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Genoa v Como - Serie A

Why ex-City & Liverpool star Balotelli still has ‘itch’ to play

Mario Balotelli is representing the 14th club of what has been an eventful career, with a former Italy international team-mate telling GOAL why the enigmatic striker still has “that itch” to play. Giuseppe Rossi knows what ‘Super Mario’ is all about as a performer and person, and has pointed out that - amid all of the headlines - the charismatic forward has always just wanted to play.

M. BalotelliManchester City
Francesco Pio Esposito Inter Milan GFX 16:9

Pio Esposito: Why Arsenal are tracking Inter's young star

The Gazzetta dello Sport claimed earlier this week that Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Inter prospect Francesco Pio Esposito. However, the Nerazzurri's CEO, Beppe Marotta, moved quickly to quell the transfer talk by insisting that there had not been any contact between the two clubs. "Arsenal did not ask for Pio," the Italian told Sport Mediaset before Inter's Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Como on Tuesday. "But also Inter are not a selling club. We don't make player trading our main activity.

AnalysisInter
FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-PSG-CAMPUS

Ex-PSG star set for shock Italy return

In a move that has caught the footballing world off guard, former Paris Saint-Germain maestro Marco Verratti is reportedly on the verge of a sensational return to the Italy national team. The veteran midfielder, who was once the heartbeat of the Azzurri engine room, has been largely forgotten by the international mainstream since his high-profile move to Qatar. However, with the high-stakes pressure of the World Cup play-offs looming on the horizon, new head coach Gennaro Gattuso appears ready to roll the dice on one of the most technically gifted players of his generation.

Paris Saint-GermainM. Verratti
GFX Icons 2006

ICONS: Fabio Grosso - Italy's unlikely World Cup hero

Back in the summer of 2006, a few nights transformed Fabio Grosso from an outsider to an Italian national hero. From his decisive left-footed strike against Germany to his perfect penalty in Berlin, Grosso’s is an incredible story of humility, courage, and destiny that took him from the fields of Serie C2 to the World Cup final. This is ICONS - a GOAL podcast and feature series that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament back to life.

IconsWorld Cup
KidSuper: Runway - Paris Fashion Week - Menswear Spring/Summer 2026

Balotelli set to complete transfer to unlikely 14th club

Mario Balotelli is set to complete a transfer to the 14th club of his career as he closes in on a switch to Al-Ittifaq FC of Dubai. The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker has been a free agent since he left Italian side Genoa over the summer. Balotelli signed for the Serie A outfit on a season-long deal last October - but did not stay there long.

M. BalotelliAL-ITTIFAQ
Legacy Italy World Cup GFX 16:9

LEGACY: How four-time World Cup winners Italy lost their way

This is Legacy, GOAL's feature and podcast series following the road to the 2026 World Cup. Every week, we dive into the stories and the legacies that shaped football’s greatest nations. This time it's a look at Italy’s long and painful fall from grace. From Berlin 2006 to the heartbreaks that followed, this is the story of a four-time world champion lost in footballing exile.

LegacyWorld Cup
Canada WC

Canada WC draw: Lucky on paper - but Italy could flip the script

Canada got the rub of the green as preparations for the 2026 World Cup kicked into full gear. Les Rouges will face Switzerland, Qatar and the winner of a European playoff to open the tournament next summer. On paper, it’s a winnable group - but if the playoff unfolds as expected, Jesse Marsch’s team could be staring down global giants Italy in the early stages.

AnalysisCanada
Italy v Norway - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

'He's a great man' - Italy boss Gattuso told to make shock Rangers move

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has been touted to make a shock move back to his former club Rangers, where he played for a single but memorable season as a player. The 47-year-old has been manager of the Italian national side since June 2025 and is hoping to lead the Azzurri to the World Cup when they take part in March's play-offs. Rangers recently appointed Danny Rohl as their new boss, following the sacking of Russell Martin.

G. GattusoRangers
Gennaro Gattuso Federico Chiesa

'Chiesa has the problem, not me' - Gattuso addresses Italy return

Gennaro Gattuso delivered a sharp message about Federico Chiesa’s Italy future after the Liverpool winger rejected two more national team call-ups. With the Azzurri preparing for a tense 2026 World Cup play-off run, the spotlight is now firmly on Chiesa’s repeated withdrawals and Gattuso’s growing frustration. The situation adds fresh tension around Italy’s build-up to a defining March showdown.

F. ChiesaLiverpool

Apuestas destacadas

Liverpool vs Tottenham Pronóstico y Apuestas Premier League | 15/03/26
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Italy v Norway - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

O'Neill insists all the pressure is on Italy ahead of WC play-off

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has declared that the weight of expectation lies firmly on Italy’s shoulders as his young side prepare for a daunting 2026 World Cup play-off semi-final away to the four-time champions. The March showdown in Italy on 26 March will mark the first step on what could be a remarkable path back to football’s grandest stage for both nations. Should Northern Ireland conjure an upset, they will face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina five days later in a decisive, winner-takes-all play-off final for a coveted ticket to North America.

M. O'NeillNorthern Ireland
Wales v North Macedonia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

World Cup play-off draw: Italy block path for Wales & N Ireland

Italy block the qualification path for Wales and Northern Ireland when it comes to reaching the 2026 World Cup, while the Republic of Ireland will face Czechia in the play-off semi-finals. There are four more places at FIFA’s flagship event up for grabs in the UEFA section, with routes to the United States, Canada and Mexico being mapped out for all of the hopefuls.

World CupWales
FBL-WC-2026-EUR-QUALIFYERS-ITALY-NORWAY

Gattuso must 'teach alphabet to schoolkids' - Sacchi blasts Italy players

Legendary coach Arrigo Sacchi has slammed the Italy squad after their 4-1 loss to Norway in World Cup qualification, saying that manager Gennaro Gattuso may need to take them back to the basics to rebuild their confidence and overall structure. The Azzurri, having missed out on the last two World Cups, will have to navigate the play-offs to secure a place at the competition next year after finishing second in their qualifying group.

A. SacchiG. Gattuso
Italy v Norway - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

'We overdid the party' - Norway boss apologises to Italy after big win

Norway coach Stale Solbakken revealed that he apologised to the Italian team after Norway’s celebrations went overboard following their 4-1 win over Italy at the San Siro. A brace from Erling Haaland helped Norway secure their first World Cup finals qualification since 1998, marking a historic moment for the nation. With the defeat, Italy must now navigate the play offs phase in order to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

S. SolbakkenNorway
Erling Haaland Gianluigi Donnarumma Norway Italy 2025

Why Haaland had to be held back by Donnarumma during Italy row

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 HaalandNorway
Erling Haaland

Haaland's heading to World Cup 2026! Striker bags brace in Italy win

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.

Erling HaalandItaly vs Norway
Italy v Norway - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Haaland's Norway team-mate emulates Rodman with outrageous look

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.

Erling HaalandNorway

Frequently asked questions

The origins of Newcastle United can be traced all the way back to 1881, when Stanley Cricket Club of Byker took interest in the formation of a football club. Over the years, several name changes and mergers took place. Finally, on December 9, 1892, the name Newcastle United Football Club was decided upon. Other name suggestions included Newcastle F.C, Newcastle Rangers, Newcastle City, and City of Newcastle.

Newcastle United is co-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), who hold an 85% stake, and the UK-based RB Sports & Media, who hold the remaining 15% stake. The takeover was completed in 2021.

Newcastle United play their home games at the iconic St. James' Park, located in Newcastle upon Tyne. St. James' Park has been the club's go-to home venue since 1892.

St. James' Park has a seating capacity of about 52,000, with Newcastle United currently planning an overhaul which will see the capacity rise to 65,000.

Newcastle United have won 11 titles, including four top flight titles and six FA Cups.

Newcastle United have won four first division titles in their history, with the most recent win coming almost a century ago, all the way back in 1926-27.

Jimmy Lawrence has made the most appearances ever for Newcastle United, donning the jersey on 496 appearances to hold off fellow goalkeeper Shay Given among others.

Newcastle United will forever revere perhaps their most iconic player ever, the legendary Alan Shearer, who scored a club record 206 goals in a little over 400 appearances.

Shola Amoebi, Andy Cole, Shay Given, Bobby Mitchell, Alan Shearer, Hatem Ben Arfa, Andy Carroll, James Milner, Kevin Keegan, Paul Gasciogne, and Malcolm Macdonald are some of the most acclaimed footballers to have played for Newcastle United.

Joe Harvey, Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan, Steve Bruce, Rafael Benitez, and Ruud Gullit are some of the most famous managers to have been in charge of Newcastle United.

Newcastle United are nicknamed The Magpies, because the black and white colour scheme on their jerseys is reminiscent of the actual magpie bird.

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