..::Football IV::..

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Lazio 2 Inter 3: Spalletti's men seal Champions League qualification with stunning comeback

Inter secured Champions League qualification in the most dramatic fashion as Luciano Spalletti's men came from behind to beat 10-man Lazio 3-2 on Serie A's final day.Lazio only needed to avoid defeat in what was effectively a play-off at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, but they collapsed incredibly in the closing stages as captain Senad Lulic was dismissed.

Ivan Perisic's remarkable own-goal, an Adam Marusic shot deflecting in off the midfielder's face, gave Lazio the lead, but Danilo D'Ambrosio levelled with an acrobatic effort from close range.Felipe Anderson's breakaway goal restored the lead and put Lazio in control at half-time, but the Nerazzurri somehow completed a stunning comeback with two goals in three minutes.

Referee Gianluca Rocchi had already changed his mind about one penalty for the visitors following a VAR review when he pointed to the spot after Stefan de Vrij - strongly rumoured to be joining Inter at the end of the season - hacked Mauco Icardi down in the box.

The Inter captain converted and, after Lulic was shown a second yellow card, Matias Vecino headed in Marcelo Brozovic's corner, Simone Inzaghi's men unable to muster a fightback of their own after the coach earlier made defensive changes to leave them fifth and devastated at the full-time whistle.


Icardi mishit an early chance and Antonio Candreva thudded a volley narrowly wide as Inter made a flying start.Luiz Felipe should have opened the scoring, blazing over when picked out by a low left-wing Ciro Immobile cross, but Lazio led in the ninth minute in freakish circumstances.Although Samir Handanovic denied rising star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Lazio kept the ball alive and when Marusic let fly the ball cannoned in off the face of the helpless Perisic.

Icardi missed a golden chance to level in the 22nd minute, dragging wide after Joao Cancelo's interception and throughball, Milinkovic-Savic denied by the woodwork from a superb free-kick at the other end moments later.

Inter's equaliser was no less dramatic than the opener, Thomas Strakosha keeping out D'Ambrosio's initial effort but unable to stop the full-back turning home the rebound, the goalkeeper's protests that he was fouled falling on deaf ears.Lazio retook the lead in the 41st minute with a sensational break, Anderson rolling in a superb finish after he and captain Lulic countered at rapid pace to unlock Inter's defence.

Icardi was becoming influential but Anderson rippled the side-netting as Lazio again threatened on the counter, Spalletti's side growing increasingly desperate with their own attacks.Rocchi awarded Inter a penalty in the 72nd minute after Milinkovic-Savic appeared to handle the ball in the box, but after consulting VAR the referee elected not to award the spot-kick, replays showing the ball hit Serbia international on the shoulder.

But Rocchi had no choice but to point to the spot when Icardi was hacked down by De Vrij - the Lazio defender having confirmed he is leaving the club at the end of his contract.The Inter skipper stepped up to slot in past Handanovic and set up a dramatic finale in the capital, Lulic seeing red after losing composure and needlessly bringing down Brozovic.



And when Brozovic floated a corner to the near post, Vecino met it with a glancing header to secure Inter's Champions League qualification at the expense of their heartbroken hosts, who saw substitute Patric sent from the touchline in the dying stages.

 

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Atletico Madrid 2 Eibar 2: Torres bows out with a double

Fernando Torres's double on his final Atletico Madrid appearance was not enough to secure victory for Diego Simeone's 10-man side as Ruben Pena's stunner earned Eibar a 2-2 draw.Captaining a second-string Atleti side – playing four days on from their Europa League triumph against Marseille in Lyon – at a celebratory Wanda Metropolitano, Torres netted either side of the interval in Sunday's clash.

Having cancelled out Kike Garcia's opener just before the break, Torres edged Atleti ahead on the hour, rolling back the years with a fantastic run and delicate finish.Any hopes Torres had of making way to a standing ovation were ended shortly after he netted his second, though, as Jose Gimenez entered the fray for Atleti's third change after Lucas Hernandez had seen red.

And Eibar were quick to make their numerical advantage count, Pena hammering in a thunderous long-range strike to haul the visitors level with 20 minutes remaining.Antoine Griezmann could well be leaving Atleti during the off-season, and he looked set to mark his would-be final appearance with an assist late on when he teed up Torres, but his hat-trick goal was denied by the offside flag as Simeone's men settled for a share of the spoils in their final LaLiga game of the campaign.


Torres should have got his farewell game off to a great start inside 10 minutes, but the veteran dragged his effort wide after getting in behind Eibar's line in trademark fashion.

Saul Niguez was the next to go close as Atleti upped the pressure - the Spain midfielder curling wide from the edge of the area.Desperate to set Torres up, Filipe Luis did brilliantly to get down the left and pick out the striker, who was unable to turn home at the near post, and Atleti would soon be made to pay for that miss.

Jan Oblak's hesitation allowed Kike to latch onto Joan Jordan's throughball, the former Middlesbrough forward making no mistake with a cute first-time finish into the bottom-right corner.Eibar's lead would be short-lived, though, as Atleti's man of the moment stepped up.Angel Correa beat Eibar's offside trap and, having drawn Marko Dmitrovic off his line, squared coolly to Torres, who duly slotted into an unguarded goal.

Simeone responded to a sluggish start to the second half in aggressive style, introducing Griezmann and Diego Costa from the bench as Atleti hunted a second.Those changes swiftly paid dividends, Costa threading a pass into Torres, who burst clear of his marker before lifting a neat effort over the onrushing Dmitrovic.

Hernandez could have conceded a penalty for handball early in the second half, but his luck ran out when Atleti were reduced to 10 men in the 63rd minute - the France youngster receiving his second booking for a clumsy tackle on Ivan Alejo.Eibar wasted little time in restoring parity, Pena lashing a venomous half-volley into the top-right corner.

Griezmann proved his quality with a sublime touch and pass into Torres in the closing stages, but the linesman's flag dashed the former Liverpool forward's hopes of bringing the curtain down on his Atleti career with a hat-trick.That did not detract from Torres' farewell celebrations, though, as he received a guard of honour from his team-mates and the Atleti coaching staff after the final whistle.

 

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AC Milan 5 Fiorentina 1: Cutrone brace secures Europa League group stage spot

AC Milan wrapped up a Europa League group stage place as Gennaro Gattuso's first season in charge ended with 5-1 thumping of Fiorentina at San Siro.

Already sure of a qualifying spot, the Rossoneri needed to at least match Atalanta's result against Cagliari in order to finish sixth in Serie A and go directly through to the main draw of Europe's second-tier continental competition.And Milan made sure in style thanks in large part to Hakan Calhanoglu, who equalised three minutes after Giovanni Simeone's opener and then delivered the cross for Patrick Cutrone to head the hosts into the lead at the end of an eventful first half.




Nikola Kalinic added a third against his former side soon after the restart before Cutrone and Giacomo Bonaventura combined to cap off a positive last assignment for Gattuso, who will now have more time to prepare for his first full season at the helm having taken charge in November.

He will surely hope to include Gianluigi Donnarumma in those plans, with the young goalkeeper continually linked with a move away after the most difficult campaign of his short career.Whatever the outcome, Gattuso can take some satisfaction in steering Milan into Europe.


Franck Kessie threatened to open the scoring for the second week in succession when he broke into the box in the seventh minute, but Marco Sportiello spread himself well to make the save and Cutrone turned wide on the follow-up.

Kalinic was similarly wasteful four minutes later as he shot straight at Sportiello from 20 yards and the hosts were soon made to pay for their profligacy.Federico Chiesa threaded a pass in behind Ricardo Rodriguez that was reeled in by Simeone, who delicately dinked over the onrushing Donnarumma.

However, the lead lasted just three minutes. Calhanoglu, who scored the equaliser when these teams drew 1-1 in December, was again the man to rescue Milan, driving a low free-kick past the wall that appeared to surprise Sportiello.Kessie's heavy touch next squandered what should have been a one-on-one, but Fiorentina's luck ran out when, four minutes from the interval, Cutrone expertly headed in Calhanoglu's cross from the right edge of the area.

Stefano Pioli had lost Vitor Hugo to injury in just the 29th minute and emptied his bench at the break, withdrawing captain German Pezzella and goalkeeper Sportiello, the latter having picked up a head knock during the first half.

And his plans were truly in pieces in the 49th minute, substitute Bartlomiej Dragowski powerless to prevent Kalinic from poking home at point-blank range after saving Cutrone's initial downward header.Milan were oozing confidence by that stage and stretched their advantage 10 minutes later with Italy international Cutrone tucking Calhanoglu's pass through Dragowski's legs.

There was still time for Bonaventura to get in on the fun with 14 minutes to play, the midfielder driving toward goal and firing through Fiorentina's stand-in shot-stopper to put the seal on Milan's end to the season.

 

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'He made a mistake!' - Rivaldo claims Neymar will not win Ballon d'Or at PSG


Neymar made a mistake joining Paris Saint-Germain, according to former Barcelona and Brazil star Rivaldo.

The 26-year-old left Barca for PSG in a world-record move last year and has excelled in Ligue 1, but compatriot Rivaldo feels he will not be able to reach his full potential in France.While conceding that the move has had huge financial rewards for Neymar and his family, Rivaldo has warned that if he wants to win the Ballon d'Or he needs to move.

He told Sport: "If you want to be the best in the world, PSG are strong, but they don't have tradition in the Champions League, they're not the strongest in Europe."The French league isn't like the English, Spanish or German leagues, either.

"For that reason, I think he made a mistake, but financially it was good for him and his family."You have to win the Champions League, achieve something different, to win the Ballon d'Or. His team will always win the league and the cup but, like I say, it's not the strongest championship."

Neymar is nearing a return from a fractured foot suffered with PSG as he looks to lead Brazil in this year's World Cup and improve on a fourth-placed finish four years ago.

 

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Messi wins fifth Golden Shoe after winning Pichichi Trophy

Lionel Messi is set to be confirmed as the winner of the 2017-18 European Golden Shoe after smashing 34 goals for Barcelona in their Liga-winning campaign.

Messi came off the bench late on as Barca rounded off their season with victory over Real Sociedad at Camp Nou, with the Argentine also claiming the Pichichi Trophy for the top goalscorer in the Primera Division.The Argentine's 34 Liga goals translate to a Golden Shoe score of 68 based on the league's coefficient, leaving him clear of nearest challengers Mohamed Salah (32/64) and Harry Kane (30/60).

But the Premier League's early finish meant Liverpool and Tottenham's star strikers had no chance of catching him up, leaving two Serie A strikers as his closest active challengers at the weekend.Ciro Immobile and Mauro Icardi both finished the Serie A season on 29 goals after they met in the dramatic clash between Lazio and Inter on the final day of the season, but both were well off Messi in the final reckoning.

It also bears mentioning that Benfica sharp-shooter Jonas managed the same amount of strikes as Messi going into the last round of fixtures, but was left out of contention due to the Portuguese Primeira Liga's inferior coefficient.

Messi's nearest challenger from the Spanish top-flight was unsurprisingly Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Real Madrid frontman recovering from a slow start to the campaign to finish with 26 goals.The Argentine's achievements mean he has now won five Pichichi's to Ronaldo's three, while he is also set to overtake Ronaldo's tally of four Golden Shoes with his most recent victory.Messi also broke the 30-goal mark in La Liga for the seventh season in the last nine, having failed to reach that tally only in the 2013-14 and 2015-16 campaigns.

 

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Congratulations Messi!

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'Fellaini won't renew at Man Utd' - AC Milan director points towards transfer


AC Milan sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli claimed Marouane Fellaini will not re-sign with Manchester United as he talked up a move for the soon-to-be free agent.

Fellaini's contract at Old Trafford expires in June, though United manager Jose Mourinho has remained confident that the Belgium international will remain in Manchester .However, the 30-year-old could be set for Italy after Mirabelli hinted at a transfer as he praised the towering midfielder.

"Fellaini could be an important player, he is," Mirabelli told Sky Sport Italia following Sunday's 5-1 rout of Fiorentina on the final day of the Serie A season."We know he is not going to renew with United, but it's difficult to say that we have closed the deal."He has important attributes. We will do something in that role but we are keeping everything in reserve.

"First we have to secure our signings, then announce them."Fellaini made 16 appearances – 11 from the bench – as United finished second in the Premier League this season.Altogether, Fellaini featured in 23 games – starting seven – across all competitions.

 

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Messi: I like Griezmann, he's one of the best


Lionel Messi praised Antoine Griezmann as "one of the best" amid reports linking the Atletico Madrid forward with Barcelona .

Griezmann is widely linked with a switch to the Liga champions in the close-season after another prolific campaign for Atletico.Messi talked up the France international as one of the world's best and he would seemingly be happy to have the 27-year-old at Camp Nou.

"It's obvious that I like him. He's one of the best right now," the Argentina star told RAC1 ."I don't know if there's anything with him or not, but we're delighted that the best come and Griezmann is one of them."

Messi was speaking after Barcelona's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the great Andres Iniesta's last game for the club . After a campaign in which Barca won La Liga and the Copa del Rey, Messi was satisfied with his side's season."It was a very good season. We went back to get La Liga and the cup," he said.

 

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I arrived as a boy, I leave as a man – Iniesta in emotional Barcelona farewell


An emotional Andres Iniesta broke down in tears as he delivered a farewell speech at Camp Nou after playing his last game for Barcelona La Liga champions Barca ended their season with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad but it was all about departing great Iniesta on Sunday.

The 34-year-old midfielder closed the curtain on his illustrious Barcelona career in the 81st minute as he left the field to a rapturous reception upon handing the captain's armband to Lionel Messi.After the match and emotional tributes, nine-time La Liga champion and four-time Champions League winner Iniesta addressed the fans.

"Today is a difficult day but it's been 22 marvellous years. It's been a pride and a pleasure to defend and represent this badge, for me, the best in the world," said Iniesta, who made his senior debut in 2002."Thanks to all my team-mates, each and every one. I will miss you all so much.And thank you to the fans, for all your love, everything you've made me feel since I arrived here as a boy, I leave as a man. I will keep you in my heart forever.

"To finish, this week has left me speechless. Visca Barca, visca Catalunya, and visca Fuentealbilla (his home town)."Barcelona team-mate Ivan Rakitic heaped praise on his outgoing team-mate, who is rumoured to be joining J.League outfit Vissel Kobe.

"It is a real pleasure to share all those moments with him," Rakitic said. "With Andres I won a friend for life, I have a lot of affection for all his family. It will be unforgettable what I have lived with him."

 

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'Time has run out' - Napoli chief drops hint over Chelsea target Sarri's future


Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis hit out at coach Maurizio Sarri for failing to clarify his future, saying: "Time has run out."Sarri's side beat Crotone 2-1 in their final Serie A game of a season in which they finished second after having topped the table earlier in the campaign.

Such an impressive campaign has led Chelsea to consider Sarri as a possible replacement for Antonio Conte, who is still expected to depart Stamford Bridge despite the Blues ending the season by winning the FA Cup on Saturday.It was understood that Sarri would be remaining with the Serie A outfit, however, following positive talks ahead of the Crotone clash, but De Laurentiis has now suggested that might not be case.

When asked whether Sarri would remain at the club, De Laurentiis told Kiss Kiss Radio: "Ask him. He has always sent me back to his agent [Alessandro] Pellegrini, who never gave me an answer."Time has run out, there is no date. We have dealt with this problem anyway, we have to go on without fear and without 'if'."

"I have to take responsibility," he added. "I'm not saying he'll leave. There is a release clause, we'll see what will happen."Sarri's post-match comments had an air of finality about them, but he stopped short of giving a clear indication about where he will be next season.

"In life, everything comes to an end," he told reporters. "Sometimes it's better to finish stories while they are good."When I arrived, the team had finished 24 points off the top. Now, we are four points behind.

"We have not reached the target, but the journey has been fantastic. Tomorrow I will talk to my family before anyone else.""The [club] president needs a response quickly," he added, before hinting that Chelsea could be among his preferred destinations by saying: "I don't think I could go to another Italian team immediately."The memory of Napoli would be too strong."

 

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Pogba open to PSG move but pledges immediate future to Man Utd


Paul Pogba played down reports of an imminent transfer from Manchester United to Paris Saint-Germain - but did suggest he would like to play for the French club at some stage in his career.

Speculation over the possibility of the Ligue 1 champions swooping to sign Pogba resurfaced after he was pictured taking part in a photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower.However, the 25-year-old insisted his presence in Paris had nothing to do with a potential move to his homeland.

Pogba's second season back in Manchester – the club where he came through the youth ranks before joining Juventus – ended in disappointment with a 1-0 FA Cup Final defeat to Chelsea on Saturday , while his mixed performances throughout the campaign have raised questions over his morale.

"My presence at the Eiffel Tower has nothing to do with PSG," Pogba told Canal+ . "Why not one day tread the lawn of the Parc des Princes? It's a beautiful stadium."I cannot look far. I'm sure, contractually, to stay at Manchester United."

When asked about the status of his relationship with United manager Jose Mourinho, Pogba said that nothing had changed between the pair.He also added that the opportunities to captain the side, given to him by Mourinho, had aided his development.

"I had moments without playing but we do not have to go and eat with the coach at a restaurant. I'm responding on the pitch, giving my best," the France international said."[Mourinho] has not changed. He is a bit crazy, always the same. He has won his titles, he is second in the league, he is Mourinho - he is the craziest between us."I think in leadership I have progressed with him. It's important for me and it helps me grow to be leader for France."

 

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Morata misses out on Spain's 23-man World Cup squad


Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has missed out on being named in Spain's squad for the 2018 World Cup.The former Real Madrid forward has struggled for form in the second half of his first campaign at Stamford Bridge, scoring 15 goals in 47 appearances for the Blues having joined for a club record £60 million ($80.5m) in the summer of 2017.

Morata has previously scored 13 goals in 23 appearances for La Roja, but the likes of Diego Costa, Iago Aspas and Rodrigo Moreno have been preferred by head coach Julen Lopetegui.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus striker took his omission well, tweeting minutes after the announcement that he wishes Spain "the best of luck at the World Cup" and that he'll be "supporting and encouraging the team until the end always".
The 2010 winners have followed England's lead in naming their 23-man squad well ahead of time rather than an extended provisional roster as they look to win their fourth major tournament in a decade.David de Gea is set to start in goal after another fine season for Manchester United, with Clasico rivals Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique the established centre-back pairing.

Arsenal's Nacho Monreal is preferred to Chelsea's Marcos Alonso to provide competition for Jordi Alba at left-back while Real Madrid duo Dani Carvajal and Nacho will fight it out for a place on the opposite flank.Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and David Silva are likely to be Lopetegui's first-choice midfield trio, with Isco deployed slightly further forward.

Atletico Madrid are represented by creative duo Koke and Saul Niguez while Bayern Munich's Thiago Alcantara and Madrid pair Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez provide options off the bench.

Most of the 32 nations who will feature at Russia 2018 have named their squads already, with Spain last out the blocks of the big guns following Belgium's announcement earlier on Monday morning.They will be hoping to better their group stage exit in 2014 when defeats to Netherlands and Chile caused the holders to be the first team eliminated from the Brazil finals.

Spain's full 23-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Club), David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli)

Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpiliqueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City)

Forwards: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid).

 

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'Morata deserved to be here' - Lopetegui explains 'painful' Spain decision


Spain head coach Julen Lopetegui admitted it was "painful" to leave Alvaro Morata out of his World Cup squad.

The Chelsea striker was overlooked for the final 23-man group for the tournament in Russia , which was announced on Monday.Morata scored five goals in as many appearances during the qualifying campaign but his struggle for form and fitness in the Premier League this season left him facing a battle to keep his place for the finals.

Lopetegui found the decision difficult but said he did not want to take four players for the centre-forward role, with Diego Costa, Rodrigo Moreno and Iago Aspas the preferred options .

"They are tough moments for a player. It's not nice, he deserved to be here," Lopetegui told a news conference."I have the important opinion and it's painful, but I've made the decision. "I've spoken with those I had to speak to, I'm not going to name anybody. I've had various doubts. To make a list of 23 is a difficult decision.

"We've opted for three other team-mates who have other conditions. Taking four players in that position is not something we wanted to do. It's a footballing decision."It's the most bitter taste to leave someone out. They deserve to be there but they couldn't get in. They helped us and they cannot be here. We have chosen those who can help us the most in this amazing adventure.

"Iago can play centrally and out wide, Rodrigo can play in three areas and always has a great attitude with the team. Diego Costa brings a lot of competitiveness."

 

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Nainggolan left out of star-studded Belgium World Cup squad


Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has been omitted from Belgium's squad for this summer's World Cup.

The 30-year-old has played a key role in the Red Devils' resurgence in recent years but has struggled to fully establish himself under new manager Roberto Martinez.He was left out of two squads at the start of the current season, with reports claiming his bad-boy image was to blame for his absence.

Martinez was insistent the decision was merely tactical, and Nainggolan's hopes of representing his country in Russia were boosted when he was recalled for friendlies against Mexico and Japan in November as well as Saudi Arabia in March.

But those have now been extinguished following the announcement of Martinez's final selection on Monday, with Nainggolan missing out despite playing a key role in the Giallorossi's run to the Champions League semi-finals."First and foremost, we all know Radja is a top player, there is no question about that," the coach told a news conference.

"It is a tactical reason. In the last two years, the team has worked in an offensive way, in a very specific manner."In the case of Radja, we all know he has a very important role at club level and I don't think we can give him that in the national team.

"I travelled to see him yesterday in Rome and we had a very good conversation. The decision is not an easy one, I understand how popular the player is, but we have to create the team to try to become a winning team."It is purely a tactical decision."Martinez has named a 28-man provisional squad for the tournament, meaning there are places for the likes of Christian Benteke and Nacer Chadli, despite disappointing campaigns in the Premier League for Crystal Palace and West Brom respectively.

Michy Batshuayi is also included, despite suffering a season-ending ankle injury while in action for Borussia Dortmund in April.Belgium head into the tournament as one of the favourites given the strength in depth which Martinez is able to call upon.

Thibaut Courtois is likely to start in goal ahead of Simon Mignolet while the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen battling for places in defence.Mousa Dembele, Kevin De Bruyne and Marouane Fellaini are in contention for midfield places while Romelu Lukaku is likely to lead the line, supported by Eden Hazard and Yannick Carrasco.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg), Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Matz Sels (Newcastle);

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham), Dedryck Boyata (Celtic), Laurent Ciman (Los Angeles FC), Christian Kabasele (Watford), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Jordan Lukaku (Lazio), Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham);

Midfielders: Nacer Chadli (West Brom), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham), Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Youri Tielemans (Monaco), Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian);

Forwards: Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea), Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace), Yannick Carrasco (Dalian Yifang), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Monchengladbach), Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad), Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United), Dries Mertens (Napoli).

 

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Allegri agrees Juventus stay after positive board meeting


Massimiliano Allegri has agreed to continue as Juventus manager and has outlined his plans for the future of the club after meeting with the board.

The 50-year-old had been linked with the vacant managerial position at Arsenal, but indicated last week that he would rather stay in Turin. Discussions with Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta proved fruitful, ensuring that Allegri will continue as the head coach of the Bianconeri.Since taking over Juve, Allegri has won four Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia trophies and the Supercoppa Italiana. He also took the Bianconeri to the Champions League final in 2015 and 2017.

Allegri is contracted to Juventus until 2020 and set out his future plans on Monday in a meeting which also included Aldo Mazza, Pavel Nedved and Fabio Paratici, as well as Marotta.

The coach outlined his short- and long-term aims for the club, including continued success in Serie A as well as mounting a proper challenge on the Champions League. Juventus have not won Europe's greatest club competition since 1996, leaving the board frustrated despite going close twice under Allegri.

As a result, the board will back Allegri in the transfer market, with the signing of Germany midfielder Emre Can the first step in their campaign to become proper European contenders.Can is set to sign a five-year contract at Juventus Stadium in order to move to Italy when his current deal with Liverpool expires at the end of June. The transfer is set to be announced after the Champions League final, which will be the Reds' last game of the 2017-18 season.

Both Allegri and Marotta indicated their desire for continued partnership before their Monday meeting, with Marotta telling reporters "The conditions point to an extension of the relationship. We will listen to his wishes, but in my opinion we will continue quietly."Allegri claimed he wanted to put forward his vision for the future, which included securing players of the right mentality to help Juventus compete on all fronts.

"It's a question of seeing and talking, of being very honest in evaluating some things," Allegri said."We must try to make mistakes as little as possible in our choices, we must leave for another season in which the objectives are the same. We need people who want to work and who are equipped with the right incentives. And above all, we have to evaluate where we can improve the squad."

With Allegri now staying on at Juventus, the next step for the club will be signing new players to help him achieve his aims while also ensuring they can keep hold of some of their stars.

 

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Messi physically and mentally ready for the World Cup, Sampaoli proclaims


Lionel Messi is in a "good moment" physically and excited for the challenge of trying to help Argentina win the World Cup, according to Jorge Sampaoli.

La Albiceleste are set to face Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D at the finals in Russia, as they seek to go one better than their loss to Germany in the final in 2014.Messi was said to have arrived at the previous tournament in Brazil short of full fitness after a difficult season under Gerardo Martino at Barcelona.

But the superstar forward has been in sparkling form as the Blaugrana won La Liga this term, leaving Sampaoli optimistic upon naming his final 23-man squad on Monday."I've talked to Messi and I [found] him very excited about what's coming, physically he's in a good moment," the coach told a news conference.

Messi's fellow forward Sergio Aguero has not played for his club Manchester City since April due to a knee injury, but Sampaoli declared the 29-year-old fully fit.
"He is working normally since last week," the coach said."[Gabriel] Mercado is not going to have any kind of [major problems]. We'll see how [Lucas] Biglia arrives [in camp]."

Argentina struggled in qualifying, and needed a Messi hat-trick in their final match away to Ecuador to secure passage to Russia.Sampaoli, though, is confident the team can impress at the tournament, and is planning to pick the players who are able to cope with the pressure of carrying the hopes of a nation on the big stage.

"The World Cup has to be faced without fear, with loftiness, with presence, and those who are more convinced of their game will be closer to the starting line-up," he said."One understands that these players have characteristics that serve us ... with time and the desire to play, this will be enhanced, I have great hope and, every time I see them train, the dream grows.

"For me, the objective is to enhance individual characteristics to make a great World Cup."If we dare to play, we will be a complex opponent for anyone."We are obliged to move an entire country, I hope we can do it the way we want."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Santi Cazorla leaves Arsenal after six years


Santi Cazorla has parted ways with Arsenal after coming to the end of his contract, the club confirmed on Monday.

Cazorla joined the Gunners in 2012 and became a key part of the side that lifted back to back FA Cups in 2013-14 and 2014-15. The last two seasons, however, have seen the Spain midfielder largely inactive due to serious complications following an Achilles injury that at one point could have led to his leg being amputated.

Now Arsenal have confirmed that the 33-year-old will be a free agent over the summer, with links to Villarreal having already emerged. "Santi Cazorla is leaving the club after coming to the end of his contract," the club revealed on their official website.

"Santi joined us from Malaga in the summer of 2012, during which time he established himself as an integral part of the team and proved to be one of the most technically-gifted players in the Premier League.

"Making 180 appearances for us in six years, Santi scored 29 goals in all competitions, helping the team win two Emirates FA Cups and two FA Community Shields.

"His importance to us was emphasised with his sublime free-kick in the 2014 Emirates FA Cup final, which sparked our unforgettable comeback to win the trophy."Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis added: “Santi is always one of my favourite players to watch. His natural ability with both feet, his speed of thought and movement were central to our best performances in recent years."He plays with a joy and freedom which is very rare. We wish him well for the future and thank him for his important contribution to our club.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Icardi cut from Argentina's 23-man World Cup squad


Mauro Icardi will have to watch the 2018 World Cup from the sidelines after being excluded from Argentina's final 23-man Russia squad.The Inter star scored for the Nerazzurri on Sunday as they completed a famous comeback to beat Lazio 3-2 and squeeze into the Champions League ahead of the Rome side.

But despite finishing the season as Serie A top scorer on 29 goals, Icardi has been overlooked by Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli.

Sampaoli takes just two specialist centre-forwards to Russia - recovering Manchester City star Sergio Aguero and Juventus' Gonzalo Higuain.The forward line-up is completed by captain Lionel Messi, Juve's Paulo Dybala and 22-year-old Boca Juniors winger Cristian Pavon.

Elsewhere, Manchester United reserve Sergio Romero prepares for his third World Cup campaign after making the squad alongside fellow goalkeepers Willy Caballero and Franco Armani, drafted in after impressing for Atletico Nacional and River Plate in recent years.There is also a call-up for Marcos Rojo, who managed just nine Premier League appearances for United in a season ravaged by injury.In total just eight members of the Albiceleste squad that made the World Cup final in 2014 are called up for Russia.

Messi, Aguero, Higuain, Romero, Rojo, Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia and Angel Di Maria are the survivors, while the likes of Giovani Lo Celso, Pavon, Maxi Meza and Nicolas Tagliafico are among a host of players with less than 10 caps.Argentina will take on Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in the group phase, after coming through a tortuous qualifying campaign on the final day thanks to a famous hat-trick from Lionel Messi to down Ecuador.

Argentina's World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Manchester United), Willy Caballero (Manchester City), Franco Armani (River Plate).

Defenders: Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla), Cristian Ansaldi (Torino), Nicolas Otamendi (Man City), Federico Fazio (Roma), Marcos Rojo (Man United), Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax), Marcos Acuna (Sporting), Eduardo Salvio (Benfica).

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Hebei), Lucas Biglia (Milan), Ever Banega (Sevilla), Giovani Lo Celso (PSG), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham), Angel Di Maria (PSG), Maxi Meza (Independiente).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Paulo Dybala (Juventus), Sergio Aguero (Man City), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors).

 

[Wolverine GTR]

No offers from Chelsea or Zenit, says Sarri's agent


Maurizio Sarri's representative denied the Napoli head coach has received offers from Chelsea, Tottenham, AC Milan or Zenit as his future remains uncertain.

Sarri has been linked with Premier League side Chelsea after guiding Napoli to their second runners-up finish in three Serie A seasons.The 59-year-old, who has an €8 million release clause (£7m/$9m) in his contract, has held talks with outspoken president Aurelio De Laurentiis over his future.

Russian giants Zenit have reportedly offered €4m per season to lure Sarri to the club following Roberto Mancini's departure, the Italian has also emerged as a possible candidate should Mauricio Pochettino leave the Londoners, while Milan were previously linked.

De Laurentiis has also hinted that Sarri might be on his way out of the Serie A club saying "Time has run out", while the manager's own post-match comments after the final match of the season also seemed to suggest he was soon to depart.However, Sarri's agent Alessandro Pellegrini dismissed the speculation regarding the former Empoli boss making mention of the manager's release clause.

"We haven't received any offers from Chelsea, Tottenham, Milan or Zenit," Pellegrini told Sport Express."Could Sarri leave? For a club to appoint him, they need to pay his €8m release clause."Napoli ended their season with a 2-1 win over relegated Crotone on Sunday as they finished four points adrift of seven-time reigning champions Juventus.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

No Champions League pressure as PSG's Tuchel calls for patience


Thomas Tuchel said he has not been told he must win the Champions League as the new Paris Saint-Germain head coach insisted it is too early to think about European success.

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Tuchel was unveiled on Sunday, the German replacing Unai Emery after the Ligue 1 winners suffered more Champions League failure.PSG lost in the last 16 this season, just like they did in 2016-17, having bowed in the quarter-finals during the four previous campaigns.

The French capital club have dominated domestically with five Ligue 1 titles in six seasons, however, Champions League glory is what their Qatari owners crave.

But Tuchel called for patience as the 44-year-old tries to implement his philosophy on the treble winners."It is dangerous to have this way of thinking," Tuchel told SFR Sport when asked about expectations in the Champions League. "Because if your ambitions are too high, you can never satisfy them.

"How many clubs can win the Champions League? Maybe 12, 13, 14 and in the end there is only one club that raises the trophy. It's way too early to talk about that. This is my deepest feeling. And I'm not talking about the Champions League, but everything else. It's way too soon. "First, we need to put in place a framework. Then you have to create a team spirit.

We will have to work hard for that. And when we get that, we have to take care of it every day. From the month of July, every day that passes. Only if this process is realised, if it is done in a team and each player devotes himself to it and adheres to this state of mind, then at that moment we will go through the steps step by step to get to the top. Only in this way will we be able to win the biggest titles. I believe intimately with that. This is the biggest challenge. And I will start with that.

"I've never been told 'You must win this, that and that'. We want to create something special around a real team spirit and a style of play. That every supporter present at the stadium or in front of his screen feels all that. Something special can happen.

"I do not want to talk about the semi-finals of Champions League. It's too early to talk about that. Ask me the question in the spring if we are ready. If we are, we will have come a long way before. I want players to tell themselves that cup games against second-division teams are just as important as those of the Champions League. And only with this state of mind can we achieve great things.

"Do not set priorities. If everyone is totally dedicated to this project, to this desire to advance the team, then we will succeed beautiful things. But for sure I'm in Paris to win and our goals are the highest. No one has more ambition than me for the players and the team. But it will be step by step."