..::Football IV::..

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Fulham 0 Crystal Palace 2: Schlupp, Zaha sink promoted hosts


Jeffrey Schlupp and Wilfried Zaha made the difference as Crystal Palace secured a 2-0 win in their opening Premier League game of the season, defeating promoted Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The much-changed hosts showed plenty to encourage supporters after a busy transfer window, but Palace dug deep and did enough to win the first London derby of the 2018-19 season.

Fulham controlled large parts of the match and crafted several chances in the first half, though they were not as clinical as their visitors, who broke the deadlock in the 41st minute through Schlupp.




And, while the home side might argue they should have been given a second-half penalty, Palace produced a professional display to begin the season in victorious fashion, finishing Fulham off 10 minutes from time.


Slavisa Jokanovic named seven new signings in his starting XI, but Fulham certainly did not suffer from a lack of coherence, taking control early and nearly going ahead in the fourth minute when Wayne Hennessey tipped Cyrus Christie's effort around the post.

The Welsh goalkeeper had to be alert again nine minutes later, making an even better save as Aleksandar Mitrovic received Andre Schurrle's cut-back and fired goalwards.

But Palace weathered the storm and took the lead just before the break – Schlupp blasting past Fabri at his near post after being released into the left side of the area.
Fulham remained in charge after the break and had a penalty shout turned down in the 60th minute, Mamadou Sakho escaping punishment despite appearing to trip Schurrle in the box.

And Palace capitalised on that let-off in the 80th minute - Zaha racing on to Aaron Wan-Bissaka's clever throughball, skipping past Fabri and rolling the ball into the net to wrap things up for Roy Hodgson.

 

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Huddersfield Town 0 Chelsea 3: Jorginho helps get Sarri off the mark

Jorginho marked his Premier League debut with a goal as Chelsea kicked off their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium.

Italy international Jorginho passed home a fearless penalty in the 45th minute as Maurizio Sarri earned his first competitive win at the helm after his team went down to Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend, while fellow debutant and the world's most expensive goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga started with a clean sheet.

Jorginho, who followed Sarri's path from Napoli for a reported £50million, added to the opener from World Cup-winning midfielder N'Golo Kante, who returned as one of three changes to the team that lost to City.




Huddersfield struggled to test Kepa in his first outing since joining from Athletic Bilbao for £72m as Chelsea dominated the second period, with Pedro adding the gloss after a brilliant counter-attack launched by substitute Eden Hazard.

Chelsea were lacking dynamism and conviction as Huddersfield sat deep and proved difficult to break down, but Pedro's driving run and pass out to Willian enabled the Brazilian to pick out Kante, who scuffed a left-footed volley into the ground and inside the far post in the 34th minute.

Huddersfield were a persistent threat from crosses into the box and they went close to an equaliser when Steve Mounie headed Mathias Jorgensen's flick-on against the inside of the upright.

But Chelsea again punctuated a strong spell for the hosts with a goal, Jorginho sitting debutant Ben Hamer down with a skip in his run-up for an incredibly cool spot-kick after Christopher Schindler caught Marcos Alonso at the end of a neat move from the Blues.

The Blues were the sole aggressors in the second half and, after Hamer parried a header from Antonio Rudiger behind, Alonso sent an acrobatic effort against the crossbar in the 58th minute.

Hazard came on for Willian for just his second outing since the World Cup and poked a pass through the legs of Terence Kongolo for Pedro to lift Chelsea's third beyond Hamer and round off a routine win.

 

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Watford 2 Brighton & Hove Albion 0: Pereyra at the double to down flawed Seagulls


Roberto Pereyra scored both goals - including a sublime volley - as Watford began the new Premier League season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Vicarage Road.

Javi Gracia's hosts controlled the game throughout to pick up the three points against a travel-sick Brighton side who, despite a busy transfer window, carried little threat in attack to continue a worrying trend on the road.

Pereyra opened the scoring in the 35th minute with the one moment of genuine quality in a first half where Watford huffed and puffed in open play without enjoying too much success.


However, a clever set-piece move saw the hosts deservedly take the lead. Jose Holebas' deep corner picked out his unmarked team-mate on the edge of the penalty area, allowing Pereyra to unleash a volley that goalkeeper Mat Ryan could only palm into the top right corner of his net.


Brighton’s goalkeeper had managed to keep out earlier attempts from strike duo Troy Deeney and Andre Gray, while the visitors barely bothered Ben Foster – making his second debut for Watford over a decade on from a successful two-year loan spell - at the other end before the break.

Holebas' left foot should have led to Watford doubling their lead early in the second half, his sumptuous free-kick from deep carelessly headed over by a diving Christian Kabasele, but they did not have to wait much longer for a second to arrive.

Having helped seize possession high up the field, Pereyra drifted in from the left without ever coming under pressure from a Brighton player, allowing him to curl a right-footed shot beyond Ryan.

Substitute Yves Bissouma fired narrowly wide following his introduction but Chris Hughton's team - who finished 2017-18 with the worst away record in the Premier League - will need to improve on their travels if they are to maintain their top-flight status for a second successive season.

 

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Bournemouth 2 Cardiff City 0: Fraser and Wilson fire Cherries to opening win

Bournemouth held off a plucky Cardiff City to open the new Premier League campaign with a 2-0 home win thanks to goals from Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson.

Fraser's close-range finish midway through the first half and Wilson's stoppage-time effort proved the difference as Eddie Howe's men ended a run of three opening weekend defeats.

Wilson, scorer of eight league goals last term, had an earlier chance to put the result beyond doubt before half-time, but his spot-kick was well saved by Neil Etheridge, the goalkeeper becoming the first player to save a penalty on his Premier League debut since Allan McGregor for Hull City in August 2013.

It was to prove the only real joy for last season's Championship runners-up, though, as a more competitive performance after half-time went unrewarded.
Cardiff's low-key off-season spending has prompted widespread predictions of an immediate return to the Championship and their deficiencies were evident across a one-sided first 45 minutes.

Dominant in possession, Bournemouth turned their superiority into a deserved opener in the 24th minute as Fraser timed his run well to sweep home Wilson's intelligent cut-back.

Wilson should have opened his own account just beyond the half-hour mark, but, having been felled in a tangle with Bruno Ecuele Manga, the striker failed to beat Philippines international Etheridge, who turned the low attempt around his left post.

The visitors were far livelier after the interval and, spared by David Brooks' poor header at one end, almost scrambled in an equaliser with 25 minutes remaining, only for Asmir Begovic to deny Sean Morrison on the line.

Bournemouth eventually reasserted a sense of stability and the second goal came in the 91st minute when Simon Francis bustled his way to the byline and found Wilson for a cool low finish into the bottom far corner.

 

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Newcastle United 1 Tottenham 2: Alli seals win as Kane's August woes go on

Dele Alli got Tottenham off to a winning start in the Premier League as they edged out a spirited Newcastle United 2-1 at St James' Park.Alli showed the aerial prowess that booked a World Cup semi-final spot for England last month as he steered a fine first-half finish across Martin Dubravka.

It concluded a frantic opening to the match, where Joselu's 11th-minute header cancelled out a Jan Vertonghen effort that was shown to be nine millimetres over the line by the Goal Decision System.

Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs were rarely at their fluent best - fatigue possibly a factor for the five World Cup semi-finalists in his starting XI - and Mohamed Diame and new signing Salomon Rondon were denied by post and crossbar as Newcastle chased a second equaliser in vain.

With all eyes on Harry Kane's bid to end his August goal drought that now stands at 14 Premier League matches, it was Tottenham's centre-backs who combined for the game's opening goal.Davinson Sanchez flicked on Christian Eriksen's right-wing corner for Vertonghen to score, despite the best efforts of Dubravka.

The Spurs defence soon had a moment to forget, however, when Joselu pulled around the back of Sanchez to dispatch Matt Ritchie's superb delivery from the right.It was three headed goals in 18 minutes when Serge Aurier picked out Alli at the far post from deep on the right flank.Rafael Benitez's side were almost level in the 48th minute.

Diame was afforded room in the box to clatter a left-footed shot against the upright, while Alli should have done better at the other end when picked out by another delightful Eriksen ball.Kenedy's heavy 51st-minute touch allowed Hugo Lloris to preserve Spurs' lead before opposite number Dubravka showed lightning reactions to deny ex-Newcastle man Moussa Sissoko.

More unconvincing set-piece defending left Lloris thwarting Ayoze Perez at close quarters and Tottenham just about hung on after Vertonghen deflected an effort from substitute Rondon against the crossbar.

 

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Atletico Madrid 0 Inter 1: Martinez stunner secures victory for Nerazzurri


Lautaro Martinez's stunning volley secured Inter a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the final match of the International Champions Cup.

Forward Martinez scored the only goal of the game in the 31st minute against the club he nearly joined last year, acrobatically putting away Kwadwo Asamoah's cross-field ball to stun the home side at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The Argentine forward - signed by Inter from Racing Club in July - also demonstrated his blossoming partnership with Mauro Icardi early in the first half, sending his compatriot through on goal in the 11th minute.Jan Oblak rushed from his line to smother Icardi’s chipped attempt on that occasion, but the Atletico goalkeeper could do little to prevent the game's eye-catching winner just after the half-hour mark.

Allowed to carry the ball down the left flank on the counter, Asamoah spotted Martinez free at the back post, floating over a cross that his team-mate converted in spectacular fashion.


Atletico thought they had equalised before the break when Angel Correa converted Koke’s through pass, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside by VAR. The use of technology was a relief for Inter defender Miranda, who had carelessly surrendered possession on the edge of his own penalty area to set up the opportunity for his former employers.

The home side upped the tempo after the break, Diego Costa - booked in the first half for dissent - heading over before Juanfran saw a firm drive blocked by the outstretched Dalbert.

Samir Handanovic kept out Vitolo's header with a reactionary save as Inter held on, though the result is not enough to see them overhaul Tottenham to finish the pre-season tournament in top spot.

 

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Real Madrid 3 AC Milan 1: Higuain goal not enough for Rossoneri

Gonzalo Higuain's first AC Milan goal proved inconsequential as Real Madrid warmed up for the UEFA Super Cup with an entertaining 3-1 friendly win.Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale netted either side of Higuain's classy curling finish before substitute Borja Mayoral capped off the hosts' third successive pre-season victory in stoppage time.

Mayoral's goal came courtesy of a rebound from Luka Modric's intial effort, the Inter transfer target having returned via the bench for his first 15 minutes of action since the World Cup.


However, Thibaut Courtois - a reported €39million signing from Chelsea in midweek - could miss Wednesday's clash with city rivals Atletico Madrid after sitting out on Saturday, which enabled Keylor Navas to keep his place in goal.


Played as a 60th-anniversary tribute to the European Cup final the two clubs contested in 1958, the match began at a pace befitting that five-goal thriller.Benzema continued his impressive pre-season by nodding home Dani Carvajal's teasing cross for a second-minute opener.

The lead lasted barely two minutes, though, as former Madrid man Higuain picked out the bottom right corner from 20 yards moments after Navas had denied Fabio Borini.


An end-to-end contest ensued from there with Gianluigi Donnarumma saving from both Bale and Marco Asensio, before a fast-retreating Carvajal cleared a goal-bound Franck Kessie finish off the line.And there was further drama to come in the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Bale rifling in what proved the winner when a corner dropped kindly in the box.

Gennaro Gattuso gave Mattia Caldara his Rossoneri debut after the interval but there was to be no second equaliser for the Serie A side, who instead shipped a third late on as Mayoral pounced on a loose ball, Donnarumma having saved impressively in a one-on-one with Modric.

 

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Spalletti expects Modric to stay at Madrid despite 'great' efforts by Inter


Luciano Spalletti feels Luka Modric's interest in joining Inter is a "great sign" for the Italian club - but he still expects the midfielder to remain with Real Madrid.Modric's future in the Spanish capital has been the subject of speculation, the Croatia international having been heavily linked with a move to Inter.

However, reports have also suggested the 32-year-old - who has helped Madrid be crowned champions of Europe in four of the past five seasons - could be set to sign a new contract with his employers.

Speaking after his side's 1-0 International Champions Cup win over Atletico Madrid, Spalletti praised Inter's hierarchy for their attempts to attract a player who won the Golden Ball at this year's World Cup.

While the Nerazzurri boss predicts Modric will stay put, he is happy with the squad at his disposal as they prepare to return to the Champions League for the first time in six years, having last competed during the 2011-12 season."The fact that he has interest in us is a great sign for our project," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"It's not easy to get these type of players. He may not come but our directors still did a great job, so let's see."I don't think he will come, because Real Madrid still want to count on him. We're a strong side. If Modric were to join us, we'd be very strong."

Modric made his return to action for Madrid on Saturday, coming off the bench to a rousing reception from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd during the 3-1 friendly win over AC Milan.

While potentially missing out on one transfer target, Inter did manage to sign Lautaro Martinez and the forward again impressed against Atletico, including scoring a sensational volley in the first half.

The Argentina international had also found the net in the victory over Lyon in the pre-season competition, suggesting he can help ease the burden on compatriot Mauro Icardi.

"Lautaro's goal was a really beautiful piece of play but the consistency that he showed throughout the match was more important," Spalletti said of Martinez.

 

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Wolves 2 Everton 2: Jimenez header ensures Richarlison's brace in vain


Raul Jimenez's debut goal earned Wolves a point on their Premier League return as Richarlison's brace on his Everton bow proved insufficient in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Molineux.

Everton twice led through goals from winger Richarlison, who arrived in a deal that could reportedly reach £50million from Watford, the latter coming despite Phil Jagielka's reckless red card.

But Nuno Espirito Santo's men ensured they would avoid defeat in their first Premier League match since the 2011-12 season when Jimenez – one of four new faces in Wolves' starting XI – nodded home Ruben Neves' cross.Neves had earlier levelled proceedings with a classy free-kick straight after Jagielka's red, and Marco Silva will reflect on a frustrating debut outing as Everton boss.


A rocking Molineux was silenced in the 17th minute. Michael Keane attacked a Leighton Baines free-kick that Wolves failed to deal with and Richarlison prodded home from close range.

The pyrotechnics that preceded kick-off were not initially followed with fireworks by the hosts on the pitch, but the complexion of the match changed four minutes before the break when Jagielka lost control of a routine pass then inevitably saw red for an ugly lunge on Diogo Jota.From the resulting free-kick Neves curled an unstoppable effort into the top-right corner.

Cenk Tosun and Jimenez exchanged missed efforts before Everton regained the initiative after 67 minutes.Richarlison combined with Tosun on the left of the area and coolly stroked home into the far corner.

But Wolves fought back again and Jimenez earned a share of the spoils 10 minutes from time when he met Neves' excellent left-wing cross with a glancing header past Jordan Pickford.

 

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Pique confirms retirement from Spain national team to focus on Barcelona


Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has confirmed that he is stepping down from international football following a disappointing World Cup for Spain.

Pique has accumulated 102 caps for his national team, a record that coincides with the most successful period in Roja history. Among the centre-back's international honours are the 2010 World Cup and a Euro 2012 winner's medal.

But his international career has rarely been smooth sailing, with his outspoken support of Catalan nationalism often a stick with which Spain fans have used to criticise him. And despite the presence of former Barca boss Luis Enrique on the Spain bench, Pique has decided to call it a day.

"I have had a really good time, with a European Championship and a World Cup, but that story is at an end," he told reporters on Saturday prior to Barcelona's Supercopa clash with Sevilla."I have told this to Luis Enrique." Even before the World Cup, Pique had hinted that Russia 2018 would be his last major tournament as part of La Roja.

"It would make sense to leave it after the World Cup," he had signalled. "It has been a wonderful time and I have experienced amazing things, but sometimes you have to end cycles and you have to do that in the right fashion."

Pique joins former Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta, who also announced his international retirement in the wake of July's last-16 elimination at the hands of hosts Russia.

 

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Great great memoriesThanks for everyting Pique!

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Lopetegui's Bale project 'has only just begun'


Julen Lopetegui is confident Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema are set to enjoy productive campaigns for Real Madrid in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bale has struggled for consistent playing time due to injury problems in recent years, but has led from the front during Madrid's impressive pre-season, scoring in each of the team's last three matches.

And the 29-year-old Wales international is now under pressure to fill the void left by the departure of Ronaldo, who signed for Juventus in July.

"I'm not going to talk about past seasons," head coach Lopetegui told a news conference after Bale struck in the 3-1 win over AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday."The Bale we have now is committed, content, wanting to have a great season. He is training very well, happy, and we are so happy with him. This has only just begun."

While Madrid won their third successive Champions League crown last term, they struggled badly in La Liga, Benzema netting just five goals in 32 league appearances.

The 30-year-old's work-rate and all-round contribution remains an important asset to Madrid, though, and Lopetegui is looking forward to getting the best out of the French forward, who opened the scoring against the Rossoneri.

"With Benzema we are happy," he said."He trained very well, he is in great form, excited and enthusiastic. Surely he will help us in all facets, not only with his goals. He contributes a lot to the team and we are happy for what he does."

Dani Ceballos, Sergio Reguilon, Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde were among the promising newcomers introduced off the bench against Milan, leaving Lopetegui encouraged by the options at his disposal.
"We are delighted with all the young players we have here," he said."They have played a very good preseason. The young players' contribution gives energy and Real Madrid has needs youth and enthusiasm.

"There is still pre-season to finish off with the squad and we will make decisions."

 

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Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.08.12

Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.08.12

Liverpool Vs West Ham

Southampton Vs Burnley

Arsenal Vs Manchester City

 

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Valencia close in on €50m Guedes deal as Gameiro agrees move from Atletico


Valencia are set to bolster their attack with two new faces, as Paris Saint-Germain winger Goncalo Guedes and Atletico Madrid forward Kevin Gameiro prepare to move to Mestalla.

Goal understands that Los Che have struck a deal with Guedes, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club during the 2017-18 season.Valencia and PSG are now in negotiations over the details of a transfer that is expected to reach a total of €50 million (£45m/$57m).

One possibility is an immediate transfer which includes 15-20 per cent of any future deal, while Guedes could also spend another year on loan at the Liga club before penning an identical deal.Guedes played 33 times for Valencia during last season's Liga campaign, scoring on five occasions.

Gameiro, too, is set to swap Madrid for Valencia after Los Che confirmed they had reached a preliminary agreement for the French striker.

While the club declined to reveal the fee agreed with Atletico, reports suggest Gameiro will move for an initial €16m (£14m/$18m) with a further €2m payable later in performance-related bonuses.

The forward moved to the Spanish capital in 2016 from PSG, signing a four-year deal with the side coached by Diego Simeone.

But he failed to keep up the momentum of an encouraging debut season, and in 2017-18 was a bit-part player for the Colchoneros behind the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa and Fernando Torres.

Gameiro made 25 Liga appearances last term, scoring just seven goals.

 

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Alderweireld? Maguire? Varane? Ferdinand reflects on Man Utd's missed opportunities


Rio Ferdinand felt Toby Alderweireld was “a definite” to join Manchester United over the summer, while the Red Devils may have been priced out of a move for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.

Having spent much of the last transfer window chasing centre-half reinforcements, those supposed deficiencies are likely to be addressed again at a later stage by those at Old Trafford.That could be in January or in 12 months’ time, with Jose Mourinho clearly of the opinion that the Red Devils need strengthening in that department.

Ferdinand admits that he had expected at least one addition to have been made before now, with Tottenham star Alderweireld the most logical option – even at £60 million ($77m) for a 29-year-old.The former United defender told BT Sport: “I was in favour of bringing Toby Alderweireld from Spurs.

“When playing regularly, I think he’s within the top two or three centre-halves in the country, in this league. “I think he’s a fantastic player, he proved it again at the World Cup after not playing so many games last season. “I thought he was a definite, he would have been my go-to choice to be honest.”

Another Premier League rival that United were keen on as deadline day approached was Leicester’s Harry Maguire, although Ferdinand believes the England international made the right decision in staying put for now.He added on a man who shone at World Cup 2018: “Maguire had a fantastic tournament.

“I just think for his development another season at Leicester, honing his craft within the Premier League, which is a different stage, different animal to the World Cup, I think it would be best for him from a personal standpoint for him.”With Premier League-based talent having proved to be elusive, United may cast their net further afield.

They have been linked with the likes of Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng and World Cup winner Varane in the recent past, but Ferdinand feels the latter is likely now out of reach.

He said: “The likes of Raphael Varane, who has proved himself to be the best defender on the planet right now, I think he will be too far to go and get him, the amount of money.

“I don’t think Real Madrid would sell.”

 

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Liverpool 4 West Ham 0: Salah and Mane see off Hammers

Two goals from Sadio Mane and a Mohamed Salah strike helped Liverpool to a 4-0 win in their Premier League opener against West Ham on Sunday.Jurgen Klopp's side made light work of the Hammers at Anfield to move above Chelsea at the top of the table, the latter having beaten Huddersfield Town 3-0 on Saturday.

Liverpool handed full debuts to new signings Alisson and Naby Keita, the latter producing a hugely impressive performance at the heart of midfield, while Xherdan Shaqiri made a late appearance off the bench.

But it was two of the Reds' established heroes who sealed the three points, Salah prodding home Andy Robertson's 19th-minute cross before Mane netted twice from inside the box either side of half-time. Substitute Daniel Sturridge bundled in a late fourth.

Mane's second should have been disallowed for offside but that was the only complaint West Ham could have about the result, with Manuel Pellegrini's expensively-assembled side looking a long way from settled.

Liverpool, though, were comfortable without ever needing to hit top gear and certainly look like the title challengers most consider them to be.

 

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Liverpool la mehsare hoda fight ekak dei EPL Title ekata​

 

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Higuain can't carry AC Milan by himself - Gattuso


Gennaro Gattuso is adamant AC Milan cannot rely on Gonzalo Higuain alone to improve their situation in Serie A this season.

Milan completed a swap deal with Juventus this month, bringing former Napoli star Higuain and defender Mattia Caldara to San Siro in exchange for Leonardo Bonucci returning to Turin.

Higuain scored against his old club Real Madrid in a friendly at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, and has netted 16, 24 and 36 goals respectively in each of the previous three Italian top-flight campaigns.

Despite his potential importance in 2018-19, Gattuso wants to avoid his team becoming too dependent on the prolific Argentina international."We're going nowhere if we just rely on one player, even if it is Higuain. It's not enough," he told a news conference in the Spanish capital.

"In order to be credible, you have to do the work throughout the week, encouraging your team-mates and not insulting them. I've seen all of that since he arrived here."Milan responded quickly to falling behind in Madrid, Higuain taking just two minutes to cancel out Karim Benzema's second-minute opener.

Goals from Gareth Bale and Borja Mayoral ultimately consigned the visitors to defeat, but Gattuso remains encouraged by what he has seen from his players.

"Last season our biggest problem was that we played some attractive football without bringing home a result, and now we've got the same regrets, so it's something we need to improve," he said.

"We've got to avoid conceding goals at the end of each half. It was a good performance overall, the side is in good shape and plays well. In general, I am happy, as we have strengthened this summer.

"It's true the gap with Juventus remains very large, but we are young and on the right track. If we continue like this, I don't think it'll take long to bridge that gap."

 

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Imagine how good he's going to be - Milner hails debutant Keita


James Milner was hugely impressed by Naby Keita's assured Premier League debut for Liverpool and expects the midfielder to offer more and more as the season progresses.

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane (2) and substitute Daniel Sturridge scored the goals as Jurgen Klopp's men enhanced the feeling of optimism around Anfield with a 4-0 thrashing of West Ham on Sunday.

Yet Keita, making his competitive debut for Liverpool after completing his long-awaited move from RB Leipzig, was arguably the standout performer, earning rich praise from fellow midfielder Milner.

"He's a good player, you can see that straight away," Milner told Sky Sports."He's only going to get better, so to come into a new team, a new style of play, and to do so well, you can only imagine how good he’s going to be in a few months' time with more games and more time with the boys."He's a ball-winner, [with] great drive and fantastic ability as well. He's top quality, like all the signings we've brought in.

"It's more competition, which is exactly what you want. You look at some of the boys on the bench today and those who aren't quite fit yet, it's a great squad and exactly what we want."

Liverpool have been tipped to mount a strong challenge for the Premier League title and Milner was satisfied with their opening outing.

"The important thing was to get off to a good start, the best thing is to get a good performance under our belt and go from there,” he added.

 

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Ronaldo needs just eight minutes to open Juventus account with debut goal


Cristiano Ronaldo wasted no time in presenting himself to the Juventus faithful, scoring in his first appearance in the Bianconeri shirt after less than 10 minutes on the field.

Having taken extended leave after the 2018 World Cup and his move from Real Madrid, the Portugal striker was finally introduced to fans in Sunday's friendly against the club's Primavera side.

The match is a traditional curtain-raiser in Turin, and gives potential first teamers the chance to test themselves against Juve's young hopefuls.

And Ronaldo certainly showed no signs of rustiness after his break as he opened the scoring for the first team just eight minutes into the game.After latching on to Federico Bernadeschi's long pass, the forward found himself in blissful solitude in front of goal as he broke Primavera's offside trap.He then converted in emphatic fashion, blasting the ball into the roof of the net to put his men 1-0 up.

As well as Ronaldo, new signings Emre Can and the returning Leonardo Bonucci were present at Juventus Stadium for the warm-up match.Ronaldo formed a front three alongside Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa, a trident that will surely produce plenty more goals as the Serie A season gets underway.