SERIE A – Page 34 – Football Flame

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Gianluigi Buffon Says He’s Leaving Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon (ITA) celebrates with the trophy after the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup between Italy and France.TURIN, Italy (AP) — World Cup winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will leave Juventus at the end of the season — this time for good.Buffon, who spent most of his storied career with Juventus, surprisingly returned to the Serie A club in 2019 after one year with Paris Saint-Germain.The 43-year-old Buffon announced Tuesday that when his contract expires in June it will definitively be the end of his time with the Bianconeri.“My future is clear and defined. This very beautiful and very long experience with Juve will come end in a definitive manner this year,” Buffon said in an interview with beIN Sport. “Either I stop playing, or if I find a situation that gives me motivation ...
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Cristiano Ronaldo brace rescues dethroned Juventus against Udinese

Juventus' Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal with his teammates Juventus' Spanish forward Alvaro Morata (L) and Juventus' French midfielder Adrien Rabiot from France (R) during the Italian Serie A football match between Udinese and Juventus at the Dacia Arena Stadium in Udine, on May 2, 2021.A Cristiano Ronaldo brace rescued a 2-1 win for Juventus at Udinese on Sunday hours after the Turin giants surrendered their Serie A crown to Inter Milan.Atalanta's draw at Sassuolo earlier in the day meant Inter secured a first scudetto since 2010 with the Nerazzurri 13 points clear with four games remaining.Juve's win moves them up to third as they target a Champions League spot, but are equal on 69 points with second-placed Atalanta and AC Milan in fourth.Napoli are...
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Eriksen helps Inter Milan close on Serie A title

Inter Milan's danish midfielder Christian Eriksen celebrates after scoring against Crotone during the Italian Serie A football match Crotone vs Inter Milan at the Ezio Scida Stadium in Crotone on May 1, 2021.Inter Milan closed in on their first Italian Serie A title since 2010 with second-half goals from Christian Eriksen and Achraf Hakimi at Crotone.Inter will be crowned champions on Sunday if second-placed Atalanta fail to claim all three points at Sassuolo.Denmark midfielder Eriksen broke the deadlock shortly after being brought on as a substitute by boss Antonio Conte.Hakimi added another in injury time as the away win also confirmed bottom side Crotone's instant return to Serie B.Even if Atalanta earn victory against eighth-placed Sassuolo, Inter know they would need just one point fr...
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Smalling robbed by armed gang at home

Footballer of Roma Chris Smalling during the match Rome-Genoa at the stadio Olimpico. Rome (Italy), March 07th, 2021.Roma defender Chris Smalling was robbed at gunpoint at home in front of his wife and two-year-old child yesterday, after their villa was targeted by a crime gang.Three armed men broke into the former England international’s multi-million pound property and forced him to open his family’s safe, according to reports in Italy. Hooded raiders took a Rolex watch, jewellery and other valuables during the raid in the historic Appia Antica district south of the city.Police were alerted just before 5am yesterday by Smalling’s wife, Sam.Smalling, who was out of Europa League action this week while he recovers from a knee injury, was said to be distressed about the incident but calm.Th...
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Ibrahimovic comes out of international retirement, will play for Sweden in World Cup qualifier

Ibrahimovic of AC Milan attends the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 14, 2021 in Milan, Italy.Zlatan Ibrahimovic has come out of international retirement at the age of 39 and is set to play for Sweden for the first time since the 2016 European Championship.“The return of the God,” the charismatic AC Milan striker tweeted after being included on Tuesday in Sweden’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia on March 25 and Kosovo three days later, as well as a friendly against Estonia on March 31.Ibrahimovic scored a national-record 62 goals in 112 games for Sweden from 2001-16.Without the country’s most high-profile player, Sweden reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia – its best performance in the competition since 199...
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Juventus exercise option on Weston McKennie

Weston McKennie of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Juventus and Spezia Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 02, 2021 in Turin, Italy.Juventus officially announced that they had exercised their option to sign Weston McKennie outright from Schalke 04.The midfielder was a surprise signing over the summer transfer window, acquired on a loan with an option to buy. The first American man to play for Juventus, at the time he was considered a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing that would at the very least provide a valuable squad player for the 2020-21 season.No one at the time could have predicted how good, and how important, he would become in such a short amount of time. McKennie has been one of the keys to the midfield. When healthy—which he unfortunately hasn’t been f...
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Ibrahimovic, Lukaku rematch as Milan rivals clash for Serie A top spot

Romelu Lukaku of FC Internazionale clashes with Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan during the Coppa Italia match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 26, 2021 in Milan, Italy.MILAN: AC Milan and city rivals Inter renew their duel for top spot in Serie A on Sunday in a third clash this season between star strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku as champions Juventus play catch-up.Antonio Conte’s Inter went top after Lukaku scored twice in a 3-1 win over Lazio, one point ahead of Milan who dropped to second after losing to Spezia last weekend.Juventus will be looking for a boost against rock bottom Crotone after following their Napoli defeat with a Champions League last 16, first leg loss at Porto.Inter have the advantage of being fresher having been ...
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Juventus could’ve done better, admits Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo the manager of Juventus reacts prior to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between FC Porto and Juventus at Estadio do Dragao on February 17, 2021 in Porto, Portugal.PORTO: Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo is disappointed after being beaten by Porto and said that his team "could've done better" in the match.Juventus suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Porto in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie here Thursday."Our approach changed after a minute because when you concede a goal like that so early on, it knocks your confidence. The players let their heads drop and Porto were able to play the game that they wanted to play, shutting up shop and playing on the counter," the club's official website quoted Pirlo as saying."Fortunately, we managed to get back i...
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Milan ready to defend Ibrahimovic against racism

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan reacts during the Coppa Italia match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 26, 2021 in Milan, Italy.AC Milan will defend Zlatan Ibrahimovic if he faces disciplinary action for racism after the Swede clashed with Inter's Romelu Lukaku during an Italian Cup match this week, team technical director Paolo Maldini said Saturday."We are ready to defend Ibrahimovic in any way possible if racism should be brought up, which has nothing to do with him," said Maldini."It happens to argue, it's an ugly episode to watch, but it ends there."(Ibrahimovic) was sorry for having left the team with 10 (players), he defended his teammates against Lukaku's unprovoked attacks."The heated altercation between the former Manchester United teammat...
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Ibrahimovic, Lukaku get away without further bans after spat

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R) of AC Milan argues with Romelu Lukaku of FC Internazionale during the Coppa Italia football match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan. FC Internazionale won 2-1 over AC Milan.MILAN — Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku were each given one-match suspensions by the league on Friday following their spat in the Italian Cup, with no bans added on for further disciplinary reasons. Ibrahimovic's suspension is because of the two yellow cards and his subsequent sending off during Tuesday's game, while Lukaku's suspension is for accumulated cards. There was a huge argument — and head-to-head clash — between Ibrahimovic and Lukaku just before halftime and both players were given yellow cards. The spat between the former Manchester United teammates continued after the halfti...
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Buffon could face ban for blasphemous remark

Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus Fc looks on during the Serie A match between Fc Internazionale and Juventus Fc. Fc Internazionale wins 2-0 over Juventus Fc.Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is facing a one-match ban if found guilty of using an alleged blasphemous expression during a match against Parma on Dec. 19.The incident relates back to a comment made while speaking to teammate Manolo Portanova in the 80th minute of the Bianconeri's 4-0 victory over Buffon's former side.The Italian FA opened an investigation in the aftermath of the match and confirmed on Tuesday the case had now been passed to the country's federal court. If found guilty, Buffon is likely to receive a one-match ban.In 2010, a "Blasphemy Law" was introduced in Italy, which led to a spate of sports stars being sanctione...
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Leaders AC Milan stunned at home by Atalanta

Samu Castillejo of AC Milan, Cristian Romero of Atalanta, Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan, Remo Freuler of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta Bergamo at San Siro Stadium on January 23, 2021 in Milan, Italy.AC Milan's lead at the top of Serie A was cut to two points after they were outplayed by Atalanta at the San Siro.Cristian Romero headed home Robin Gosens' corner after 26 minutes before Josip Ilicic was brought down by Milan's Franck Kessie in the area midway through the second half. Full-time at San Siro#MilanAtalanta #SempreMilan @emirates pic.twitter.com/Rej50hpSyr— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 23, 2021 Ilicic converted the penalty before Duvan Zapata added a third late on.Inter Milan, who could have gone level at the top with a win, were held to a goalles...
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Juve beat 10-man Sassuolo to move fourth in Serie A

Briansafo Oddei of Sassuolo, Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus during the Italian Serie A match between Juventus v Sassuolo at the Allianz Stadium on January 10, 2021 in Turin Italy.Juventus battled to a 3-1 victory over 10-man Sassuolo to move fourth in Serie A on Sunday.Sassuolo played the entire second half a man down after Pedro Obiang saw red for a dangerous challenge on Federico Chiesa.Defender Danilo put Juventus ahead in the 50th minute when he fired home his first goal of the season.But seven minutes later Sassuolo pulled level with Gregoire Defrel brilliantly finishing off a Hamed Junior Traore through ball.Substitute Aaron Ramsey gave Juventus the advantage again eight minutes from time when he tapped in a Gianluca Frabotta cross to claim his first goal of the campaign.Cristiano Ron...
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Ibrahimovic returns to AC Milan squad against Torino

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio San Paolo on November 22, 2020 in Naples, Italy.Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been recalled to the AC Milan squad after seven weeks out injured for Saturday's Serie A match against Torino.The 39-year-old, who has missed the Serie A leaders' last eight league games, had not been expected to return until next weekend against Cagliari.Ibrahimovic scored 10 goals in six league games before picking up a thigh injury after scoring a double in a 3-1 win over Napoli on November 22, and later had problems with his calf.Stefano Pioli's side have numerous injuries as they try and hold top spot against lowly Torino, with Inter Milan just one point behind in second.Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has also bee...
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Juve confirm third Covid case this week as De Ligt tests positive

Matthijs De Ligt reacts of Juventus during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 06, 2021 in Milan, Italy.Juventus said on Friday that Netherlands defender Matthijs De Ligt has tested positive for Covid-19, the third player from the Serie A champions to do so this week.Brazilian defender Alex Sandro returned a positive result on Monday, while winger Juan Cuadrado tested positive on Tuesday."Juventus Football Club announces that, during the checks provided for by the protocol in force, Matthijs De Ligt has emerged positive with Covid 19. The player has already been placed in solitary confinement," Juventus said in a statement. First Team footballer tests positivehttps://t.co/EcTO4lNHab pic.twitter.com/NttqVjS2Yg— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen...
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Milan’s Rebic, Krunic test positive for coronavirus before Juve game

Ante Rebic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Benevento Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Ciro Vigorito on January 03, 2021 in Benevento, Italy.AC Milan forward Ante Rebic and midfielder Rade Krunic have both tested positive for coronavirus and will miss Wednesday's Serie A clash against Juventus, the Italian league leaders confirmed."Ante Rebic and Rade Krunic tested positive for a molecular swab carried out yesterday (Tuesday) in anticipation of the match against Juventus," the club said in a statement."The asymptomatic players remained in isolation at home where a second control swab was taken today (Wednesday)."All the team members were subjected to further tests with negative results."Juventus pair Alex Sandro and Juan Cuadrado are also ruled out of the game after positive tests...
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Juventus Prolong Rich Sponsorship on Front of Jersey

Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo during a training session at JTC on December 30, 2020 in Turin, Italy.Juventus announced late on Tuesday to have agreed to extend the Jeep sponsorship on the first team’s kit for the next three seasons, therefore through 2024. The new deal is worth €45M per year plus bonuses related to the results, a €3M annual bump compared to the current contract.Jeep is part of FCA which, like Juventus, is under the umbrella of Exor, the holding of the Agnelli family. Their logo has been on the jersey since 2013 and the last revision of the partnership dates back to 2019, as the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo produced a €28M increase, La Stampa informed.The specialized site Calcio e Finanza indicated that the value of the kit will now move above €100M per year as the tech...
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Lautaro Martinez Happy at Inter, Says Agent

Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on December 23, 2020 in Verona, Italy.Lautaro Martinez’s agent Beto Yaque gave an interview to Argentinian newspaper Olé and silenced the buzz about his client eyeing a move to Barcelona: He is fine where he is. He has three years left on his contract, who wants him has to talk with Inter. He is happy and serene in Milan. He is playing and improving.The most important thing is that he got accustomed to European football very rapidly. In the first year after he joined, he often scored off the bench, so the people immediately noticed his quality. He has won everybody over for what he gives on the pitch, th...
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Serie A: Cristiano Ronaldo’s twin strike helps Juventus inflict 4-0 loss on Parma, inch closer to leaders AC Milan

Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus scores to give the side a 3-0 lead during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio and Juventus at Stadio Ennio Tardini on December 19, 2020 in Parma, Italy.Milan: Cristiano Ronaldo scored a double as Juventus thrashed Parma 4-0 on Saturday to move within a point of Serie A leaders AC Milan.The Turin giants, chasing a 10th straight league title this season, remain unbeaten after 13 matches this term.Ronaldo, who missed a penalty in the midweek 1-1 draw with Atalanta, made amends with his third brace in four games."Ronaldo was quite rightly angry with himself after missing a penalty," Juve coach Andrea Pirlo told DAZN."But fortunately he didn't have much time to stew over it and immediately got the chance to show just how much he loves to score goals." .@juventus...
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Serie A: AS Roma move level on points with champions Juventus after beating 10-man Torino

Henrikh Mkhitaryan of AS Roma celebrates with his team mates after scoring is goal ,during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Torino FC at Stadio Olimpico on December 17, 2020 in Rome, Italy.Milan: Roma moved level on points with champions Juventus in third place in Serie A on Thursday with a 3-1 win over 10-man Torino.Torino had a mountain to climb after Wilfried Singo was sent off after 14 minutes in Rome following two yellow cards in seven minutes.Roma followed on from their 5-1 win over Bologna last weekend and are level on 24 points with Juventus — four points adrift of leaders AC Milan.After Singo's dismissal the hosts piled on the pressure and it paid off with Henrikh Mkhitaryan opening the scoring after 27 minutes in the Stadio Olimpico.Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic h...
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