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To paraphrase the great Homer Simpson, it is not only easy to criticise, but fun, too. It is quite simple to sit and judge from this ivory tower, but hey, that's football after all, merely a game of opinions. Being a Premier League manager must be one of the loneliest gigs in the world, particularly when results are wayward and your job security is the subject of international speculation.

Italy are World Cup royalty. Only five-time winners Brazil have been crowned champions on more occasions than the Azzurri (four). And yet it's now 20 years since Italy last lifted the trophy. Worse still, they've failed to qualify for the past two tournaments, meaning there's an entire generation that have never seen their country even play in a World Cup.

Lucy Bronze endured a nightmare outing for Chelsea in their WSL clash with Aston Villa, but the legendary Lionesses defender saw her blushes spared by Sjoeke Nusken in a chaotic seven-goal thriller that ended 4-3. Sam Kerr, Naomi Girma and Lauren James were also on target for the Blues in a topsy-turvy encounter that means their title defence is not yet officially over.

The letter to Exor shareholders sets out the guidelines for Juventus in the near future

In November, we were treated to the most exhilarating reminder possible of the magic of the World Cup. History was made in Jamaica as Curacao became the smallest nation ever to qualify by holding the Reggae Boys to a 0-0 draw in Kingston. Elsewhere in CONCACAF, Haiti managed to secure a spot at the finals for the first time in 50 years with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua - in spite of the fact that they weren't able to play any games at home because of the ongoing conflict on the Caribbean island.

Portugal were solid defensively but offered little going forward, and were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against a much-changed Mexico with Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined due to injury. Roberto Martinez's men had the majority of the ball, but little concrete to show for it. The two teams combined for three shots on target over the course of 90 forgettable minutes.

Defensive errors and an unplayable Jeremy Doku exposed the USMNT in a heavy loss to Belgium, raising fresh concerns ahead of the World Cup.

The U.S. created some real positives through the opening 45 minutes, but the second half highlighted plenty of concerns for Mauricio Pochettino's side

A first-half hat-trick from Alessia Russo powered Arsenal to a 5-2 win over north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Women's Super League on Saturday. The Gunners have one eye on their Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea having beaten the Blues 3-1 in the first leg on Tuesday before heading to Stamford Bridge this coming midweek, and ensured they are on track to qualify for next season's edition with a thumping victory back in domestic action.

Manchester United were thumped 3-0 by Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday, as Vivianne Miedema scored a brace, and Kerstin Casparij added a third just after half-time. Marc Skinner's side were outclassed by their city rivals, who now sit just five points from WSL glory.

Vivianne Miedema stole the show as Manchester City ran riot at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, humbling Manchester United in a dominant 3-0 win to take one big step towards their first Women's Super League title in 10 years. Two headers in two first half minutes from Miedema got City off to a flying start and established a comfortable lead that would never slip, as Kerstin Casparij wrapped things up after the break to move Andree Jeglertz's side 11 points clear at the top of the table.

Let’s take a look at each of the run-offs Gattuso will face between now and Tuesday

The former midfielder has one major regret from his career: "I missed the 2006 World Cup because of Ranieri"

As the paper aeroplanes took flight around Wembley Stadium early in the first half of this eventual 1-1 draw between England and Uruguay, the fans were showing that they had already lost their interest. It looked like the players were also phoning it in and some needed reminding that not only was a World Cup just around the corner, but that their place at the tournament was far from guaranteed.

One of Nagelsmann's tactical moves pays off straight away. Karl makes a successful debut, whilst the defence is having an off day.

Ben White experienced all manner of emotions as he unexpectedly played the lead role in England's uninspiring 1-1 draw with Uruguay. The full-back was booed by his own fans when he was brought on and again after he gave the Three Lions the lead from a corner. He was then subjected to yet further criticism when his rash tackle led to a penalty from which Federico Valverde equalised in injury time.

GOAL breaks down the big storylines to watch on Saturday