Italy head coach Roberto Mancini decided to split his 33-man squad, leaving key stars including Nicolo Barella and Daniel Maldini at Coverciano. The manager opted to spare ten players the arduous flight to Turkey to conserve energy for upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Willy Sagnol’s transformative tenure as Georgia head coach has come to an abrupt and brutal end following a disappointing start to their latest Nations League campaign. Despite leading the nation to historic heights on the international stage, the Georgian Football Federation opted for a swift change in leadership in the wake of a surprising home defeat.
The club from the tiny city in north-east Italy was once among the best of the rest in Italy's top-flight, but the challenges of modern football mean they have been forced to adapt
England defender Jarell Quansah insisted the Three Lions belong among the world's elite despite a 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley. The center-back highlighted the cruel nature of top-level football, warning that mistakes against world champions will always prove costly.
Spain attacker Dani Olmo admitted Harry Kane's missed penalty gave the world champions crucial energy to launch a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over England at Wembley. The victory extended La Roja's record-breaking European unbeaten run to 39 matches.
England goalkeeper James Trafford praised the team's bravery and intensity following a 3-2 Nations League loss to Spain at Wembley. The 23-year-old stopper insisted there is little difference in quality between Thomas Tuchel's side and the world champions.
Harry Kane has called on his England team-mates to remain optimistic despite suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat against Spain at Wembley. The Three Lions captain believes the squad’s ability to go toe-to-toe with the world champions proves they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Tuchel.
The former midfielder, a team-mate of Mancini’s at Sampdoria, sounds the alarm: "The system must change radically, otherwise in four years’ time we will be sitting on the sofa again watching the others"
Luka Modric rolled back the years in Prague to secure a vital victory for Croatia, marking the return of Slaven Bilic to the dugout with a trademark performance. The veteran midfielder proved once again that age is just a number, leading a youthful Vatreni side to a 2-1 win over Czechia.
At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Alpine driver Franco Colapinto takes two other drivers out of the race as well because of a serious mistake. There is also clear criticism from within his own ranks.
Marco Pasalic scored the decisive goal as Croatia secured a 2-1 Nations League victory over Czechia in Slaven Bilic's return to the dugout. Speaking after the match, the midfielder paid tribute to skipper Luka Modric, insisting the veteran continues to prove that age is merely a number.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has moved to alleviate concerns regarding Eric Garcia’s fitness after the Barcelona defender was forced to pull out of the starting line-up against England. The centre-back was initially named to start at Wembley but suffered a setback during the pre-match warm-up.
Luka Modric delivered another timeless performance, scoring a brilliant opening goal to lead Croatia to a 2-1 Nations League win against Czechia. Returning manager Slaven Bilic and Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek both lauded the veteran midfielder as the ultimate difference-maker.
