Belgium forward Mika Godts paid glowing tribute to Kevin De Bruyne following the playmaker's masterclass in their impressive 2-0 Nations League victory over Italy in Rome. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker opened the scoring at the Stadio Olimpico before highlighting the midfielder's creative brilliance in guiding Mark van Bommel's men to all three points.
Mauricio Pochettino has expressed deep regret over not intervening in the controversial appeal against Folarin Balogun’s red card at the World Cup. The USMNT boss admitted the resulting off-field noise shifted the squad's energy ahead of their devastating defeat to Belgium.
England midfielder Elliot Anderson has shared his excitement ahead of facing freshly crowned world champions Spain in a mouth-watering Nations League opener at a sold-out Wembley Stadium. The Three Lions return to competitive action under Thomas Tuchel, eager to test their mettle against the side that conquered the globe during the summer in North America.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has urged supporters to remain patient following a dramatic 1-1 friendly draw against Australia in Townsville. The Selecao required a stoppage-time header from substitute Rayan to cancel out Nestory Irankunda's stunning free-kick, as the Italian coach continues to experiment with a heavily revamped squad.
Italy defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo has jumped to the defence of the Azzurri's tactical approach following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Belgium in the Nations League. Despite being jeered by their own supporters in Rome, the Napoli captain insisted the squad showed the necessary commitment and followed the manager's instructions.
Zinedine Zidane enjoyed a winning start to his tenure as France head coach as Les Bleus secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Turkey in their UEFA Nations League opener. A second-half strike from Kylian Mbappe proved to be the difference in Kocaeli, marking a historic night for the Real Madrid legend as he returned to the international stage in the dugout.
Kylian Mbappe has been forced to withdraw from the France squad and return to Real Madrid after sustaining a worrying knee injury during international duty. The Les Bleus captain suffered the blow while scoring the decisive goal in a Nations League clash against Turkey, leaving national team manager Zinedine Zidane sweating over his fitness.
Roberto Mancini's second stint as Italy manager got off to a nightmare start as the Azzurri suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico. Goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio proved decisive in a match where the home side failed to capitalise on their chances, leaving their Nations League campaign facing an immediate uphill battle.
Zinedine Zidane successfully navigated his first match as France head coach, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Turkey in the Nations League. However, the historic occasion was marred by a significant injury concern for talisman Kylian Mbappe, who was forced off shortly after scoring the winner.