Cheltenham Town Women Panoramica

The election for the presidency of the Italian Football Federation is heading towards a contest between two prominent figures on the sporting scene, but the calculations of votes and support within the system may hold surprises that the names alone do not reflect, amid a decline in the backing that one of the candidates enjoyed just a few months ago.

Mark van Bommel, the head coach of Belgium, confirmed that Italy's 3-1 win over France last Thursday was not a surprise to him, pointing to the possibility that the French national team underestimated the abilities of coach Roberto Mancini's side, which contributed to its defeat.

“It’s a different Italy from the opening match. They’re more stable. They’ve improved a lot in a short time. You don’t beat France just like that.” Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium head coach Mark Van Bommel previewed tomorrow evening’s Nations League match against Italy.

Mateo Retegui’s name has resurfaced among those linked with Juventus’ attack. He has lost his place in the national team and has been playing in Saudi Arabia for a year and a half on a huge salary. Are the conditions right for him to return to Italy?