Igor Tudor has signed a new contract with Juventus which will keep the Croatian coach in Turin fo...

Igor Tudor has signed a new contract with Juventus which will keep the Croatian coach in Turin for another two seasons, the Serie A club said on Friday.In a statement, Juve said that Tudor "will lead the men's first team until 30 June, 2027, with an option to extend by another year until 30 June, 2028".Juve's new general manager Damien Comolli had already confirmed earlier this week that Tudor, 47, would stay on as coach after the club failed to snatch Antonio Conte from Serie A champions Napoli.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Juve had pushed to bring back club icon Conte, who won three straight league titles as coach of the Turin giants between 2011 and 2014.But Conte decided to stay at Napoli and defend the Scudetto, leading Juve to decide to stick with Tudor who replaced sacked Thiago Motta in March and guided the club to next season's Champions League.Tudor will lead Juve at the upcoming Club World Cup in the USA where the Italians face Al Ain, Wydad AC and Manchester City in the group stage.Juve are one of a minority of Serie A clubs to stick with their coach, with a host of changes already made less than three weeks after the end of last season.

TURIN, ITALY - JUNE 13: Juventus head coach Igor Tudor signing a contract extension with Dean Comolli at Juventus headquarters on June 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy.

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Juventus hand Tudor new 2-year deal before Club World Cup

Liverpool have agreed a club-record deal worth up to £116 million ($157 million) to sign attackin...

Liverpool have agreed a club-record deal worth up to £116 million ($157 million) to sign attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, it was widely reported on Friday.British media reported that the Premier League champions would pay an initial £100 million, comfortably surpassing their own record outlay, but the performance-related add-ons, if achieved, would make it a potential British record.Reports in Germany suggested the potential fee could rise to 150 million euros (£127 million, $172 million).<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Liverpool's total spend on the 22-year-old Germany international could surpass the £115 million Chelsea agreed to pay Brighton in 2023 for Moises Caicedo, who turned down Anfield.Midfielder Caicedo cost Chelsea an initial £100 million fee, which could rise to £115 million.Striker Darwin Nunez was Liverpool's previous record signing in 2022, although they have not paid the full £85 million as he has not met all the requirements for certain add-ons to be due.Manchester City had been keen on Wirtz but pulled out, reportedly due to the spiralling costs of the whole package.Wirtz has been hailed as one of the "best in the world" by former Bayer Leverkusen coach and ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is the new boss of Real Madrid.After largely keeping their powder dry in the transfer market during Arne Slot's first season in charge, the Reds are splashing out to strengthen a side that romped to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.Wirtz's Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong has already joined Liverpool while a deal for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is understood to be well-advanced.Wirtz was played a crucial role in Leverkusen's greatest season as they claimed a first-ever Bundesliga title and the German Cup in 2023/24 without losing a single game under Alonso.Their only defeat that season, during which Wirtz was crowned Bundesliga player of the year, came in the Europa League final to Atalanta, denying the Werkself a memorable treble.Bayern Munich restored their grip on the German game last season, with Leverkusen a distant second, and Wirtz is joining an exodus from the BayArena.Where Liverpool's record signing fits into Slot's plans remains to be seen.Wirtz largely played behind a central striker at Leverkusen and has operated from a wider role for Germany.A return of 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 games for Leverkusen is evidence that he carries a threat both as a creator and a goalscorer.Liverpool are already blessed with an abundance of forward options, with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo all offering a goal threat.However, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa now face even stiffer competition and Liverpool might sell to free up further transfer resources, with suggestions they could sign a specialist striker.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 11: Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen gestures during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund at BayArena on May 11, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany.

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Report: Liverpool close to completing record deal for Leverkusen's Wirtz

USA captain Christian Pulisic has hit back at former players who have criticised his decision to ...

USA captain Christian Pulisic has hit back at former players who have criticised his decision to miss this month's CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament being held a year out from the World Cup.The USA will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico but Pulisic, 26, opted to rest during June rather than play in two friendly games and up to six matches against regional opponents.Former USA star Landon Donovan was one of those who heavily criticised Pulisic's decision comparing it unfavourably with Cristiano Ronaldo playing in the Nations League at the age of 40.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"You can talk about my performances, whatever you want, but to question my commitment, especially towards the national team? In my opinion, that's way out of line," said the AC Milan winger.Donovan was just one of a cast of former USA players, appearing on talk shows and podcasts, criticising Pulisic and questioning his commitment but Pulisic said some were saying different things in private."It is tough, because I looked up to those guys growing up. Some of those guys were my idols, and I respect them so much as players. It's tough, especially when — some of them, as well, privately, the way they talk to me and clearly want to show support and be your friend and everything. And then it goes, and they say something slightly different publicly. That's fine. It doesn't hurt me," he said.Pulisic, who has made 72 appearances for his country, said his decision had been based on an evaluation of his physical condition at the end of the Serie A season."It sucks for me to miss out with the team. I want to be a part of the team always. But to be honest, towards the second half and the end of the season, my body just started talking to me," he said. "I started to think, you know, what's going to be best for me leading into next year and going into the World Cup. Is that to play eight more games, get no rest at all, go straight into preseason and then grind another year, and go straight into the World Cup? That's not what I felt was best for my body," he added.Pulisic has played 120 games for club and country in the past two seasons.<h3>Absentees</h3>The winger isn't the only regular starter for the USA who will be missing for the Gold Cup where Mauricio Pochettino's side will face Trindidad and Tobago, Haiti and Saudi Arabia in the group stage.Fulham defender Antonee Robinson also has time off to recover from injuries and Milan midfielder Yunus Musah is absent for personal reasons. Weston McKennie and Tim Weah are on Club World Cup duty for Juventus with Giovanni Reyna also in that tournament for Borussia Dortmund.But Pulisic said he had offered to line up for the USA in the recent friendly matches against Turkey and Switzerland -- which both ended up in defeat with the Swiss providing a 4-0 hammering."The only point I would make with that is that I did want to be part of at least the two friendlies," he said. "I did speak with the coaches, and I asked and I wanted to be part of the team in whatever capacity I could. They said no; they said they only wanted one roster, and that's a coach's decision. I fully respect that. I didn't understand it, but it is what it is," he said. "I wanted to be a part of that, but that's just the way things went. I had to make the best decision for myself, and also, in the long run, my team, although, clearly, some people haven’t seen it that way," he said.Pulisic said he hoped that fans and pundits who have turned against him would change their views when he returns fit and fresh."You know how it is: people forget really quickly. Once I'm back with the national team — I hope — once I'm back with the national team and can play again, score a goal and win a game, people will forget all about this quickly," he added.

SAN SIRO STADIUM, MILAN, ITALY - 2025/05/24: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on during Serie A 2024/25 football match between AC Milan and AC Monza at San Siro Stadium AC Milan 2 - 0 AC Monza.

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Pulisic: Ex-U.S. players questioning my commitment are 'way out of line'

Germany winger Leroy Sane has joined Galatasaray on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, the Turki...

Germany winger Leroy Sane has joined Galatasaray on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, the Turkish champions announced on Thursday.The 29-year-old has signed a three-year deal and will be paid an annual salary of €9 million ($10.4 million), plus a "loyalty bonus" of €3 million a season, the club said."I've played here before. There was an incredible atmosphere," said Sane after arriving in Istanbul.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Honestly, the fans were very loud. Now that they're behind me, I'm very happy, and I'm very excited to play my first match here."Sane, who has played 70 times for the German national team, won four Bundesliga titles at Bayern after signing from Manchester City, with whom he lifted the Premier League twice.He scored 13 goals in all competitions last season, helping Bayern win back the Bundesliga trophy from Bayer Leverkusen.

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE- JUNE 12: Galatasaray fans welcome German winger Leroy Sané with chants upon his arrival at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul, Türkiye, following his transfer to the club on June 12, 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

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Sane signs 3-year deal with Galatasaray worth up to €12M per season

Kevin De Bruyne has signed for Napoli as a free agent after being released by Manchester City, th...

Kevin De Bruyne has signed for Napoli as a free agent after being released by Manchester City, the Serie A champions' president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed on Thursday.Film mogul De Laurentiis posted a picture of himself shaking hands with De Bruyne on social media with the message "welcome Kevin!"Belgium midfielder De Bruyne has reportedly signed a two-year deal with an option for a third at Napoli, where he will join up with international teammate Romelu Lukaku and former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 33-year-old left City at the end of this past season after a trophy-packed decade in Manchester, where under Pepe Guardiola he won six Premier League titles and in 2023 the Champions League.He has however suffered from a series of physical problems in recent seasons, with two hamstring injuries causing him to miss significant chunks of the last two campaigns.Napoli have brought in one of Europe's top midfielders as the Italians try to bolster a squad which next season will defend the Scudetto while also having the extra fixture pressure of the expanded Champions League.Antonio Conte's Napoli beat Inter Milan to the Serie A title on the final day of the season, their second league crown in three years.But they had no European football clogging up their calendar, unlike Inter who got to the Champions League final only to be thumped 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain.

NAPLES, ITALY - JUNE 12: Kevin De Bruyne shakes hands with SSC Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis during his official presentation as a new Napoli player on June 12, 2025 in Rome, Italy.

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Sampdoria will have a chance to avoid their first ever relegation to Italy's third division after...

Sampdoria will have a chance to avoid their first ever relegation to Italy's third division after a play-off with Salernitana was confirmed by Serie B.The former Italian champions fell to a historic low last month when a goalless draw at Juve Stabia on the final day of the regular season led to an 18th-placed finish in the 20-team division.The bottom three in Serie B are directly relegated to the third tier, while the teams in 16th and 17th place face off in a two-legged play-off.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But Brescia dropped down to 18th after being deducted eight points for accounting and administrative infractions, four of which were applied to this past season and the remaining points to their next league campaign.Brescia did not appeal the ruling and are set to go out of existence after 114 years following owner Massimo Cellino's decision not to honour a debt of three million euros ($3.4 million).Cellino had until Friday to pay part of Brescia's eight million euros in tax arrears and other overdue tax, and failure to do so has resulted in the club losing the right to take part in the Italian league system.That has given Sampdoria a lifeline, with a showdown with Salernitana deciding the final team to be relegated to Serie C alongside Brescia, Cittadella and Cosenza.One of seven Italian clubs who have played all their football in the top two divisions, Sampdoria will host Salernitana on Sunday, with the second leg in Salerno in southern Italy the following Friday.Sampdoria were relegated to Serie B in 2023 and close to going bust before being saved by current president Matteo Manfredi and former Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani, who has since exited the club.The club's majority shareholder is Singaporean businessman Joseph Tey.Club icons Alberico Evani and Attilio Lombardo were hired as coaches in April in an attempt to save Sampdoria from the drop after significant transfer market activity both last summer and in January.Evani is Sampdoria's fourth head coach of the season after Andrea Pirlo, Andrea Sottil and Leonardo Semplice.

GENOA, ITALY - MAY 9: Alberico Evani, head coach of Sampdoria (center), issues Rémi Oudin and M'Baye Niang some instructions during the Serie B match between UC Sampdoria and US Salernitana 1919 at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 9, 2025 in Genoa, Italy.

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Sampdoria must beat Salernitana to avoid 1st season in Serie C

Cagliari announced on Wednesday that novice Fabio Pisacane had been picked as the Serie A club's ...

Cagliari announced on Wednesday that novice Fabio Pisacane had been picked as the Serie A club's new coach following the sacking of Davide Nicola.Pisacane, who spent six seasons with Cagliari as a player, has signed a one-year contract which will be automatically renewed should unspecified "sporting criteria" be satisfied.The 39-year-old has been promoted from Cagliari's youth team which in April won the youth Italian Cup by beating AC Milan 3-0. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cagliari finished 15th in Serie A under Nicola last season, five points above the relegation zone.The close season in Italy has already brought numerous coaching changes, including at some of the country's biggest clubs like AC Milan, Inter Milan, Roma and Atalanta.

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 09: Fabio Pisacane of Cagliari celebrates win at the end of the Coppa Italia Primavera final match between AC Milan and Cagliari on April 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

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Cagliari promote Fabio Pisacane to head coach

Ecuador qualified for the World Cup for the fifth time in their history on Tuesday after a 0-0 dr...

Ecuador qualified for the World Cup for the fifth time in their history on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw with Peru in Lima.The Ecuadorians, who were eliminated in the group stage of the Qatar World Cup in 2022, grabbed the solitary point needed to qualify despite being reduced to 10 men when Alan Franco was sent off in the 75th minute.The result left Ecuador in second place in South America's 10-team standings with 25 points from 16 games, assuring them of an automatic qualifying spot.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sebastian Beccacece's team has now recorded three straight goalless draws, and has conceded just five goals in its 16 qualifying matches, the best defensive record in CONMEBOL.Brazil also qualified on Tuesday, joining defending champion Argentina.Three automatic berths for next year's 48-team World Cup remain up for grabs in South America.

Ecuador players celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Peru and Ecuador at the National stadium in Lima, on June 10, 2025. Ecuador qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in their history on June 10, 2025, after a 0-0 draw with Peru in Lima.

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Ecuador rides stout defense to World Cup place

England slumped to a 3-1 home friendly defeat by Senegal on Tuesday to ramp up the scrutiny on bo...

England slumped to a 3-1 home friendly defeat by Senegal on Tuesday to ramp up the scrutiny on boss Thomas Tuchel one year out from the World Cup.Goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra and Cheikh Sabaly inflicted England's first ever defeat against African opposition at Nottingham Forest's City Ground after Harry Kane had given the hosts an early lead."Not good enough. We had moments, but with and without the ball things aren't clicking, we're not finding the right tempo," said England captain Kane.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We've lost that aggressive nature that we had."Tuchel was scathing in his criticism of his side's dreary display in beating minnows Andorra just 1-0 in World Cup qualifying on Saturday.The German, who was appointed with the task of ending England's wait since 1966 for a major tournament win, has so far failed to spark a star-studded squad into looking like contenders for the World Cup, even if this was his first defeat in four games.Tuchel responded by making 10 changes, with Kane the only player to retain his place.It took just seven minutes for the England captain to maintain his record of scoring in every game since Tuchel took charge.Former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy should have done better when he could only parry Anthony Gordon's shot into the path of Kane, who tapped in his 73rd international goal.Dean Henderson was given a rare chance to impress in the England goal as Jordan Pickford was relegated to the bench.The Crystal Palace stopper made impressive saves from his club team-mate Sarr and Idrissa Gana Gueye.But he was helpless when Sarr made the most of a lack of concentration from Kyle Walker to meet Nicolas Jackson's cross and fire into the bottom corner.England had never lost to African opposition in 22 previous matches but Senegal had been beaten just once from open play since losing to the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup.Diarra was afforded acres of room to run in behind the England defence and slot between the legs of Henderson to put the visitors in front just after the hour mark.Mendy made amends for his role in the opening goal with fine saves to deny Bukayo Saka and Morgan Gibbs-White a swift equaliser.England thought they had levelled late on when Jude Bellingham smashed home from a corner.But the goal was ruled out for a handball by Levi Colwill before the ball broke to the Real Madrid midfielder.Senegal made the most of that reprieve to seal a famous win in stoppage time when Sabaly rounded off a slick counter-attack.Boos rained down from the disgruntled home support to leave Tuchel with plenty to ponder before England are next in action in September.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 10: Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England reacts during the international friendly match between England and Senegal at City Ground on June 10, 2025 in Nottingham, England.

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Tuchel under pressure as Senegal hands England 1st-ever loss to African team

Kevin De Bruyne spared Belgium's blushes after blowing a 3-0 lead to beat Wales 4-3 and kickstart...

Kevin De Bruyne spared Belgium's blushes after blowing a 3-0 lead to beat Wales 4-3 and kickstart the Red Devils' 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday.Goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku inside half an hour had given Belgium a dream start.Wales, though, rallied through a Harry Wilson penalty, Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson to stun the side ranked eighth in the world.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But De Bruyne rode to his nation's rescue, as he has so often in a stellar career, by steering in Tielemans' perfect cross in the 88th minute.Defeat was Craig Bellamy's first as Wales manager as they fell just short of a national record of 10 matches unbeaten.However, there remains plenty of positives for Wales' hopes of reaching next year's World Cup.They sit second in Group J, one point behind North Macedonia, and three in front of Belgium, who have two games in hand.Only one side will automatically qualify with second earning a place in the play-offs.After a 1-1 draw at North Macedonia on Friday to begin their qualifying campaign, Rudi Garcia recalled three of his Premier League stars in Leandro Trossard, Amadou Onana and Tielemans and Belgium clicked into gear.De Bruyne's shot struck the arm of Johnson inside the area to give Lukaku the chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot for his 89th international goal.Tielemans rounded off a brilliant team move for the home side's second moments later as he turned in Maxime De Cuyper's low cross.A dazzling solo effort from Doku compounded Wales' woes as they seemed set for a second half of damage limitation.However, Harry Wilson's penalty reduced the visitors' deficit in first half stoppage time after Matz Sels was controversially penalised for a clash with Chris Mepham.Bellamy's men were right back in the game when Wilson brilliantly picked out Thomas to slot home Wales' second six minutes into the second period.Johnson's header completed the comeback 21 minutes from time, but the visitors were unable to hold out against Belgium's superior firepower.Lukaku had a second goal controversially ruled out for the ball being out of play in the build-up after a lengthy VAR review.That proved to be a mere reprieve for Wales as moments later Tielemans' cross picked out the unmarked De Bruyne to volley in at the back post.

Belgium's midfielder #07 Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after scoring Belgium's fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J European qualification football match between Belgium and Wales at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, on June 9, 2025.

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De Bruyne fires Belgium to win over Wales in 7-goal thriller

Italy got off the mark in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with Monday's 2-0 win over Mol...

Italy got off the mark in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with Monday's 2-0 win over Moldova, Luciano Spalletti's last game as Italy coach.Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso scored in each half for the Azzurri who sit third in Group I, trailing leaders Norway by nine points, and are at risk of missing a third straight World Cup.Only top spot in the group gives direct qualification for next year's finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico and even having played two games fewer than Norway, Italy's best chance looks to the be finishing second and reaching the play-offs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However Italy were denied a place at the last two World Cups after being beaten in the play-offs and are in the midst of an identity crisis following their disastrous title defeat at last year's European Championship.Spalletti, who presided over a dismal last-16 exit at the Euros, coached Italy on Monday having already been told that he was to be sacked after the 3-0 thumping dished out by Norway in their opening qualifier on Friday."When you're the national team coach you have no excuses, it's you who selects the squad," said Spallett to public broadcaster Rai."It's the coach who has to make the difference and unfortunately I wasn't able to do that."Spallettti goes out after another uninspiring match played in a flat atmosphere in Reggio Emilia, where Italy got the three points needed but did little to inspire confidence in the future whoever replaces Spalletti.Claudio Ranieri is widely reported as being the Italian Football Federation's preferred candidate to replace Spalletti and guide Italy towards the World Cup, even though he retired from coaching after performing a near miracle with Roma this past season.Ranieri is 73 years old and working as a consultant for the American owners of his boyhood team Roma who he dragged from near Serie A's relegation zone to fifth place.But that hasn't stopped a media campaign practically begging the man nicknamed "Sir" to come out of retirement for the second time to take control of a national team at possibly its lowest ebb.

Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy hugs Andrea Cambiaso during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier match between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium on June 09, 2025 in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

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Italy beats Moldova as troubled Spalletti era comes to an end

Manchester City completed the signing of left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves on Monday for a re...

Manchester City completed the signing of left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves on Monday for a reported £31 million ($42 million).The 24-year-old Algeria international has signed a five-year contract and will be available for the Club World Cup, which begins later this week.Ait-Nouri is expected to be just one of a trio of new City faces for that tournament with deals close to completion for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>After missing out on a major trophy in the recently completed season for the first time since 2016/17, City are hoping to bounce back quickly with a major overhaul of Pep Guardiola's squad.They also spent more than £172 million in January on Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Nico Gonzalez.City will face Moroccan side Wydad AC and Emirati club Al Ain before a clash of European heavyweights with Juventus in the group stage, which kicks off on June 14."City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true," Ait-Nouri said in a club statement."I am also so excited about working with and learning from Pep (Guardiola) and his coaching team and getting to train and play alongside such a world class group of players."Ait-Nouri spent five years at Wolves, initially arriving on loan from Angers before signing permanently for £14.9m in 2021.He is City's first left-back specialist since Benjamin Mendy, who played his final game for the club almost four years ago.Oleksandr Zinchenko, Joao Cancelo, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly have been among the players to fill a problem position for Guardiola since.French media report Cherki is on the verge of signing a five-year deal with Guardiola hoping to wrap up the forecast 40 million euro five-year signing by Tuesday evening in order to field the 21-year-old at the Club World Cup.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 10: Wolverhampton Wanderers' Rayan Ait-Nouri gestures during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Molineux on May 10, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England.

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Man City sign Ait-Nouri from Wolves ahead of Club World Cup

Kylian Mbappe bagged a goal and an assist as France beat Germany 2-0 in the Nations League bronze...

Kylian Mbappe bagged a goal and an assist as France beat Germany 2-0 in the Nations League bronze-medal match in Stuttgart on Sunday.Mbappe wove his magic in a heavily changed France squad.Germany dominated the opening half but Mbappe provided the breakthrough just before half-time, carving a shot through a crowded penalty box to bring up his 50th goal in France colours.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Late in the second, with the hosts desperately looking for an equaliser, Mbappe snatched a poor Germany pass on the halfway line and rampaged forward before setting up Michael Olise. Mbappe had not scored in open play for France for more than a year.After the match, the France captain hit back at criticism levelled against him, telling DAZN, "Since I arrived in the international team, everyone always talks about me. ... When they have an opportunity to talk bad, they talk bad."They did it with all the great players in history in France and I'm the next. But I'm OK with that. I just try and do my job."France and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni praised his club and international teammate Mbappe, saying "everyone in the team loves him.""He's a very important player for us and when he plays like he did today, it's just amazing," Tchouameni added.For Germany, who lost two straight straight matches for the first time since 2023, questions remain over how much they have truly improved under Julian Nagelsmann.Striker Niclas Fullkrug lamented his side's wastefulness, telling DAZN, "If we had taken our first chance and scored, it could have been three or four nil for us."In the lead-up to Sunday's encounter, France coach Didier Deschamps admitted the Nations League clash with old rivals Germany "isn't the most important game for us," with a clear focus on next year's World Cup.Deschamps made eight changes from the semi-final loss to Spain, with only captain Mbappe, goalie Mike Maignan and midfield veteran Adrien Rabiot keeping their starting spots.Nagelsmann also rotated heavily, making four changes, including bringing Fullkrug back into the starting XI.The Germans had a wealth of chances in the opening half. Karim Adeyemi won a penalty but it was overturned by VAR for diving. Florian Wirtz hit the post.Mbappe struck just before half-time. The Real Madrid man collected a pass which floated over Joshua Kimmich's head, took a touch and hammered a shot home with his preferred right foot.Nagelsmann replaced rookie striker Nick Woltemade with Deniz Undav at half-time. The move seemed to have paid immediate dividends as Undav had the ball in the net, but his effort was chalked off for a foul in the build-up.Germany dominated possession and field position, but that left them vulnerable on the break to France's lightning-fast forwards, led by Mbappe. Marcus Thuram hit the post on 58 minutes. Then Mbappe and substitute Olise, who plays in Germany for Bayern Munich, combined to seal the match for France.The French captain pounced on a poor Robin Koch clearance on the halfway line and ran goalwards, squaring for the onrushing Olise to tap home with six minutes remaining.

STUTTGART, GERMANY - JUNE 08: Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Nations League 2025 third place match between Germany and France at Stuttgart Arena on June 08, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany.

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Mbappe's 50th goal for France clinches 3rd place in Nations League

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has said that Monday's World Cup qualifier against Moldova would be...

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has said that Monday's World Cup qualifier against Moldova would be his last.Spalletti had come in for criticism after the Italian side lost 3-0 to Norway in their opening World Cup qualifying match last week."We spoke with the president of the Italian federation on Saturday and I was told that I would be relieved of my duties as coach of the national team," Spalletti told a press conference on Sunday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I'm not happy about it. Given the relationship we have, I had absolutely no intention of leaving. Especially when things aren't going well, I would have preferred to stay and do my job."But this is a dismissal and I have to accept it. I've always seen this role as a service to the country and I want to facilitate the future of the national team. I think it's right to strive for the best."Spalletti, 66, took over from Roberto Mancini as Italy coach in August 2023.In his time as head of the Nazionale, the team won 11 times, drew six and lost six.Spalletti's dismissal came only hours after he had been stoutly defended by the same man who then fired him, Federation president Gabriele Gravina.Gravina, who is not without his own critics, said earlier on Sunday Spalletti "was an extraordinary person" adding he "believed in the team and (Spalletti's) project" which he declared was "amazing.""He is a noble soul. The attacks on him are not merited," said Gravina.Gravina had conceded the manner of the defeat to Norway was "unacceptable" though he intimated Spalletti would be responsible for leading the recovery."We have to face difficult times with our heads held high and we have to get back up immediately."Two names have popped up on a regular basis as to who would replace him, AS Roma's experienced Claudio Ranieri, 73, most famous for guiding Leicester City to the unlikeliest of Premier League titles in 2016, is one of them.The other is Stefano Pioli presently the coach of Saudi outfit Al-Nassr but prior to that the 59-year-old won the 2022 Serie A crown with AC Milan.

OSLO, POLAND - 2025/06/06: Coach Luciano Spalletti of Norway seen in action during European World Cup Qualifiers 2026 football match between Norway and Italy at Ullevaal Stadium (Oslo). Final score; Norway 3:0 Italy.

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Spalletti out as Italy coach after Norway loss

Spain's competition watchdog CNMC said Friday it has launched an investigation into UEFA for alle...

Spain's competition watchdog CNMC said Friday it has launched an investigation into UEFA for allegedly restricting competition in European football by opposing the Super League project.The body said it opened the probe into possible anti-competitive behaviour by UEFA in organising European football competitions, following a complaint filed by A22 Sports Management, the promoter behind the Super League.“After a preliminary review, we have found signs of possible infringements regarding UEFA’s conduct," it said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The opening of this case does not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation. A maximum period of 24 months is now open for its resolution."The probe focuses on an agreement UEFA reportedly made with nine European clubs aimed at preventing them from organising or participating in rival competitions. UEFA also allegedly implemented measures to enforce this ban, including threatening to exclude clubs from its tournaments if they participated in alternative leagues.Announced in 2021 by 12 clubs, the first Super League project collapsed after outrage from fans of the English clubs involved and threats from governing bodies UEFA and FIFA.Within 48 hours of that announcement nine of the 12 rebel clubs -- including six from the Premier League -- backed down.The project was given a new lease of life in December 2024 when the European Court of Justice found that UEFA, European football's governing body, as well as world body FIFA had been "abusing a dominant position" by submitting any new competitions to their prior approval.In the wake of the ruling, A22 announced plans for a new project with 64 teams from across Europe split into three divisions with promotion and relegation within their system.

UEFA logo displayed on a phone screen and The Super League logo displayed on a screen are seen in this multiple exposure illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on April 20, 2021. (Photo Illustration by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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Spain's antitrust body opens investigation into UEFA over Super League

Brazil winger Raphinha has been voted player of the year of Spain's La Liga after Barcelona won t...

Brazil winger Raphinha has been voted player of the year of Spain's La Liga after Barcelona won the domestic double.The 28-year-old, in his third season at Barca having joined from Leeds, notched 18 goals and nine assists.The hard working right-sided winger is a skilled dribbler and assiduous back-tracker.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barcelona's teenage striker Lamine Yamal won the under-23 award.Raphinha was on the verge of leaving the Catalan club in the close season but instead new coach Hansi Flick named him captain and offered him an extension until July 2028.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 11: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammate Lamine Yamal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and SL Benfica at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on March 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Raphinha wins La Liga player of the year, Yamal named top youngster

Spain starlets Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams dazzled as La Roja beat France 5-4 in a thriller in...

Spain starlets Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams dazzled as La Roja beat France 5-4 in a thriller in Stuttgart on Thursday, to set up a Nations League final with Portugal.Yamal bagged a brace while Williams scored and provided an assist as the two wingers cut France's makeshift defence to ribbons.Mikel Merino and Pedri were also on the scoresheet for the Euro 2024 champions. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kylian Mbappe netted a second-half penalty, but Spain were 5-1 up and cruising, before Les Bleus suddenly woke up as their opponents took their foot off the pedal. France's three late goals -- a Rayan Cherki screamer, a Spain own goal and a stoppage time strike from Randal Kolo Muani -- were not enough. Yamal, still just 17, said Spain "deserved to win.""It was a great game -- at the end it was a little too close, but we played very well," he added.Spain held on to book an all-Iberian Nations League final against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on Sunday in Munich, while France will face hosts Germany in Stuttgart for the bronze medal, earlier in the day.A smiling goalscorer Merino told DAZN: "It was a crazy game. Not the best game for the coaches -- nobody wants to concede so many goals -- but an amazing game for the fans. "We're going to remember this one for a long time."Returning to Germany where they won the European Championship in dominant fashion a year ago, Spain seem an even more complete team, despite their late fadeout.<h3>France dangerous, Spain efficient</h3>France were more dangerous in the opening stages, with Didier Deschamps electing to channel his attack through Ousmane Dembele rather than Mbappe. Dembele, fresh from Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph, created an early chance for Mbappe, but the Real Madrid superstar wasted it, electing to pass rather than shoot when one-on-one with the 'keeper. Minutes later, Spain escaped again as Theo Hernandez's long-range effort shaved the top of the crossbar.Spain made France pay soon after, when Williams and Oyarzabal, La Roja's two goalscorers in the Euro 2024 final, linked up with 22 minutes played.After a tear down the right, Yamal threaded it to Oyarzabal, who held off three defenders with his back to goal before finding Williams, who rifled his shot into the top of the net. Spain grabbed full hold of the match just three minutes later when Oyarzabal dinked the French defence, allowing Merino to collect and hammer past an off-balance Maignan.France had the better chances later in the half, with Dembele finding space in the box three times only to blast straight at a grateful Unai Simon.Just before half-time, the narrowest of offsides robbed Spain of what would have been an incredible third. In a clearly rehearsed free-kick play, Yamal found Martin Zubimendi behind the lines, who cut it back for Huijsen.The second-half played out line the first, with France missing two big chances before Spain again scored a quick-fire double. With 54 minutes played, Yamal won and converted a penalty, taking the ball from Williams before calmly slotting home. France were reeling but Spain's starlets had no sympathy, Williams setting up Pedri for a fourth just one minute later. Mbappe won and converted a penalty with 59 minutes played but Yamal stepped up again to snuff out French hopes of an unlikely comeback, scoring Spain's fifth with just over 20 minutes remaining.Spain made four changes a their thoughts turned to Sunday, allowing France to score two late consolation goals. Substitute Cherki scored a long-range effort and then forced Spain into conceding an own goal through Daniel Vivian. Kolo Muani's goal came in the fourth minute of stoppage time to cut the deficit to one, but France had left their comeback too late, as Spain held on.

Spain's team, including Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal and Spain's forward #11 Nico Williams celebrates scoring the team's fourth goal during the UEFA Nations League semi-final football match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany, on June 5, 2025.

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Spain beats France in 9-goal thriller to reach Nations League final

Uzbekistan and Jordan made history on Thursday by qualifying for their first World Cup, while the...

Uzbekistan and Jordan made history on Thursday by qualifying for their first World Cup, while the pair will be joined in next year's tournament by perennial participants South Korea.Uzbekistan, one of the fastest-rising national teams in Asia, drew 0-0 with the UAE in Abu Dhabi to take the second automatic spot in Group A, although top place is still in play after already qualified Iran lost 1-0 to Qatar in Doha.Heading into the third round's final set of fixtures on Tuesday, Iran sit at the summit, two points ahead of Uzbekistan.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The top two teams in each of the three Asian groups go straight to the World Cup, while those finishing third and fourth –- the UAE and Qatar hold those slots in Group A –- enter a fourth round of qualifiers.In Group B, South Korea confirmed their place in an 11th straight World Cup by defeating Iraq 2-0 in Basra.The victory, sealed by second-half goals from Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu, means South Korea reclaim top spot from Jordan, whose 3-0 victory against Oman earlier on Thursday ultimately proved enough to secure their participation at the expanded 48-team showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Jordan's King Abdullah II congratulated the team on social media."This historic qualification is well-deserved by our team, which includes stars and cadres of whom we are proud," he wrote on X."Special thanks go to our loyal fans who have been our support and encouragement."Ali Olwin netted a hat-trick as the 2023 Asian Cup runners-up etched their name in the record books.Iraq were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when Ali Al Hamadi's foul on Cho Yu-min was upgraded to a red card following a VAR review.Iraq sit third in Group B, with Oman and Palestine still able to progress to the fourth round of qualifying. Palestine, who defeated Kuwait 2-0 in Ardhiya, host Oman on Tuesday, while Iraq face Jordan in Amman.Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Australia will go head-to-head on Tuesday for the second automatic spot in Group C.Australia remain in pole position following their last-gasp win against group leaders Japan in Perth.Defender Aziz Behich was the home hero in front of more than 57,000 fans, rifling into the corner in the 90th minute to give Tony Popovic's side a crucial 1-0 victory."We know there's room to grow and room to improve, but we've done something special tonight," said Popovic, who saw his team outplayed for long periods by an experimental Japan side.Saudi Arabia ensured the race for second place will go down to the wire courtesy of a 2-0 win against Bahrain in Riffa. Goals in either half from Musab Al Juwayr and Abdulrahman Al Obud saw Herve Renard’s men stay three points behind second-placed Australia.However, the Saudis will have to win in Jeddah by five goals to leapfrog the Socceroos.Popovic, who replaced Graham Arnold in the dugout in September, added: "We've all played a part in getting us to this point. We want to go to Saudi Arabia and really finish the job off."Also in Group C, Patrick Kluivert's Indonesia kept alive their hopes of reaching a first World Cup since the country's independence in 1945 with a 1-0 win over China.That leaves Indonesia fourth in the group, one point behind Saudi. Ole Romeny scored the only goal, his controversial penalty just before half time following a VAR check leaving China rooted to the bottom of the group and thus ending their hopes of making a second World Cup.

Jordan's fans cheer as they watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier football match between Jordan and Oman on big screens at the Prince Hamza hall in the Sports City in Amman on June 5, 2025.

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Jordan and Uzbekistan qualify for 1st World Cup, South Korea also through

Former Arsenal player Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was jailed for four years on Thursday for his involveme...

Former Arsenal player Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was jailed for four years on Thursday for his involvement in a £600,000 ($812,000) drug smuggling plot.The 34-year-old was arrested in September last year after officers seized roughly 60 kilograms of cannabis brought through London's Stansted Airport by two women he had recruited - his girlfriend and her friend - on a flight from Thai capital Bangkok via Dubai.An earlier hearing heard the women -- who were found not guilty -- believed they were importing gold.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Emmanuel-Thomas, who pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to a smuggling charge, was sacked by Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton after his arrest.His lawyer conceded the father-of-two had made a "catastrophic error of judgment" after falling on financial hard times.A highly-promising graduate of Arsenal's academy, Emmanuel-Thomas made five appearances for the Gunners before leaving the north London club in 2011.The English player went on to feature for Ipswich, Bristol City, QPR and Aberdeen among a host other clubs, including Thai side PTT Rayong.Judge Alexander Mills, said in imposing a four-year sentence: "It's through your own action that you will no longer be known for playing professional football."You will be known as a criminal. A professional footballer who threw it all away."

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 03: Jay Emmanuel-Thomas in action for Morton during a William Hill Championship match between Partick Thistle and Greenock Morton at the Wyre Stadium at Firhill, on August 03, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland.

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Ex-Arsenal player Emmanuel-Thomas jailed 4 years for drug smuggling plot

Inter Milan's bid to bring in Cesc Fabregas as a replacement for Simone Inzaghi stalled on Thursd...

Inter Milan's bid to bring in Cesc Fabregas as a replacement for Simone Inzaghi stalled on Thursday when Como refused them permission to talk with their coach. Inzaghi left on Tuesday following Inter's humiliating 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. Reports subsequently linked Inter with a move for the former Spain international Fabregas.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We communicated our refusal directly to the president of Inter, who accepted it with the courtesy and clarity expected between clubs who hold a mutual respect," Como said in a statement."For this reason, we are treating the persistent rumours of their interest in our coach as pure fantasy."Fabregas, 38, who had a glittering club career with Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea, took over last July as coach of Como, the club where he ended his playing career in 2023. Under his guidance, the promoted side finished tenth in Serie A, often praised for their attractive play. Following the announcement of the departure of Inzaghi, who officially joined Saudi club Al-Hilal on Thursday, Inter had made Fabregas their priority. According to the Italian press, they have now turned their attention to Cristian Chivu, a former Inter player, who is currently in charge of Parma.

COMO, ITALY - MAY 23: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on before the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on May 23, 2025 in Como, Italy.

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Como refuse Inter Milan permission to speak with head coach Fabregas

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