..::Football IV::..

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Bale will be 'devastated' after latest injury, says Coleman


Real Madrid star Gareth Bale will be "devastated" by his latest injury setback, according to Wales manager Chris Coleman.Bale, 28, is set to miss another month after confirmation of a strained adductor muscle.

The star attacker has played just nine games in all competitions this season, with the last of those coming in September.

Coleman said he was unsure about the severity of Bale's latest setback, but he knows the Wales international will be shattered."I don't know the full extent of it.He'll be devastated," he told U.K. newspapers."We haven't had dialogue with Real Madrid, but we'll speak with Gareth in the next few days and find out exactly what it is. It's bad luck, bad news, and he'll be gutted.

"The harder you try to get back you get a setback and sometimes you have to go through that."He'll get over [it] and he'll be back. He just needs to get settled again and get his fitness. He needs to take his time and not rush himself back."

Coleman has no plans to change the way he uses Bale for Wales, saying he would be picked to play as long as he was fit for Madrid. Wales, who missed out on qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, will play in the China Cup – alongside the hosts, Uruguay and the Czech Republic – in March next year.

"It all depends on his fitness whether he'll travel. Hopefully he gets back before Christmas or just after and then we've got two or three months before the China Cup," Coleman said."We expect all our players if they are fit to play for their club then they are fit to play for us.

"We never take risks, we've never done that and I don't see that changing in the future. If he's fit for Madrid then obviously he's fit for us."

 

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He feels good here – Mbappe adamant Neymar is happy at PSG


Kylian Mbappe is adamant that Neymar is happy at Paris Saint-Germain following rumours suggesting he has fallen out with coach Unai Emery and several members of the squad.

Reports in France have claimed that the relationship between Neymar and Emery has already become fraught, just three months after the Brazilian's world-record €222million move from Barcelona.

It has also been said that several members of PSG's first-team squad have become frustrated with the special privileges afforded to him, with Neymar reported to have two dedicated physiotherapists and exempt from defensive duties.

Neymar addressed the rumours himself on Friday, insisting that he is happy and Mbappe believes the same, while also revealing how much of an influence the Brazil star has had on him since joining from Monaco in August."He facilitated my integration, took me under his wing," Mbappe told PSG's official website. "With me, he behaves like a big brother.

"Having a player like him who helps you every day is really good. He is a great player. We are very happy to have him with us. He feels good here and will achieve great things."Edinson Cavani is one of the players reported to be unimpressed with Neymar's privileges at the club, with the pair involved in a rather public spat over who should take a penalty against Lyon in September.

But Mbappe is a big fan of the Uruguayan, whom he believes is the "perfect" type of striker for himself and Neymar to play alongside.Mbappe said: "[Cavani is] superb. I think he's the perfect player for profiles like Neymar and me.

"He is very available, very mobile, and has an extraordinary finishing quality. He is a born striker."He is now very close to breaking the club's record of goals. We will do everything so that he can reach it as soon as possible."He is a good person and a very great professional. He is one of the best attackers in the world."

 

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Aguero-Messi relationship a highlight for Sampaoli


The relationship between Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi was a highlight of Argentina's 1-0 victory over Russia for coach Jorge Sampaoli.Aguero made his first Argentina start since Sampaoli replaced Edgardo Bauza and took full advantage by ending an international barren run that stretched back to June 2016.

Messi, who played in behind Aguero, released debutant Cristian Pavon and the Boca Juniors forward's cross was converted at the second time of asking by the Manchester City striker.

"This is what we are looking for," Sampaoli told a post-match news conference at the Luzhniki Stadium, newly refurbished ahead of next year's World Cup."There was more vertical play with [Alejandro] 'Papu' Gomez next to [Angel] Di Maria, interesting movements between Aguero and Messi, many movements on the wings."

Aguero joined Hernan Crespo in third on the list of Argentina's all-time highest goalscorers with his effort, and Sampaoli was impressed with what he saw."He read and understood the match very well in a few places," said the former Sevilla boss.

"He had a couple of shots in the first half and another three in the second, one of which was a goal."Argentina struggled to break down a Russia side that pressed high and allowed them to control possession, but the coach took some positives ahead of Tuesday's clash with Nigeria in Krasnodar – a match they will play without Messi."There were several aspects to highlight. We passed well on the opponent's pitch, the opponent had practically no chances to score," he added.

"We miss the chances we had, but we dominated."It is a step forward. We trust in the formation and in the attitude against a compact opponent."We have to continue on this path."

 

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Mourinho was more than a father to me - Julio Cesar


Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was "more than a father" to Julio Cesar during his time at Inter, the goalkeeper says.The former Brazil shot-stopper was a key part of Mourinho's side that won the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia in 2009-10 before the coach departed for Real Madrid.

And Julio Cesar says the current Old Trafford boss's "heroic" achievements at San Siro mean his place in hearts of Nerazzurri fans is secure."Mourinho was more than a father to me when I was at Inter," the 38-year-old told ESPN.

"In only two years, Mourinho and his staff helped win everything. Inter contracted Mourinho to win the Champions League. Inter had success in that period winning Serie A, but the Champions League was different. The club had not won it for 42 years. Within two years, Mourinho had won it. It was a heroic win.

"That Inter team and Mourinho will be in the hearts of Inter supporters forever."
Although the veteran keeper is still playing at Benfica, his career with Brazil's national team came to an end in 2014 after they suffered a 7-1 defeat to Germany on home soil in the World Cup semi-finals.

Cesar is sure he will never be able to live the defeat down, and believes it all came down to a crucial 15-minute period."Unfortunately, I'll have to reply to this question for the whole of my life," he added. "It's a situation that, until now, the people who played could not find an answer to what happened.

"We met a very strong team who had been prepared since 2006 to win this World Cup in 2014. Germany had been building this team for a long time, their coach explained that. I respected this Germany team a lot. They were very well organised and every player contributed to making them a great team.

"We lost our concentration for 10 or 15 minutes. In that short time we were penalised by the team who would win the World Cup."This year, Brazil finished top of South American qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and Cesar believes the Selecao have a bright future under current coach Tite."He's given an identity to Brazil. After the World Cup in 2014, Brazil need to find its way again; Tite understood this," he said.
"He worked hard, got Brazil playing well. We were very strong in the qualifying group; a very tough qualifying group. Losing only one game from 18 when you play all those really strong countries is fantastic. Every other team lost at least four games and this Brazil team is respected around the world."

 

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'I was born for this' - Lukaku proud of matching Belgium goalscoring record


A confident Romelu Lukaku has said he was "born for this" after a pair of goals in Belgium's draw with Mexico moved him level with the country's all-time leading goalscorers.

Manchester United striker Lukaku scored twice as Roberto Martinez's side were held 3-3 in Friday's friendly, his second salvaging the draw after Hirving Lozano's four-minute double put Mexico ahead.

The 24-year-old is now level with Paul Van Himst and Bernard Voorhoof on 30 goals for Belgium and can set a new benchmark by converting against Japan on Tuesday."I was born for this," Lukaku is quoted as saying by Het Laatse Nieuws. "I just want to score as many goals as possible.

"I'm glad I matched the record. I knew I'd do it. I want to break the record before 2018."But I really hope that this generation wins something. I want to get a trophy for this country."

He added to La Une: "It's a dream, even if I'm a little disappointed with the result. For our fans, we should have done everything to win this game, but the Mexicans were effective. "Paul Van Himst was someone who helped me a lot at Anderlecht. To equal his record, it is a source of pride. He remains the best Belgian player of all time and I have a lot respect for him.

"I always have confident in my ability. When you work hard it is rewarded, but the most important thing, as I always say, is the team."

 

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'Martial one of the best I have ever seen' - Pogba piles praise on Man Utd colleague


Anthony Martial is “one of the best players” Manchester United and France colleague Paul Pogba has ever seen.The 21-year-old forward has been a key figure for the Red Devils this season despite seeing limited starts.

His impact from off the bench has helped to keep Jose Mourinho’s side in Premier League title contention, with six goals netted in all competitions.Martial has also earned an international recall on the back of his exploits, with Pogba convinced that there is still more to come from a player he holds in the highest regard.

The United midfielder, who is nursing his way back from a hamstring injury, told MUTV: "I am sure as he is very good and had a great pre-season. Even during the start of the season, he helped the team a lot. "Anthony is a big, big, big talent. He’s a talented player – one of the best players I have ever seen or trained with.“He is still young and is going to improve. He will improve a lot and you are going to see even more of Anthony, I’m sure."

Martial joined United from Monaco in the summer of 2015 in a deal which could be worth up to £58 million.He has made 107 appearances for the club to date, scoring 31 goals.

Mourinho’s desire to use him more as an impact player in 2017-18 has been accepted by the jet-heeled frontman, but he has also expressed a desire to take in more starts.He told SFR Sport ahead of the current international break: "It's easier to start the game.

"When you come off the bench, the other players are warmed up, they're totally in the game, and you have to get into it straight away."I prefer to start the game, I have more time to get myself into the game."I have faith in my qualities, and I think the manager has confidence in me, too, so it's up to me to continue putting in good performances, and if I do that, I think I'll play a bit more."

 

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"Anthony is a big, big, big talent. He’s a talented player – one of the best players I have ever seen or trained with.“He is still young and is going to improve. He will improve a lot and you are going to see even more of Anthony, I’m sure."

 

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'Barcelona will always be my home' - Thiago hints at Camp Nou return


Thiago Alcantara has refused to rule out a return "home" to Barcelona at some stage in his career, although the midfielder insists he is happy at Bayern Munich.Born in Italy to Brazilian parents, Thiago joined Barcelona at the age of 14, progressing through the club's famed youth ranks to make his first-team debut in 2009.

However, the 26-year-old left just four years later, moving to Germany to team up again with former Barca head coach Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena.

While Guardiola has since moved on to Manchester City, Thiago remains a key cog in the Bundesliga giants' engine room and he sees no reason to leave."Barcelona will always be my home, not just because I love the club, but also the city," Thiago told Catalunya Radio.

"I will always look at it with affection. You never know if I will return because I am really happy at Bayern, but football changes a lot. Anything can happen."The Spain international showed his commitment to Bayern earlier this year, signing a two-year contract extension that will keep him at his current employers until June 2021.

"I renewed [my deal] last year with the intention of staying for more years," he added."But as the seasons pass, you can become more or less comfortable. The club could be going one way, my ideas could be [taking me] in another direction.

"Whether you're playing or not can change your ideas. I'm very happy here now, thinking about the season ahead. The season's so long, you can only think about [the current season]."

 

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Werner can definitely be one of the world's best - RB Leipzig team-mate Upamecano


RB Leipzig star Timo Werner has the potential to become one of the world's best strikers, according to his team-mate Dayot Upamecano.Having signed from relegated Stuttgart ahead of last season, Werner went on to score 21 Bundesliga goals for promoted Leipzig, as they stunned the league and finished second only to Bayern Munich.

His impressive form at club level earned Werner his first Germany call-up in March and he has since gone on to make himself something of a mainstay, scoring three times in four appearances to help Die Mannschaft secure the Confederations Cup earlier this year.

Only 21, Werner already looks a certainty to go to the 2018 World Cup having started the Bundesliga season with six goals in nine appearances and Upamecano, who joined from sister club Red Bull Salzburg in January, believes the sky is the limit for the striker.

Speaking the Bundesliga's website, the 19-year-old Frenchman said: "I'm happy we're on the same team because he's difficult for opposition players to stop."His pace, his exceptional technique and finishing – he's a class striker. He definitely has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world."

Upamecano has continued to look a promising prospect following his move from Austria, even though he initially found the adaptation quite difficult.

But in Ralph Hasenhuttl, he has a coach who is willing to trust in his abilities and Upamecano says he is now working to repay that faith."It wasn't easy for me at Leipzig to begin with," he said. "Being in a new club, in a new environment, at such a young age.

"But I always gave everything in training and the coach soon put his trust in me. I've tried to repay it. As a coach, he's tactically very astute and trusts young players."

 

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Buffon tells Italy fans to forget 'club colours' before vital qualifier


Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon wants fans to leave their "club colours" at home as Gian Piero Ventura's men attempt to overturn a first-leg defeat to Sweden and qualify for the World Cup.

Jakob Johansson's solitary goal in Solna on Friday gave Sweden the upper-hand in their play-off, setting alarm bells off in Italian football.That result left the Azzurri on the brink of failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958, coincidentally when it was held in Sweden.

Ventura has come under significant pressure as a result and is likely to lose his job should Italy fail to overturn the 1-0 deficit, but Buffon believes their support could give them the advantage and called for them to forget their club allegiances when they head to San Siro on Monday.

The goalkeeper told a news conference: "It's a crucial game for us, for the whole country and for the whole history of our national team as well. "In my career, I already faced moments like this one, sometimes it went good, sometimes it went bad.

"But it won't change anything about my relationship with the Italian national team. There's no room left for words and wishes."It's time to get something on the pitch. I hope the supporters will help us, not having a too negative approach towards us from the beginning.

"I hope there won't be Juventus, Inter or AC Milan supporters, but just and only Italy supporters. I'd like to see those who attend take off their club colours."Ventura was not surprised by the situation Italy find themselves in with respect to finishing with a play-off spot, admitting that he accepted as soon as the draw for the group stage was made that Spain were going to finish top.

He said: "When I took the job I was exactly expecting this scenario; we were aware that Spain could have been stronger than us, we then targeted to be among the four best second teams, and that's exactly what we achieved."

 

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Man Utd want me, confirms Argentine defender Enzo Diaz


Manchester United have shown an interest in Argentine left-back Enzo Diaz, the player says, and he has a "dream" of representing Jose Mourinho's side.The 21-year-old plays in the second tier in his homeland with Agropecuario, having broken into the first team this season.

After just six league appearances, the full-back, who can also play in the centre, has attracted interest from abroad and says that the Premier League side are already tracking him."I found out about it on Saturday morning, but later I did not talk to anyone other than my agent," he told Ataque Futbolero.

"My agent told me that they were delighted and they were going to see me in a couple more games."It is the dream of any footballer [to play for Manchester United].

"However, I need to remain focused on what we are doing and enjoying this moment." United have been linked with a hunt for a new left full-back with Ashley Young playing in the role under Mourinho this season, while Luke Shaw has been limited to just two senior appearances for the Old Trafford side.

 

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Real Madrid star Isco one of world's best, says Spain boss Lopetegui


Spain head coach Julen Lopetegui believes Isco is already among the world's best players as he lauded the Real Madrid midfielder.The 25-year-old produced a fine display in a 5-0 friendly win over Costa Rica on Saturday before coming off with an injury in the second half.

Lopetegui was delighted with what he saw from the Madrid star, and believes there is even better to come."Isco is a player that is already settled in football's elite," he told a news conference. "I say he's settled because he's really constant at a maximum level and that's really hard to achieve."He made it thanks to his enormous quality but, not only that, also thanks to his great state of mind that made him a great player. That's why he's settled at that level.

"As he said yesterday at the press conference, the best of Isco is yet to come, I have no doubt about it. He has the ambition, the attitude, the quality and the mentality for that."

Isco has already played a starring role for Madrid this season, contributing four goals and three assists in 11 LaLiga games. While his injury against Costa Rica may worry Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, Lopetegui played down the severity.

"Isco has a contusion, he already had it after the match against Girona [for Madrid on October 29]," he said."It's just a contusion, nothing else. We will evaluate his state [on Sunday] and take a decision about him for the next match, but it's nothing to worry about – just a heavy contusion."

Spain face Russia in a friendly on Tuesday, while Madrid have a derby clash against Atletico four days later.

 

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Moyes assures Hernandez of his place at West Ham


David Moyes has assured Javier Hernandez of his importance at West Ham following his appointment as manager.

The pair worked together whilst at Manchester United though the Mexico international was unfancied for much of Moyes' time in charge at Old Trafford.

Hernandez, who has already played more first-team football this season than he did under Moyes in Manchester, again finds himself working under the Scot ahead of a World Cup campaign.But the Hammers boss has moved to reassure Hernandez of his place in his side.“He’s a top goalscorer, a brilliant finisher,”Moyes told the Guardian.

“It was difficult for him at United because I had Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Shinji Kagawa, so there was lots of competition. But he’ll be treated the same here – if he’s playing well and scoring, no problems. "If he’s not, it will be the same as the rest.”

West Ham have won just two of their 11 Premier League games this season and find themselves in the bottom three in the rankings.

Their early-season form saw Slaven Bilic lose his job as manager, with Moyes appointed as his successor, and the former United boss has demanded a reaction from his inherited squad.Moyes added: “They need to be there to say: ‘Yeah, we know what we’re doing.’ Ultimately you organise them, do the work during the week, but then there is a responsibility.

"That’s why the players are paid very good wages: they can’t be looking round and saying: ‘We want the manager to tell us what to do.’ They have to have a bit of responsibility themselves.”

 

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'Impossible' - Heynckes rubbishes talk of him signing Bayern Munich contract extension


Jupp Heynckes has labelled talk of him extending his contract with Bayern Munich as "impossible".Heynckes has revitalised Bayern since taking over from Carlo Ancelotti until the end of the season in October, winning all seven of his games so far.

Bayern are four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga following their 3-1 win away to rivals Borussia Dortmund last time out, while qualification to the Champions League last 16 has also been secured.But asked about the possibility of staying at Allianz Arena long term, Heynckes told Welt am Sonntag: "No, that's impossible."

However, Heynckes, in his fourth spell with the club, will offer his opinion over what Bayern should do in the transfer market.And he believes Bayern should look to extend the contract of 33-year-old winger Arjen Robben, which expires at the end of the season.

"Of course, I will say what I would do, and I also believe that the people in charge value my opinion," Heynckes added."Arjen is having fun playing football again, and for me he is now better than ever at 33.

"He is a great role model for young players who want to make a career, because many have talent, but do not know how to behave professionally."Arjen does not have to say that he should do the exercises at 100 per cent, he does it anyway, you have to slow him down more.

"He is unique, he does everything for his job. Arjen does not need to play anymore to make money, he plays because he enjoys it."

 

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Isco doubtful for Madrid derby after withdrawing from Spain squad


Real Madrid attacker Isco has withdrawn from the Spain squad after suffering a thigh injury in the 5-0 win over Costa Rica, and is a doubt for this weekend's Madrid derby.

The 25-year-old was forced off after just 65 minutes of the victory, and now will play no part in the upcoming friendly encounter with World Cup hosts Russia. He signalled to the bench to be taken off after colliding with Kendall Watson, and was replaced by Marco Asensio.

Isco has left the Spain training camp and will not travel to St Petersburg with the rest of the squad, instead returning to Madrid where he will be treated by the club's medical team.

Zinedine Zidane's side face Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday November 18, with Real hoping to close the gap on current Liga leaders Barcelona. Both Madrid clubs currently sit on 23 points, while Barca lead the way with 31 after 11 games of the new season.After the friendly win over Costa Rica, Spain team-mate Alvaro Morata said he hoped that the injury would not keep Isco sidelined for long, and is eager to see him back in action quickly.

"It was a little thing," Morata is quoted as saying by AS . "Isco's leg had a knock, so let's hope he's well as soon as possible."Isco is a real phenomenon. This is his home, his land and as long as he is happy, we are happy."

Isco has played 11 Liga games so far this season, scoring four times for Los Blancos.

 

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Simeone is 'untouchable' at Atletico Madrid, insists club president Cerezo


Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has reaffirmed his total support for Diego Simeone, insisting the Argentine coach is "untouchable" at the club.

While still unbeaten in La Liga ahead of the Madrid derby on November 18, Simeone's Atletico have struggled to score goals in a season that has been dominated by disappointing draws.

Atletico have found the net just 16 times in 11 league games so far, while their failure to beat Qarabag in back-to-back Champions League meetings leaves the 2016 finalists in serious danger of missing out on the knockout stages of the competition.

Yet Simeone - who was recently linked with the vacant job at Premier League club Everton - continues to have the complete backing of everyone at the club, according to Cerezo.

"I want to say this in a loud voice: Simeone is untouchable at Atletico Madrid, for the players, for the directors and for the supporters," Cerezo announced in an interview with Marca."Having doubts about Cholo Simeone is not allowed here."

Simeone could have a possible solution to his side's scoring problems arriving soon, as former striker Diego Costa will begin his second spell with the club in January.The arrival of winger Vitolo - who agreed a five-year deal to join from Sevilla in July but was loaned to Las Palmas in the first half of the season due to Atleti's transfer ban - should also help ease the burden on Antoine Griezmann.

"This season we were unable to make signings. We have great players and many of those we wanted to sign are performing at a great level in important European leagues," Cerezo said.

"Fortunately, the two who had to be announced will arrive in January and with them we'll have a great second half to the season, with some phenomenal conditions."While Costa and Vitolo will be coming in, Cerezo admits it is likely there will be departures in the next transfer window to trim down the first-team squad.

"There will be some because there has to be. It'll be good for the player because he wouldn't be playing much and it'll be fantastic for the club because others will come in," he added.

 

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Italy 0 Sweden 0 (0-1 agg): Ventura on the brink as Azzurri miss first World Cup in 60 years

Italy will miss out on the World Cup for the first time in 60 years as Sweden secured a precious goalless draw that punched their ticket to Russia thanks to a 1-0 aggregate win.

Not since the 1958 tournament, coincidentally held in Sweden, have the Azzurri not been at football's showpiece event, but defeat in Solna in the first leg proved their undoing and surely signals the end of Gian Piero Ventura's disappointing reign as coach.

It was a far more industrious effort from the four-time world champions at San Siro than the drab effort produced in the first leg, and visiting goalkeeper Robin Olsen was at his best to keep Italy at bay at the end of a busy first half.



But there was no way past Sweden's stoic defence, which held firm to help book the nation's first World Cup appearance since 2006, and – for all of Italy's dominance of possession – the aggregate result could have been more convincing with the visitors denied two decent penalty shouts.

The inquest now begins for Ventura - with reports suggesting he was under pressure even if Italy had qualified - and his decision to once again omit Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne from the starting XI will be one of several tactical decisions to face severe scrutiny.

Just 16 months ago, the Azzurri were only knocked out of Euro 2016 via a quarter-final penalty shootout defeat to Germany, but the upward trajectory started by Antonio Conte has not continued under Ventura, whose position appears untenable.


Ventura will have been encouraged early on as Italy dictated the tempo and Marco Parolo saw penalty claims waved away by referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz following a trip by Ludwig Augustinsson.

At the other end, Sweden had a more legitimate shout dismissed when Matteo Darmian seemingly handled as Marcus Berg tried to squirm his way through the home defence.Jorginho, making his competitive debut for Italy, slipped in Ciro Immobile, but the angle escaped the striker who fired into the side-netting.

Sweden then lost first-leg scorer Johansson to a serious-looking knee injury, and their misery would have worsened had Antonio Candreva not lashed over from Immobile's pass that was allowed to travel across the face of goal.

There was another moment of contention for Lahoz to deal with when Emil Forsberg appealed for handball against Andrea Barzagli – his fervent remonstration earning a yellow card.

Italy cranked up the pressure as the half neared an end and Robin Olsen got a crucial touch as Immobile raced onto Jorginho's throughball, before the visiting goalkeeper then made another smart stop to deny Alessandro Florenzi.The pressure continued after the restart and Lahoz questionably penalised Darmian for handball when the wing-back was kicked in the check by Mikael Lustig in the area.

Darmian was involved in Italy's next attack, providing the cross from which Florenzi's acrobatic effort from just inside the box went agonisingly wide of the right post.

Still Italy pressed and Immobile could only shoot wide with a side-foot volley from Candreva's right-wing centre, before Olsen had to tip over when Florenzi's deflected cross almost looped in.With three minutes remaining, Italy poured bodies forward and Stephan El Shaarawy's expert volley drew a fine stop from Olsen, and Parolo nodded wide from an inviting position shortly after.



But there was to be no late drama in Milan, as Ventura and his side were left to deal with the embarrassment of their World Cup failure.

 

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Italy fail to reach World Cup for first time in 60 years as Sweden qualify

For the first time since 1958, Italy won't be participating in a World Cup.

Italy played to a 0-0 draw with Sweden in a World Cup qualifying play-off second leg on Monday, falling 1-0 on aggregate to miss out on Russia 2018.Gian Piero Ventura's men were beaten 1-0 in Stockholm in the first leg on Friday, and were unable to overcome that deficit at the San Siro in Milan.

The shocking setback marks the end of an era for the Azzurri, with the World Cup-winning trio of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, defender Andrea Barzagli and midfielder Daniele De Rossi announcing their retirement post-game.Italy found themselves asking for a penalty early, with referee Antonio Miguel Mateu waving away Marco Parolo's claims of a trip from Ludwig Augustinsson.

The penalty appeals continued at the other end, with Matteo Darmian and Andrea Barzagli both committing possible handball offences in the box without drawing a whistle from Mateu.Italy piled on the pressure in the second half in search of the goal that would send the tie to extra-time, with Stephan El Shaarawy's fierce volley forcing a late save from Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

But that dramatic equaliser never came — even as Buffon joined the Italy attack on a pair of late set-pieces — with the Swedes rushing the pitch at the final whistle to celebrate their ticket to Russia.

The Azzurri are one of the most successful teams at the World Cup, lifting the trophy in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006, but now they won't even get the chance to participate in the tournament next summer.

Ventura will now almost certainly lose his job after he took over for Antonio Conte following Italy's successful Euro 2016 run, when they fell on penalties to Germany in the quarter-finals, though he declined to announce his resignation during his post-game news conference on Monday.

Despite going out in the Euro quarter-finals, Conte was considered to have overachieved with that Italy side, who were short on talent in comparison to Azzurri teams of the past. But Ventura failed to achieve what his predecessor had during his year-and-a-half in charge, with Italy regressing in a World Cup qualifying campaign that counted a 1-1 home draw to Macedonia last month among its more disappointing results.

Ventura could only lead Italy to a second-place finish in UEFA World Cup qualifying Group G, finishing five points behind group winners Spain and setting up a play-off with the Swedes to reach Russia.

 

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Wei kiyala hithuwema nathi deyakne wela thiyenne60 years walata passe Italy World cup ekak miss wenne​

 

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Poland 0 Mexico 1: Hosts struggle again as Lewandowski sits out

Poland fired a second successive blank in the absence of captain Robert Lewandowski as Mexico eased to a 1-0 friendly win in Gdansk on Monday.

Adam Nawalka's men piled on 13 goals over their final three World Cup qualifying matches but, with Lewandowski resting an injured thigh, were held to a 0-0 home draw by Uruguay on Friday.

And further questions over the team's attacking depth were raised by a second toothless display.Raul Jimenez's 13th minute goal proved the difference in a muted affair as both managers looked to experiment with their options for the World Cup.

Poland had caught the eye in collecting eight wins from 10 in qualifying, but it was El Tri who finished the international window the happier of the two teams as they registered a first clean sheet in five matches.


Match-winner Jimenez spurned an early chance to open the scoring when he headed straight at Wojciech Szczesny from Jonathan dos Santos' cross, but the striker made no mistake with his next opportunity. Javier Aquino's dribble into the area ricocheted off a defender and broke kindly for the Benfica man, who lashed a thumping first-time strike into the top left corner.



Poland saw a goalmouth scramble come to nothing on 20 minutes and were forced to wait until after the half-hour to create a clear sight on goal, only for Piotr Zielinski to spray his half-volley harmlessly over the bar.Jesus Corona was finally forced into his first real save shortly before the hour as Maciej Rybus attempted to sneak a low finish inside the near post.

But it was Mexico who came closest to a second as substitute Oribe Peralta twice tried his luck, the misses ultimately mattering little in a comfortable victory for the visitors.