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AC Milan consolidate second spot with tight Fiorentina win

 Mike Maignan of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A TIM match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 30, 2024 in Florence, Italy. AC Milan strengthened their grip on second place in Serie A on Saturday with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Fiorentina after an Adam Marusic header sunk Juventus in the final seconds at Lazio.Stefano Pioli’s side closed the yawning gap separating them from runaway league leaders Inter Milan, who host Empoli on Easter Monday, to 11 points with well-taken goals early in the second half from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Rafael Leao.But more importantly a sixth straight win in all competitions meant Milan took advantage of Juve’s single-goal defeat in Rome to move six points clear of their old rivals with eight games remaining.“It’s mor...
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Furious Napoli fans boo their own players after heavy home loss to Atalanta

 Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Ederson of Atalanta BC during the Serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and Atalanta BC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 30, 2024 in Naples, Italy. Napoli fans could not hide their frustration in a 3-0 home loss to Atalanta, and they vehemently booed players after the final whistle.It was another game to forget for the defending Serie A champions, who suffered a heavy home defeat against direct rivals Atalanta on Saturday.The visitors scored twice in the first half through Aleksei Miranchuk and Gianluca Scamacca, while Teun Koopmeiners bagged the third in the second half after coming off the bench as a substitute.The Stadio Maradona was sold out, and even though many supporters left before the final whistle, the re...
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Lautaro Martinez: How Inter top scorer could play for 14 months straight

 Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and Juventus - Serie A TIM at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 04, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Inter captain and leading goalscorer Lautaro Martinez could be forced to play for 14 consecutive months if selected by Javier Mascherano to play for Argentina at the 2024 Olympic Games in France this summer.Lautaro Martinez recently told Argentine network TyC Sports that he will ‘always’ be available to represent his country if called upon.“If Mascherano wants to count on me, I always want to be available. I work hard to wear this shirt and being in the national team is a privilege.“If Mascherano is listening, I confirm to him that I am available,” Lautaro Martinez sai...
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Cannavaro: ‘I would’ve coached Napoli for free’

Former Italian soccer players Fabio Cannavaro and Giorgio Chiellini attend the game between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks on March 23, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Fabio Cannavaro admits he would’ve accepted the Napoli job ‘free of charge’ as it was his ‘dream,’ but President Aurelio De Laurentiis never offered it to him.The former Napoli, Parma, Juventus, Inter and Real Madrid defender was widely travelled, but remains forever connected to his hometown and the club that represents it.When he was spotted sitting near De Laurentiis in the stands during Napoli-Empoli, the final match before Rudi Garcia was fired to make way for Walter Mazzarri, many assumed it meant he was being lined up for the role.“I would’ve coached Napoli free of charge, it ...
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Napoli’s Jesus ‘bitter’ over racist probe outcome

 Juan Jesus of SSC Napoli is seenduring the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 17, 2024 in Milan, Italy.Napoli defender Juan Jesus says he feels “bitter” at the Italian football federation’s decision not to act over alleged racist comments targeted at him by Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi.The Brazilian spoke out Wednesday the day after the FIGC shelved their investigation into the incident citing insufficient evidence.“Although respecting this decision I have difficulty understanding it and it leaves me feeling very bitter,” he declared in a statement published by his club.Initially Jesus played down the matter following Napoli’s 1-1 draw at Inter Milan on March 17 after accepting Acerbi’s on-field apology for unspecified insu...
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Milan veteran Giroud agrees 18-month LAFC contract

Olivier Giroud of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and AS Roma - Serie A TIM at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 14, 2024 in Milan, Italy. According to reports in Italy, Milan striker Olivier Giroud has agreed an 18-month contract with LAFC in MLS from July 2024.It is no secret that the veteran centre-forward is not going to extend his current deal with the Rossoneri, which is due to expire on June 30.He is eager to see out his career with a new experience in the United States of America and in particular is leaning towards Los Angeles FC.La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that a basic agreement has now been reached for an 18-month contract that begins from July 1, when he will be a free agent.He first came to San Sir...
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Official: Milan smile as Leao is given permission to leave Portugal camp early

 Rafael Leao of Portugal during the international friendly match between Portugal and Sweden on March 21, 2024 in Guimaraes, Portugal.Rafael Leao played 45 minutes for Portugal in their 5-2 win against Sweden last night and he was one of the best players on the pitch. Along with a few other stars of the team, however, it has been agreed that he will leave the international duties. As confirmed by Sky Italia on X, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has left the likes of Nelson Semedo, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, Toti Gomes, Bruno Fernandes, Goncalo Ramos and Leao out of the squad for next week’s friendly against Slovenia.There are no injuries behind this decision. Instead, Martinez wants to give other players the chance while also allowing the stars to rest, ahead of...
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Report: Juventus want to extend Carlos Alcaraz’s loan for another season

 Carlos Alcaraz of Juventus during the Serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and Juventus - Serie A TIM at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 03, 2024 in Naples, Italy.The biggest thing when Juventus announced the Carlos Alcaraz loan deal was the price that they could pay Southampton to make it a permanent one come the summertime. The second most notable thing involving the Alcaraz loan deal was just how little time — basically five months — Juve director Cristiano Giuntoli and co. would have to decide to make said deal permanent.Well, there may be a way around all of that.According to Marco Guidi of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Giuntoli — who has long been an admirer of Alcaraz dating back to before he signed with Southampton in January 2023 — is aiming to try and extend the loan...
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Bennacer returns to Milan with injury

 Ismaël Bennacer of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 17, 2024 in Verona, Italy. Ismael Bennacer has returned to Milan for tests after sustaining an injury on international duty with Algeria.According to initial reports, there is only a slight muscular issue and he is being returned to his club medical staff so that he can be assessed.It is only considered to be a precaution and this course of action was decided in conjunction with the Milan medical staff.Bennacer is still expected to be fit enough to play in the next Serie A match against Fiorentina.The Algeria international was out of action from May to November 2023 following knee surgery and has therefore only made 15 competitive appea...
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Fiorentina director Joe Barone dies aged 57 following cardiac arrest

 General Director Joe Barone of ACF Fiorentina looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between ACF Fiorentina and Empoli FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 23, 2023 in Florence, Italy. Serie A side Fiorentina have announced the tragic death of general director Joe Barone at the age of 57 following his cardiac arrest at the weekend.La Viola's top-flight match with Atalanta BC on Sunday was postponed after Barone was taken ill at the team hotel in front of players and was subsequently rushed to hospital.Fiorentina confirmed that the club chief had suffered a cardiac arrest and was in intensive care at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, where "artificial mechanical support techniques" were supporting his vital functions.On Tuesday afternoon, Fiorentina released a new statement...
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Lazio announce Tudor as new manager following Sarri resignation

Lazio new head coach Igor Tudor arrives in Roma on March 18, 2024 in Rome, Italy. Following Maurizio Sarri’s resignation after a fifth defeat in six games, Croatian manager Igor Tudor has been named as the Italian's successor at Lazio. The club announced the news on Monday, two days after Lazio claimed their first win in four under assistant coach Giovanni Martusciello. Tudor's first match as Lazio boss will be against his former club Juventus.Igor Tudor has been named Lazio manager following Maurizio Sarri’s resignation, the club have confirmed.Sarri left his post as manager on Wednesday after a fifth defeat in six games, which left the club in ninth place in Serie A after 28 games.Assistant coach Giovanni Martusciello stepped into the vacant hot seat to oversee Saturday's 3-2 w...
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Inter defender Acerbi could face ban if officials find he racially abused Napoli’s Juan Jesus

 Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and FC Internazionale - Serie A TIM at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on March 09, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi was sent home from Italy's national team training camp on Monday amid an allegation he racially abused Napoli counterpart Juan Jesus in Sunday´s Serie A match.Juan Jesus, who is Black, was visibly upset in the second half when he walked up to the referee, who then called over Acerbi.In close-up television images, Juan Jesus seemed to be telling the referee that Acerbi had used a racist slur. Juan Jesus was also pointing at his shirt sleeve, which had a `Keep Racism Out´ badge - as part of the league´s anti-racism campaign.Acerbi joined up with the It...
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Kalulu injury nightmare continues at Milan – the recovery time

 Pierre Kalulu of AC Milan in action during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Slavia Praha and AC Milan at Eden Arena on March 14, 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic.Pierre Kalulu has again been forced to the sidelines for a lengthy absence after suffering an injury in Milan’s win over Hellas Verona.The 23-year-old French defender’s campaign has been entirely derailed by injuries this term; he missed five matches in the early stages of the season with a muscle issue before tearing a thigh muscle just weeks later, a problem that kept him out of action for over four months.Kalulu returned for action in Milan’s 1-0 win over Empoli at the start of March, finally seeing the pitch again after his injury struggles, but the club were left concerned after he was f...
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Official: Fiorentina release medical update on Joe Barone

Joe Barone (Giuseppe Barone), general manager of ACF Fiorentina, looks on prior to the Serie A football match between Torino FC and ACF Fiorentina. The match ended 0-0 tie.  Fiorentina confirm their director Joe Barone has been hospitalised at the intensive care unit at the San Raffaele Hospital, where he is receiving ‘the most advanced treatment in cardiac function and support.’Fiorentina released a medical update on Barone on Sunday night.The club’s general director reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday, hours before a Serie A match between Fiorentina and Atalanta, which was eventually postponed.“ACF Fiorentina can confirm that Joe Barone is currently hospitalised at the cardiac intensive care unit at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan directed by Prof Alberto Zangrillo,” ...
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Allegri insists Juventus result against Genoa does not worry him

Massimiliano Allegri of Juventus Fc looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Juventus and Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on March 17, 2024 in Turin, Italy. Max Allegri insists he is not a worried man despite his team’s draw against Genoa, which stretches their winless run.Juve is on a downward spiral and could soon be embroiled in the race for the fourth spot in the league.That would be shocking, considering they were at the top of the league standings just weeks ago.The Bianconeri are no longer as strong as they were when they were in the mix to become Italy’s champions, and teams no longer worry much about them when they face each other.Juve has lost the fear factor, and that should worry any manager when your team cannot defeat Genoa at this stage of the season.However, after th...
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Inter’s perfect 2024 league run ended, Milan win again

 Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A TIM match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 17, 2024 in Verona, Italy.Before this week, Inter Milan had been perfect in 2024 - but the runaway Serie A leaders have stumbled again as they failed to rebound from a disappointing Champions League exit.A 1-1 home draw with defending champions Napoli is hardly the stuff of nightmares, though, and is unlikely to slow Inter's charge to the title.The result leaves Inter 14 points clear of city rivals Milan in second place, with nine games to play.Matteo Darmian gave the home side the lead shortly before halftime but former Inter defender Juan Jesus headed in the equaliser for Napoli nine minutes from ti...
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Pulisic scores in fourth straight, breaks personal goal record with Verona finish

 Christian Pulisic of AC Milan scores his team's second goal during the Serie A TIM match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 17, 2024 in Verona, Italy. In front of goal, things have never been better for Christian Pulisic.The U.S. men’s national team attacker scored his 12th goal of the season for AC Milan, getting on the scoresheet for the fourth straight match as the Rossoneri defeated Hellas Verona 3-1.Pulisic has been on a superb run over the past month, posting five goals and two assists in Milan’s last seven matches, and has drawn three red cards for opposing players to boot.Sunday’s strike at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi might have been the easiest goal of the bunch. Noah Okafor did most of the heavy lifting on what would eve...
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Lazio win at Frosinone as post-Sarri era begins

 Taty Castellanos of SS Lazio celebrates after scoring second goal during the Serie A TIM match between Frosinone Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Benito Stirpe on March 16, 2024 in Frosinone, Italy. Substitute Taty Castellanos has scored twice in Lazio's 3-2 win at relegation-threatened Frosinone in what is set to be interim coach Giovanni Martusciello's only match in charge of the capital club.Pol Lirola gave Frosinone the lead before Mattia Zaccagni leveled shortly before halftime.Castellanos scored twice after the break but Walid Cheddira reduced the deficit to set up a nervy final 20 minutes for ninth-placed Lazio.Martusciello, former coach Maurizio Sarri's longtime assistant, was named caretaker on Wednesday after Sarri resigned.But Italian media reports an agreement has alrea...
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Serie A: Last-Gasp Bologna Consolidate Fourth At Empoli

 Giovanni Fabbian of Bologna FC celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and Bologna FC at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 15, 2024 in Empoli, Italy.Bologna continued their surprise Serie A charge to a Champions League spot on Friday after a stoppage-time winner by Giovanni Fabbian gave them a 1-0 win at Empoli. Substitute Fabbian scored on the rebound four minutes into added time to move Bologna six points clear of Roma in fifth spot, provisionally. The narrow victory comes at a crucial time in the season for Bologna, who last week were defeated 1-0 at home to runaway leaders Inter Milan after a run of six successive wins.Thiago Motta's side now find themselves just four points off Juventus in third, ahead of the Old Lady's clash with ...
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Sarri hands in resignation at Lazio

Maurizio Sarri of SS Lazio looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between FC Bayern München and SS Lazio at Allianz Arena on March 5, 2024 in Munich, Germany.Maurizio Sarri has decided to resign at Lazio as a result of their poor form, communicating his decision to the club’s management.The Biancocelesti picked up their 12th defeat of the Serie A season on Monday evening, falling to relegation candidates Udinese in a 2-1 loss at the Stadio Olimpico. Tensions were high after the full time whistle and the squad were booed off the pitch by the remaining fans.Lazio president Claudio Lotito and sporting director Angelo Fabiani decided to call the squad into a training camp, wanting things to turn around ahead of the final 10 games of the season. The club ...
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