..::Football IV::..

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'I would spend £300m on a player' - Wenger blasts Arsenal's transfer critics

Arsene Wenger declared he would spend £300 million on a single player amid calls for him to splash the cash on Arsenal signings, but went on to say he does not have that sort of money to spend.The Gunners boss has come under fire for failing to make a significant signing so far this summer, with Granit Xhaka the only major arrival.

Moves for a big-name addition, such as Alexandre Lacazette, to their attack have not come to fruition, with the Gunners' winless start to the new Premier League campaign compounding the fans' frustrations.

However, Wenger has defended himself once again and says he has a responsibility not to spend recklessly, while he lambasted what he views as the media's over-scrutiny of the club's transfer affairs.

"Why do you say I’m reluctant [to spend] " he told reporters after Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Leicester City. "I don’t understand that. If I buy a player for £45m, I have done well, if I listen to you, but spending money in itself is not a quality,.

“I would spend £300m on a player - if I had £300m. We are a club with 600 employees who we need to have a responsible attitude [towards] as well.“It is surprising that you come out of football games and you don’t speak about football games, you have to speak about money. If we find players who can strengthen our team then we are not reluctant to spend the money.

“They [the fans] are highly influenced by the media. That’s part of the process today but we try to make the right decisions. It is as simple as that. There is a whole team working on strengthening the team and I am not the only one."

A 4-3 home loss to Liverpool followed by a goal-less stalemate against Premier League champions Leicester have left Arsenal languishing 12th in the table.

 

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Brazil 1-1 Germany (Pens 5-4): Neymar seals Olympics Gold for hosts

The Barcelona talisman fired his country to victory on Saturday, netting the opener via a glorious free-kick before striking the decisive penalty in the ensuing shootout.

 

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Congratulations Brazil!​

 

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Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.08.21

Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.08.21

Sunderland Vs Middlesbrough

West Ham Vs Bournemouth

​

 

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LA Liga Fixtures 2016.08.21

LA Liga Fixtures 2016.08.21

Sporting Gijon Vs Athletic Bilbao

Real Sociedad Vs Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid Vs Alves​

 

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Serie A Fixtures 2016.08.21

Serie A Fixtures 2016.08.21

AC Milan Vs Torino

Genoa Vs Cagliari

Bologna Vs Crotone

Chievo Vs Inter

Atalanta Vs Lazio

Pescara Vs Napoli

Empoli Vs Sampdoria

Palermo Vs Sassuolo​

 

[sri D]

Congratulations Brazil!​

congratulations...
patta match ekak giye..

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Real Sociedad Vs Real Madrid
​

Oh yeah ​

 

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Ibrahimovic: Man Utd can win the Premier League

In-form Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is confident the club can win the Premier League title this season.

United have made a perfect start to the campaign, winning their opening two matches against Bournemouth and Southampton under new boss Jose Mourinho.
Ibrahimovic - who joined United from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer this summer - has also made an instant impact at his new club, scoring three goals in two league appearances so far.

And the evergreen 34-year-old believes United have all the makings to go on and land their first league title since 2012-13, but admits a long road lies ahead.

"I believe that we can win the title, I have this vision," said Ibrahimovic. "But we need to work hard for it and we will do everything to bother all the other teams that want to win."Now I'm just focusing on trying to help my team win and after two games we have two wins, which is the most important thing.

"Who scores is less important, as long as we are winning. Yes, I've scored three goals so far in the Premier League and I'm happy for that but it is only the beginning."The season is long, I will work hard, the team will work hard and slowly we will get better and better so let's see what the outcome will be."

Ibrahimovic and United are back in action at newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday.

 

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Koeman thrilled with Lukaku commitment

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has expressed his delight at Romelu Lukaku's decision to remain at the club this summer.Lukaku, 23, had been strongly linked with a switch away from Goodison Park after admitting his desire to play for a Champions League club.

However, Koeman has since revealed the Belgium international has done a u-turn and committed his future to Everton for another season.And the Dutchman has likened Lukaku's decision to stay put at Goodison Park to the arrival of a “mega-signing”.

"It is the same value as a mega-signing for this club. It is absolutely fantastic for the club and our team," Koeman said following Everton's 2-1 win over West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday.

"When it is 10 days before the end of the transfer window and you are still focusing on business you may have to do as a club if he left, then it is just really good.”

Lukaku, who scored 25 goals in all competitions for Everton last season, is now being tipped to sign a bumper new contract with the Toffees.And Koeman says he is looking forward to trying to take the marksman's game to the next level over the course of the 2015-16 campaign.

He added: "Developing Lukaku is my big task here. The fact that he stays comes on top of a series of signings I am happy with at a time of building a new team for Everton."Lukaku is our top scorer, he is our target man. He is our main striker and he is only 23-years-old. You can imagine that I am happy.

"It is important to me that he is not only a good footballer but he is also a great person. Lukaku sees football and lives for his game the way I think a top player should live for it.

"He is a great guy to work with on the training pitch for me – and vice-versa. I think he sees we are able to improve a lot of things – on the team and on his style of play."

 

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Bravo misses Barcelona training amid Man City links

Barcelona gave Claudio Bravo permission to miss training on Sunday after confirming "the beginning of an agreement" with Manchester City over his transfer one day prior.

Following Barca's 6-2 thrashing of Real Betis on Saturday, sporting director Robert Fernandez revealed a deal to see Bravo swap Camp Nou for the Etihad Stadium was en route to completion.The move appears to have taken another step forward with the goalkeeper not present for a training session with his team-mates.

Barca's official Twitter posted: "Claudio Bravo misses training with the permission of the club. Six players from Barca B join the session."

The Chile international had been heavily linked with a switch to City after Pep Guardiola left Joe Hart out of his starting XI for their Premier League opener against Sunderland on August 13.

Guardiola again opted for Willy Caballero as his first-choice keeper for Saturday's 4-1 win over Stoke City, having said during the week that Hart could leave if he so wished.

Barca have subsequently taken an interest in Ajax keeper Jasper Cillessen, though Robert said they would wait to make any moves until Bravo's future was clarified.

 

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Sunderland 1-2 Middlesbrough: Stuani double sinks Moyes' men

Cristhian Stuani scored an inspired double as Middlesbrough maintained their unbeaten start to life back in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over winless Sunderland.

The Uruguayan fired Boro in front with a sumptuous strike from distance, before he scored a tap-in after being teed-up by team-mate Alvaro Negredo.Patrick van Aanholt gave Sunderland a lifeline as he bundled the ball past Brad Guzan in the second half.

Teenager Joel Asoro came off the bench to become the Black Cats' youngest Premier League player ever but the hosts were unable to find an equaliser in David Moyes' first home game in charge of the club.

Moyes' concerns will be even greater after the loss of John O'Shea to injury in the first half, with his exit further stretching a squad already depleted by the enforced absences of Sebastian Larsson, Jan Kirchhoff, Lee Cattermole, Billy Jones and Lamine Kone.

Following the departure of Younes Kaboul to Watford, the Sunderland boss deployed a centre-back partnership of new boy Papy Djilobodji and O'Shea, while Paddy McNair operated in midfield.

Boro manager Aitor Karanka replaced Albert Adomah with Stuani in one of three changes from the 1-1 draw with Stoke City last weekend, and it quickly paid dividends.Stuani was not closed down by Van Aanholt and used the opportunity to rifle a sensational 25-yard strike into the top-left corner.

It was a blow for Sunderland having been in control until that point, and although they regained their grip on the game, the hosts found it difficult to break down the Boro defence.

Moyes had to replace the injured O'Shea with debutant Steven Pienaar in the 37th minute, with Jack Rodwell subsequently dropping into the centre of defence.

And Boro added to Sunderland's woes on the stroke of half-time when Adam Forshaw slid an excellent pass into the box for Negredo, who showed great composure to cut inside and square for Stuani to round off an excellent move with his second.

Sunderland were booed off at half-time but started to the get the fans back onside and Van Aanholt's low shot from the left-hand side of the box was parried behind by Guzan after 60 minutes.

The pressure continued to build and, after substitute Jeremain Lens and Jermain Defoe had efforts blocked, it paid off in the 71st minute when Van Aanholt pounced after Guzan spilled Duncan Watmore's 20-yard shot.

Adnan Januzaj came close to marking his first Sunderland start with a goal, but despite being visibly rattled, Boro managed to hang on for the three points and their first win since returning to the top flight.

 

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West Ham 1-0 Bournemouth: Antonio header gives Hammers victory

Michail Antonio scored a late winning goal as West Ham defeated Bournemouth in their first Premier League game at the London Stadium.

In stark contrast to the corresponding fixture last term – which finished 4-3 to Eddie Howe’s side – Sunday’s affair was a slow-burner, with the teams mustering just one shot on target between them in a first-half shorn of clear-cut chances.

Bournemouth came out strongly after the break, Jordan Ibe squandering a gilt-edged opportunity before Adrian pulled off a magnificent stop to deny Josh King, with Tore hammering a strike into the side-netting at the other end.

Howe's side were reduced to 10 men late on when Harry Arter picked up a second yellow card, and Slaven Bilic’s men duly ensured their numerical advantage was not wasted as Antonio knocked in the winner.Despite a vibrant atmosphere prior to kick-off, the hosts got off to a flat start, and were unable to assert any authority on proceedings during the opening stages.

With Dimitri Payet and Andy Carroll – who Bilic confirmed is set to miss several weeks with a knee injury – having joined West Ham's growing injury list, Bilic's side lacked guile in the final third, though Tore did go close with a curling effort that sailed just over.

With Bournemouth offering little going forward, Besiktas loanee Tore continued to represent West Ham's greatest threat, and he could well have been awarded a penalty had the officials spotted Charlie Daniels’ late challenge was fractionally inside the area.

However, it was not until the 40th minute that either goalkeeper was called into action, Artur Boruc doing well to prevent Enner Valencia's deflected strike flying in at his near post.Bournemouth should have taken the lead shortly after the interval as Ibe raced in behind West Ham’s defence, but, after electing to try and pick out Calum Wilson rather than shoot, their record signing could not apply the finishing touch.

Howe’s men continued to up the pressure, and would have opened the scoring moments later had Adrian not managed to tip King’s blistering strike over.

Those chances seemed to spark West Ham, who lost just one of their last 17 Premier League matches at Upton Park, back into life, and Tore again went close when his venomous volley nestled into the side netting.

West Ham were handed a lifeline with just under 15 minutes remaining as Arter, who earlier fell foul of new directives to enforce bookings for dissent, received his marching orders after he pulled back Cheikhou Kouyate.

And in a stadium that played host to so many momentous sporting occasions during the 2012 Olympic Games, Antonio made sure that West Ham got life at their new home off to a winning start, before substitute Jonathan Calleri squandered a golden chance to extend their lead in stoppage time.

 

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Jorge Jesus: Joao Mario will play for Sporting against Porto

Jorge Jesus believes that Joao Mario will feature in Sporting CP's next Primeira Liga clash against Porto after the Portugal international sat out this weekend amid rumours about his future.Sporting made it two wins from two games on Saturday, defeating Pacos de Ferreira 1-0 thanks to Adrien Silva grabbing the winner on the stroke of half-time.

Joao Mario was absent as speculation continues to swirl around a possible departure to Frank de Boer's Inter Milan, but his coach has moved to dispel such transfer rumours, insisting the absence was down to fitness concerns as opposed to a rift with his star midfielder."Joao Mario is a Sporting player," Jorge Jesus told A Bola.

"It [his absence] did not come about because of a situation occurring in the last training session."I could take the risk but I was afraid risking his fitness in this game which would affect the future."If nothing changes, he will be playing in the game against Porto on Sunday."

Meanwhile, Queens Park Rangers midfielder Sandro has claimed Sporting treated him "like a dog" after a move to Portugal's top flight fell through earlier in the transfer window.

The 27-year-old, who spent last season on loan at West Brom, looked all set to seal a proposed £1.5 million switch to Jorge Jesus' side, only for Sporting to pull out of the deal, claiming the former Tottenham enforcer failed his medical due to a problem with his right knee.However, Sandro - whose medical with Sporting took place just days prior to his wedding - has refuted those accusations, having had his knee cleared by renowned specialist Andy Williams.

And the Brazilian has also alleged the Lisbon club were willing to revive the deal should he lower his wage demands, but believes Sporting's claims about his fitness will have scuppered chances of a move away from Loftus Road."All my friends were worried for me when they saw the news; but I knew my knee was absolutely fine," Sandro told Sportsmail.

"I was so angry, they treated me like a dog. It was hard for me, just a couple of days before my wedding. It was difficult to forget, but I tried to positive. But I was so angry.

"Andy Williams saw my scan photos before I arrived and he was like: “What happened? I can't see anything wrong."Clubs think I'm not fit, but I'm feeling the best I've felt for a long time."

 

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Griezmann: Manchester United are perfect club for Paul Pogba

France international Antoine Griezmann has assured Manchester United fans there is nothing to worry about following Paul Pogba's big-money move from Juventus, as the 23-year-old will provide the spectacular.

The duo played in the same team under Didier Deschamps at Euro 2016, which saw Les Bleus fall to an extra-time defeat in the final against Portugal.

Pogba collected four consecutive Serie A titles in Italy and ex-Real Sociedad star Griezmann is of the impression that his international team-mate is in the perfect place to keep achieving."I think the supporters in England won't be disappointed," Griezmann told the Guardian.

"They can expect the spectacular from Paul. He deserves it, he works hard and he has the talent to be such an important player."He loves that league. Manchester [United] is the perfect club for him, with [Jose] Mourinho they are making something new."

Both Griezmann and Pogba suffered disappointment in the summer, as France went down to Portugal to miss out on Euro 2016. It was the Atletico star's second final heartbreak in three months, after falling short on penalties in the Champions League to Real Madrid.

“There was a lot of emotion, a lot of tension, it can leave you very tired,” he said.
“Two finals where we were so close to our target and close to getting the trophy. It just wasn’t the time.

"But I am not going to stop there. I will keep working to play in a final and win. In fact, I am more determined to win.”

 

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Griezmann: Beckham was my idol growing up

Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann has revealed that he wears the No.7 shirt because his childhood idol was David Beckham.Griezmann, who was a losing finalist in the Champions League and at Euro 2016 last season, also wears long sleeves in tribute to the former Manchester United winger.

The Frenchman has resisted interest from other clubs this summer to stay at Atletico but hinted he could emulate Beckham by playing in the Premier League in the future.

"I liked [Beckham] a lot," Griezmann told the Guardian. "He was my idol. That’s why I wear a long-sleeved jersey and wear the No.7."When asked if he could ever be tempted by the prospect of playing in England, he replied: "Yes, why not? If I am out of contract with Atletico I would ask myself that question."

 

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Milan 3-2 Torino: Bacca hits hat-trick at San Siro

AC Milan needed an injury time penalty save from Gianluigi Donnarumma to see off Torino 3-2 in Vincenzo Montella's first Serie A game at the helm after Carlos Bacca's perfect hat-trick apparently had them coasting to victory.

Former Sampdoria coach Montella has identified a Europa League place as Milan's target for the coming season, having missed out on continental competition all together last term, and their winning start here was down to Bacca's clinical goals and Donnarumma's last-gasp heroics.It meant heartbreak for Andrea Belotti, who scored an earlier equaliser, and former Milan boss Sinisa Mihajlovic on his return to San Siro.

Under Mihajlovic, the seven-time European champions lost to Fiorentina on the opening day last term - one of four defeats in their first seven games - and he was controversially sacked by the club in April.But a header, a left-footed half-volley and a right-footed penalty from Bacca made sure Montella would not endure a similarly disappointing Milan bow.

He also owed thanks to 17-year-old goalkeeper Donnarumma for denying the unfortunate Belotti. A frantic period of stoppage time saw Daniele Baselli net and Gabriel Paletta collect a second booking for pulling Belotti's shirt in the area.

Meanwhile, Mihajlovic was also involved in a pre-match confrontation with Milan's back-up goalkeeper Diego Lopez before the visitors fell to yet another San Siro defeat, having not beaten Milan in Serie A on this ground since 1985.

The hosts were aided by the absence of Torino's wantaway defender Nikola Maksimovic, and Milan forward M'Baye Niang was heavily involved in the game's early action.

Denied a first opportunity by debutant Luca Rossettini's fine interception, Niang then shot straight at Daniele Padelli, before thundering a volley into the side-netting from Bacca's smart centre.

The creation of a genuine chance settled the nervy San Siro crowd a little, but Adem Ljajic instantly responded with a mazy run, dragging his eventual shot wide.
Torino's former Roma and Inter midfielder was soon withdrawn through injury, though, despite battling on after a challenge with Alessio Romagnoli, and Milan renewed their attacking efforts.

Ignazio Abate's pace troubled Cristiano Molinaro throughout the half and he finally punished the experienced full-back in the 37th minute.Racing on to a lofted pass in behind, the Italy international crossed for Bacca to nod a stooping header into the net.

However, just three minutes after the break, Torino were level.Molinaro showed his own prowess at the other end with a glorious delivery towards Belotti, who gained a yard on Romagnoli to flick beyond Donnarumma.

Parity did not last long, with Bacca again prolific when given an opening. Niang crossed, and the Colombian had space to control and hammer a low finish into the corner.Maxi Lopez was introduced for Torino and drilled wide, but a clumsy foul on Giacomo Bonaventura granted Bacca a hat-trick opportunity from 12 yards. He gladly obliged, hammering high down the centre of the goal.

Bacca could even have had a fourth, running clear but finding his path blocked by the smothering Padelli - a botched opportunity he would remarkably almost come to regret.Substitute Andrea Bertolacci suffered an injury shortly after coming on for Milan and their afternoon almost unravelled entirely during stoppage time.

First, Baselli battled through the Milan backline to slip a cool finish under Donnarumma, but the teenager was ultimately the hero as he sprung to his left to keep out Belotti's spot kick.

 

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Real Sociedad 0-3 Real Madrid: Bale & Asensio strike to seal victory

Gareth Bale's double and superb Marco Asensio strike ensured Cristiano Ronaldo's absence was not felt as Real Madrid began their 2016-17 LaLiga campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win at Real Sociedad.

The Portugal star is still struggling with the knee injury he suffered in the Euro 2016 final, but Bale netted inside two minutes to calm any early nerves and the away side rarely looked like dropping points thereafter.

Asensio doubled their lead with an exquisite finish just before the break on his league debut for the club, justifying Zinedine Zidane's decision to start him ahead of James Rodriguez and Isco.

Toni Kroos went close to adding a third when his volley crashed against the crossbar in the second half, with the home side showing no indication of salvaging a result and Bale rounded the keeper to wrap up the victory in stoppage-time.

Madrid had opted to sit back for much of the second half and looked a potent threat on the break, and although appearing to be playing within themselves, their triumph was a straightforward one.

Zidane's side began with great intent and had their first goal almost immediately, as Bale showcased his aerial prowess to send a powerful header beyond Geronimo Rulli from Dani Carvajal's cross.The home side did not produce much of a response and almost found themselves two behind midway through the first half, but on this occasion Rulli got down to his right and brilliantly kept out Kroos' 20-yard strike.

Sociedad did improve, however, and they should have equalised, only for David Zurutuza to inexplicably miscue a pass across the face of goal, robbing Juanmi of what would have been a simple tap-in.

That wasted opportunity proved costly five minutes before the break when Asensio latched on to a lofted Raphael Varane pass and showed exceptional composure to lift a clever lob over the approaching Rulli.

Alvaro Morata started the second half like he had a point to prove and felt aggrieved to be given a yellow card for simulation instead of a penalty when appearing to be caught in the area by Inigo Martinez.

The striker was in the thick of it again shortly after, running at the defence before seeing his blocked shot fall kindly for Kroos, who struck against the bar from just inside the area.Sociedad did finally craft a chance in the closing stages, but Marcelo got back brilliantly to produce a perfectly timed last-ditch tackle on Mikel Oyarzabal.

A feisty encounter eventually reached boiling point when a scuffle saw Sergio Ramos – who along with Varane had comfortably kept the hosts at bay - and Yuri pick up yellow cards.

Madrid then put the result firmly beyond their hosts in the fourth minute of added time – Bale racing beyond the defence after James' pass and coolly rounding Rulli to tap in his second as he started the season in lethal fashion.

 

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Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 Metz: Lucas, Kurzawa & Verratti on target for champions

Paris Saint-Germain dominated at Parc des Princes on their way to a 3-0 victory over Metz, marking their first home Ligue 1 game of the season. After taking the reins from Laurent Blanc, Emery has been tasked with translating PSG's domestic dominance into European success.

It remains to be seen how PSG will perform under the Spaniard in the Champions League but Sunday's contest offered no suggestion they will struggle to maintain their Ligue 1 monopoly.

PSG were in full control throughout the 90 minutes and only the profligacy of Edinson Cavani, who enjoyed a nightmare evening in front of goal, prevented the margin of victory from being greater.

Cavani missed a series of glaring opportunities but Lucas produced a well-taken finish in the 52nd minute to give PSG a deserved lead.

The in-form Layvin Kurzawa made it 2-0 a quarter of an hour later, before Metz defender Jonathan Rivierez put his through his own net in stoppage time.PSG made a bright start but struggled to create clear-cut chances, though Javier Pastore did lash a wayward drive wide in the 20th minute.

Pastore was at the heart of most PSG attacks and it was his driving run that almost led to the opener, laying the ball off to Cavani to tee up Angel Di Maria, who curled narrowly over with Metz goalkeeper Thomas Didillon out of position.

Cavani was then sent through on goal by a slick PSG move but could only shoot straight at Didillon, but replays suggested the Uruguay striker was offside.

The former Napoli forward saw an appeal for a penalty waved away after going down under a challenge from Georges Mandjeck and Cavani's frustration was heightened when he saw an effort deflected against the post by Simon Falette with the goal having seemingly been at his mercy.Didillon had to be alert to turn Lucas' near-post effort behind, with David Luiz sending a point-blank header wide from the subsequent corner.

But the deadlock was finally broken seven minutes after the restart, Lucas arrowing into the bottom-left corner from Serge Aurier's lay-off.Metz responded excellently to falling behind as Falette and Renaud Cohade each forced Kevin Trapp into saves before Di Maria was brilliantly denied by Didillon at the other end.

Di Maria took the resulting corner and it was met by Kurzawa who powered home a simple header to double PSG's lead with his third goal in as many games.PSG were fortunate not to see their advantage halved three minutes later as Luiz's defensive header flashed past his own goal.

And there was soon another moment to forget for Cavani at the other end, a gilt-edged chance to score going begging when he scuffed well wide at the near post after Di Maria had curled an effort against the crossbar.

Cavani's horror show never looked like proving costly, though, Rivierez deflecting a Marco Verratti cross beyond Didillon to add further gloss to the scoreline late on.

 

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Chievo 2-0 Inter: Birsa double downs visitors

Inter made a poor start to life under Frank de Boer as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Chievo in their Serie A opener courtesy of Valter Birsa's second-half double.

The former Ajax boss, appointed following Roberto Mancini's departure earlier this month, only took charge of one friendly in pre-season, and his side looked like one who had endured a chaotic summer with a sub-standard performance.

Birsa's cool strike opened the scoring - the first goal Inter have conceded on the opening weekend of a league campaign since Luis Muriel netted for Lecce in 2011 - and the same man added a second from distance with nine minutes remaining.

The Milan club started last season winning five straight matches by a one-goal margin, including this fixture, but struggled to find consistency thereon in and missed out on a Champions League place.

And, despite De Boer's arrival, a star-studded lineup could not break down Chievo's resolute defence on another agonising evening for Inter.Mauro Icardi had been the match-winner for Mancini in both clashes against this opposition last term, but he was starved of service in a rugged encounter.

It took less than five minutes for the game's first flashpoint as Andrea Ranocchia's loose control led him to crashing into a challenge on Riccardo Meggiorini in the area. Chievo players surrounded referee Massimiliano Irrati while their team-mate writhed on the ground, but no penalty award was forthcoming.

That set the tone for a feisty opening period, with Eder eventually inspiring some goal-mouth action when Stefano Sorrentino saved his powerful low shot.

The goalkeeper struggled to clear the subsequent corner, but both Danilo D'Ambrosio and Ranocchia had rebounding efforts blocked.

Despite the array of creative talent on display, though, including Inter debutants Antonio Candreva and Ever Banega, both sides struggled to forge opportunities in a drab first half.

The hosts had their first sight of goal shortly before the break, but Meggiorini dragged wide of the near post after running clear from Lucas Castro's throughball.

However, within four minutes of the restart, Chievo struck gold. A neat passing move set Fabrizio Cacciatore away to tee up Birsa, who beat D'Ambrosio and Rannochia before firing in a low finish.

Inter struggled to muster a response, with Miranda nodding a corner over the bar from their only notable chance, and the home side instead doubled their advantage to seal victory.

Birsa again grasped an opportunity to shoot, smashing a low effort from 20 yards into the bottom corner that left Samir Handanovic rooted to the spot and De Boer beaten in his first game.