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Infantino fires back over 'shameful' World Cup ticket prices

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has once again stepped in to defend the astronomical pricing of tickets for the 2026 World Cup. Facing an onslaught of criticism from supporters who have labelled the costs as "shameful," the head of world football's governing body claims the move is a financial necessity.

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Conte hits out at media for 'twisting' his words about Italy job

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has issued a stern warning to the media, firmly denying reports that he has declared his availability to take over the vacant Italy national team job. The former Chelsea manager expressed intense frustration over recent speculation, insisting he remains fully committed to his current club contract and demanding accurate reporting to maintain focus.

A. ConteItaly
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Donnarumma 'hurt' by claims Italy stars demanded World Cup huge bonus

Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has furiously denied reports that the national team squad demanded a lucrative financial bonus prior to their catastrophic World Cup qualifying play-off defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina. The visibly emotional goalkeeper insists the players never prioritised money over the pride of wearing the Azzurri shirt during the devastating qualification campaign.

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'We were throwing up' - Giaccherini backs 'brutal' Conte for Italy return

Former Italy winger Emanuele Giaccherini has endorsed Antonio Conte to take over the national team for a second time following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation after a third consecutive World Cup qualification failure. The ex-Juventus man insists that the current Napoli boss possesses the unique leadership skills required to rebuild Italy’s shattered footballing reputation.

A. ConteItaly
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A former Italy international has cast his vote for the coach of the season, delivering a typically colourful soundbite in the process. “With him, we’d often feel queasy right on th

Having proven himself at numerous clubs… is it time for him to return to the Azzurri? The question echoes through Italian football with renewed urgency. After guiding several clubs to silverware, the argument grows stronger that his experience and leadership could once again be vital for the national team. Supporters point to his tactical versatility, his ability to motivate players, and his deep understanding of the game as assets that could elevate the Azzurri at a critical juncture. Critics, however, caution that past success does not automatically translate into instant results on the international stage. They argue that the national team environment demands a different kind of management style, one that balances the expectations of a football-mad nation with the realities of a crowded international calendar. Moreover, with younger coaches waiting in the wings, some wonder whether the time is right to hand the reins to a new generation. Nonetheless, the case for his return remains

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Football legend Lucescu dies aged 80

The football world is mourning the loss of Mircea Lucescu, one of the most decorated managers in history, who has died at the age of 80. The iconic Romanian coach passed away after suffering severe medical complications, leaving behind a monumental six-decade legacy. He won an astonishing 35 major trophies during a legendary career across Europe's top clubs and international football.

M. LucescuRomania
Jannik Sinner

Sinner would trade title for Italy World Cup spot

Tennis world number one Jannik Sinner has admitted he would be willing to sacrifice one of his prestigious titles if it meant seeing the Italian national team back at the World Cup. The Azzurri’s footballing crisis reached a new low this week as they failed to qualify for a third consecutive tournament, leaving fans and sporting icons across the country in a state of shock.

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Gattuso quits as Italy boss

The Italian national team has been plunged further into a leadership crisis following the confirmed resignation of head coach Gennaro Gattuso. His departure completes a total collapse of the Azzurri hierarchy, following the exits of delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina after a devastating play-off defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina confirmed Italy's third consecutive World Cup absence.

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Del Piero backs Conte for second spell as Italy boss

Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero has described the nation's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as "embarrassing" while endorsing Antonio Conte for a second stint as head coach. The Azzurri’s dream ended in a devastating penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina, a result that has already triggered a wave of high-profile resignations within the Italian Football Federation.

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Buffon confirms resignation from Italy national team role

Gianluigi Buffon has officially stepped down from his position as the delegation chief of the Italy national team following the Azzurri’s devastating failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The legendary former goalkeeper confirmed his departure shortly after FIGC President Gabriele Gravina also resigned from his post.

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Frequently asked questions

With 16 titles to their name, Argentina are the most successful team in Copa America. They won their first-ever title in 1921, winning 15 more since. La Albiceleste also emerged victorious in the most recent edition in 2024, defending their title from 2021.

Generally, since the 1993 edition, 12 teams have been participating in the Copa America. Exceptions include the 2016 and 2024 editions, which featured 16 teams. Initially, there were just four teams, with a permanent expansion to 10 teams in 1975.

No player has made more Copa America appearances than Lionel Messi, with the Argentinian legend featuring in an impressive 39 games.

Former Argentine footballer Norberto Mendez and Brazilian footballer Zizinho share the record of scoring the most goals in Copa America history, having found the back of the net 17 times each.

Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo set the record as the oldest player to participate in a Copa America game when he started against Argentina at the 2024 edition, aged 41 years and 73 days.

Humberto Elgueta is the youngest player to ever play in the Copa America. The midfielder from Chile was aged just 16 years and one day when he featured against Brazil in the 1920 edition.

Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Diego Maradona, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Alexis Sanchez, Diego Forlan, James Rodriguez, Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez, Mario Kempes, Neymar, Enzo Francescoli, Carlos Valderrama, Tim Howard, Rafa Marquez, and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez are some of the most famous players to have played in the Copa America.

Marcelo Bielsa, Lionel Scaloni, Guillermo Stabile, Ricardo Gareca, Jorge Sampaoli, Oscar Tabarez, etc are some of the best managers to have managed nations at the Copa America.

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