Erling Haaland has revealed why he had to be restrained by Manchester City team-mate Gianluigi Donnarumma during Norway’s 2026 World Cup qualification clash with Italy. The prolific striker netted another brace in that contest, helping to fire his country to a major international tournament, with a fire being lit in the 25-year-old after seeing his “ass” grabbed.
Erling Haaland's quickfire brace secured Norway a superb 4-1 comeback win over Italy to fire his country to their first World Cup since 1998. The Manchester City talisman exploded into the game with two goals in as many minutes as they topped their World Cup qualifying group in style. If the striker can continue his prolific form in front of goal, he could be a huge threat at his first World Cup.
Julian Ryerson turned heads as Norway prepared for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Italy, arriving with a bold leopard-print haircut inspired by NBA icon Dennis Rodman. The Borussia Dortmund defender, who plays alongside Erling Haaland for the national team, rocked blond hair covered with black cheetah-style spots, sparking a wave of reaction online.
Carlo Ancelotti has apologised to Arsenal after Gabriel Magalhaes limped out of Brazil’s friendly win over Senegal, with the Selecao head coach saying the defender now faces a painful wait to discover the severity of the injury. The Gunners centre-back could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an abductor complaint on Saturday evening.
Arsenal have suffered another injury blow in the Premier League title race after Italy confirmed Riccardo Calafiori has withdrawn from international duty due to injury. Azzurri head coach Gennaro Gattuso has announced the defender will miss Sunday’s World Cup qualifier with Norway, on the same day centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes limped out of Brazil’s friendly win over Senegal.
Italy national team coach Gennaro Gattuso has refused to accept criticism after his team left it late to win their World Cup qualifying match against Moldova. The World Cup winning former midfielder insists his side dominated the game despite what the scoreline suggested as he hit out at the fans for the reaction at the full-time whistle.
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has turned down another international call up from Italy for November's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway. Manager Gennaro Gattuso has said he has spoken with Chiesa and must respect the 28-year-old's decision not to return to the national team. Chiesa has not played for Italy since Euro 2024 when the Azzurri were knocked out of the tournament in the last 16.
Former Chelsea and Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has revealed he wanted to sue former club Sampdoria as they did not feed him during a lean patch in his career. Borini's revelations come just weeks after his surprise return to English football with Salford City, who are owned by members from Manchester United's 'Class of '92'. Back on English shores, the Italian will be looking to rebuild his career and rediscover his love for the game after what he describes as one of the darkest periods of his life.
Juventus are in advanced talks with ex-Italy and Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti to replace Igor Tudor, who was sacked after a dismal run of results. The Bianconeri view Spalletti as the ideal figure to lead their rebuild, with negotiations already underway following the club’s decision to appoint Massimo Brambilla as interim boss.
Carlo Ancelotti's daughter has revealed the ongoing feud between the Brazil coach and Gennaro Gattuso, which took place after the former was sacked by Napoli and the latter replaced him in charge. Ancelotti is labelled as a calm man by his daughter, but she says he was upset with the current Italy manager due to his decision to succeed him in that role.
Gianluigi Donnarumma highlighted the major difference between the style of play in Serie A and Premier League. Having spent six years in the Italian top-flight with AC Milan, the Italy national team captain made a summer switch to Manchester City, taking his goalkeeping talents to the English first division. Donnarumma firmly believes that Italian football is "no less than the others."
Italy national team coach Gennaro Gattuso has jokingly vowed to “flee the country” and live far away if his side fail to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time. Despite a 3-0 victory over Israel, Italy may still have to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup through the play-offs, as they currently sit second in their qualifying group.
Italy cruised to a 3-0 win over Israel in their World Cup qualifying clash on Tuesday, which sees the Azzurri stretch their winning streak to five games. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso was pleased with his side's performance and heaped praise on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, while also hoping for "God's blessings" as they aim a World Cup play-off spot.
Inter have turned down a €50 million (£42m/$55m) bid for 20-year-old striker Francesco Pio Esposito and are preparing to double his salary in a new long-term deal. The Nerazzurri view the young Italian as a cornerstone of their future and a symbol of the Oaktree era after his rapid rise for both club and country.
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso and captain Gianluigi Donnarumma both attended the inauguration of the new museum of football at Coverciano on Wednesday. Gattuso was meant to donate the boots he wore in the 2006 World Cup final win over France but revealed that his mother refused to give them up.
Italian goalkeeper Lamberto Boranga became the country's oldest-ever football player at the age of 82 as he made his debut for seventh-tier USD Trevana. Boranga, who started his professional career more than six decades ago in 1961, briefly played with former Real Madrid and current Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, when the 66-year-old was plying his trade for Parma.
Gennaro Gattuso addressed his decision of not selecting young midfielder Samuele Ricci in Italy's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers, citing his lack of regular playing time at AC Milan as the reason. The Italy head coach, however, urged the 24-year-old to "watch" and learn from the iconic ex-Real Madrid midfielder, who has made an immediate impact since arriving at the San Siro.
Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso revealed the details of his phone call with former World Cup-winning team-mate Fabio Cannavaro, who was appointed as the new head coach of the Uzbekistan national team earlier this week. The former midfielder had a cheeky dig at the Ballon d'Or winner for taking over a side that has already qualified for the World Cup while the Azzurri are "stuck in the trenches" in the battle to secure a place.
Inter’s 20-year-old Italian striker Pio Esposito has won widespread praise from fans and pundits for his performances this season. However, his agent, Mario Giuffredi, has tried to temper the hype, urging fans and media to keep expectations realistic while ensuring Esposito stays grounded. Giuffredi also emphasises that Esposito must continue proving himself to secure a spot in the Italian national team.
From Stamford Bridge to the fairways of New York, Gianfranco Zola has lived a life of sporting triumphs, with his latest joy coming far from football. The Chelsea and Italy legend joined Europe’s Ryder Cup team as Francesco Molinari’s buggy driver, contributing to Europe's 15–13 victory over Team USA at Bethpage Black last week.
Elon Musk’s favourite cryptocurrency has completed a takeover of Serie C side Triestina as House of Doge becomes the majority shareholder. Jubilation has been tempered, however, as a new 13-point sanction on top of an earlier seven-point deduction leaves the club facing a 20-point deficit. The "revolutionary" project promises global Dogecoin integration and local investment.
Describing Roberto Baggio to those who did not experience him is a sort of generational challenge, an arduous attempt at conveying something that is too difficult to explain in words. But we will try - because Roberto Baggio was, especially for Italians, a symbol, a standard-bearer, an icon and an emotion.
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