena - believes he has the strength in depth to deal with a hectic run of fixtures.
"It is not easy to play three games in a week. We spent a lot of energy against Juve," he said."We need balance. Tomorrow [Tuesday] I will check the recovery of the survivors of Juventus. Maybe some fresh players will do us good"
Inzaghi was delighted to see the club's fans pack San Siro against Juve last weekend and hopes to lead the club to success to reward their loyalty."The greatest achievement was the 80,000 on Saturday night," he added. "Their support is the card that we carry in our hearts for the next game.
"Milan are coming from difficult years, but I'm happy because I saw them starting [to come back] thanks to our spirit and our will to fight. "I am confident that this team will give joy to the fans slowly."
Filippo Inzaghi believes AC Milan possess the best attack in Serie A due to the number of quality strikers at his disposal.The Rossoneri coach suffered his first defeat at the helm on Saturday as his side went down 1-0 at home to Juventus, but he was quick to talk up his attacking options.
"I have seven strikers so am spoiled for choice. We have the best attack in the league using the arrows we have in our bow," Inzaghi said in a press conference on Monday."I [also] have several solutions in the middle. Clearly a player like [Riccardo] Montolivo [who is recovering from a broken leg] is not easily replaced, but [loan signing Marco] Van Ginkel seems like a quality player and plays well."
But Inzaghi - whose men travel to Empoli on Tuesday before Sunday's trip to Cesena - believes he has the strength in depth to deal with a hectic run of fixtures.
"It is not easy to play three games in a week. We spent a lot of energy against Juve," he said."We need balance. Tomorrow [Tuesday] I will check the recovery of the survivors of Juventus. Maybe some fresh players will do us good"
Inzaghi was delighted to see the club's fans pack San Siro against Juve last weekend and hopes to lead the club to success to reward their loyalty."The greatest achievement was the 80,000 on Saturday night," he added. "Their support is the card that we carry in our hearts for the next game.
"Milan are coming from difficult years, but I'm happy because I saw them starting [to come back] thanks to our spirit and our will to fight. "I am confident that this team will give joy to the fans slowly."
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