Lautaro Martinez scored all four goals as Inter Milan defeated Salernitana by 4-0 on Saturday to stay top in Serie A. Inter made a comeback from their first loss of the season midweek against Sassuolo thanks to a sensational second-half display from Martinez. Inter are level on 18 points with Milan, who went top earlier in the day after they beat Lazio 2-0.
The Argentina striker chipped Marcus Thuram's superb ball over goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to break the deadlock just past the hour. Salernitana's Mateusz Legowski's goal disallowed for offside before Martinez drilled in his second from a cross from Nicolo Barella.
Lautaro Martinez completed his hat-trick in the 85th minute from the penalty spot after Thuram was bundled to the ground. He added another with a first-time finish from Carlos Augusto's pass.
"I'm happy because I helped the team, it's all that counts. It was important to win after all the criticism aimed at us after our defeat on Wednesday," said Martinez. "I'm not thinking about the title for top scorer, I just want to help the team," he added.
AC Milan unveil stunning special 125th anniversary kit
AC Milan and Puma have unveiled a stunning new kit for the club's 125th anniversary. The kit will be worn by AC Milan in their next home match in San Siro against Genoa in the Serie A.
AC Milan have presented a beautiful new kit for the club's 125-year celebration. The new kit is crafted by the renowned brand PUMA to give a tribute to the Rossoneri's 125 years of legacy as one of the greatest Italian clubs ever, and the shirt will be donned by AC Milan players in their next home game against Genoa in the iconic San Siro Stadium.
The fourth kit of AC Milan this season is a special edition kit, to celebrate the club's legacy of long 125 years. Founded in 1899, AC Milan have consolidated themselves as one of the greatest Italian clubs in history. The shirt is significantly unveiled today, on 5 December 2024, which is 12.5 if numerically written.
The iconic red and black striped design which originally emerged in the 1950s now enhances the beauty of the new kit; whereas the logo describes "Milan Football and Cricket Club". The badge pays homage to the very first logo of the club and Herbert Kilpin, the club's founder who wanted the club to represent both football and cricket. An emblematic symbol of AC Milan during the 1980s called 'Diavoletto', which means 'Little Devil', is printed inside the jersey with an inscription that reads 'AC Milan 125.'
Back in December 2023, AC Milan invited some of its loyal supporters to the 'Design our Jersey. Design our Legacy' campaign. The key elements from AC Milan's long pages of history were chosen by the loyal supporters to be designed in the jersey. Only 1899 shirts each for a goalkeeper jersey, a football, and a limited edition retro jersey will be available to be purchased by fans. These shirts will also feature a unique serial number and receive an exclusive packaging. This is a tribute to the club's founding year, 1899.
Franco Baresi, AC Milan's Honorary Vice President expressed his emotions about the special jersey:
This jersey is a reflection of AC Milan’s soul - its passion, its history, and the vision for its future. As someone who has proudly represented this Club for 50 years in many different roles, this milestone represents a moment of celebration and unity for the entire Rossoneri family. The 125th Anniversary is a testament to the values and spirit that make AC Milan extraordinary, and this kit is a beautiful way to honour our journey while celebrating the unwavering bond with our fans.
On behalf of PUMA, Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Teamsport said:
The 125th Anniversary kit is not only a celebration of AC Milan’s past but also a tribute to the unwavering passion of its fans. We’re honored to have worked with the Rossoneri faithful to create something that’s not only a piece of football history but also designed for performance and pride.
The 125th-anniversary kit was officially unveiled yesterday in Milan in an exclusive event at the club’s Flagship Store in Via Dante. This special kit will make its exciting on-field debut on December 8 when AC Milan Women will take on Inter Milan in the Milan Derby, followed by the men's team facing Genoa on December 15 at the San Siro Stadium.
Argentina will likely face Japan and Qatar for exhibition matches in India
The Argentina National Football Team will travel to India in 2025 to play two exhibition matches in Kerala. The Messi-led Argentine team could face Japan and Qatar as potential opponents.
Two of the top Asian football powerhouses, JapanandQatar are being considered to compete against Argentina National Football Team for the exhibition matches In India. The matches are likely to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala.
Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman announced in a press conference on Tuesday that the world champions will grace the Indian soil in 2025. AFA representatives are set to visit Kerala within six weeks and finalize Messi and co's trip to 'God's Own Country'.
However, there have been no official confirmations on Argentina's potential opponents, but TOI has confirmed that AFA has asked for a list of opponents from the Kerala State Government, and AFA will choose their rivals themselves.
Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also shared a heartfelt message on Facebook:
Kerala is a land that brought football to the heart. The love we have for football is that spreads across all the borders of nations. The visit to Kerala conducted by the world champions Argentina national team next year is becoming a recognition of the love of football of Kerala which the world looks at with awe. It is expected that Lionel Messi, one of the best footballers the world has ever seen, will also join the team.
It was only due to the constant intervention of the state government that this gift which was written by many was impossible to the sports lovers in Kerala. The merchant community of Kerala has expressed their willingness to bear the financial expenses. It is expected that the Argentine Football Association officials, who have taken a favorable stand from the beginning, will reach Kerala within a month and a half and make an official announcement.
It will be a moment when Kerala's name will be heard loudly in the world sports map. The visit of the Argentina team can give new energy to the sports culture and sports sector of Kerala. Let's get together enthusiastically to give a warm welcome to Messi and his team.
Confirmation awaits
Argentina will face two leading Asian teams for the friendlies in Kerala next year but the opponents are yet to be disclosed. However, the venue of the match is yet to be announced as the venue will be finalized after the AFA officials visit the State within the next six months. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi is the most suitable destination with a capacity of almost 42000.
🏟️ Messi to Kerala! Argentina 🇦🇷 is set to play a friendly match in Kochi in 2025, likely against Qatar or Japan.
📢 Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman confirmed the news after talks with the Argentine FA in Spain.
The dates are not announced yet as well. However, two dates during the FIFA International break window in October 2025 are the tentative fixture as of now. Further discussions between the State Government and the AFA and the official announcement is yet to happen.
Fans hope that Lionel Messi will come to India after 14 years since he played in Argentina's friendly match against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. However, Messi's arrival can only be confirmed after the official announcement as the Argentine legend will definitely be the center of attraction for Indian football fans.
The football scene is buzzing with young players dazzling on the pitch, leaving fans in awe of their talent. In 2024, these rising stars boast incredible market values, and Sportz Point showcases them all.
A remarkable crop of young talent continues to grace the football world in 2024, with under-21 players attracting enormous attention and high prices. In addition to being the sport's future, these up-and-coming talents are already having a big influence on their teams and the global scene.
These U21 players are not only influencing the success of their clubs but also changing the economics of contemporary football as transfer markets soar to previously unheard-of heights. Let's take a look at the players leading the list.
Unsurprisingly, the Barcelona winger tops the list, thanks to his remarkable achievements in 2024, including becoming one of the youngest players to score and win the Euros.
His contributions at club level this season have been equally outstanding. From decisive goals to maintaining relentless attacking pressure, Yamal has embraced responsibilities on the pitch that are rare for someone his age.
With the growing demand for top-quality players in his position, his market value is set to rise even further. Should Barcelona decide to part ways with him, they would undoubtedly hold a commanding position in negotiations.
Under Erik Ten Hag's leadership at Manchester United, this young Argentine has emerged as a rising star. While he lacks major silverware compared to Yamal, his impact at United has been significant, particularly when the team struggled in attack and goals were hard to come by.
The player has shown notable improvement across various facets of his game, including dribbling, shooting accuracy, and teamwork, making him an exciting talent to watch. However, I believe his valuation might be inflated—although playing for one of football’s most iconic clubs naturally amplifies his market appeal.
It’s still surprising that clubs didn’t aggressively pursue this young talent during the summer transfer window, perhaps due to lingering doubts about his potential. This season, however, he has firmly established himself as a key figure in PSG’s midfield, forming an impressive partnership with Fabian Ruiz.
Should PSG clinch the Ligue 1 title dominantly and make significant progress in the Champions League, the player is likely to attract more interest from top clubs, with his market value expected to soar.
Savinho- €101M
Football analysts have given Brazilian winger Savinho a lot of credit for his flair, and versatility. Pep Guardiola was impressed by his performance during his time with Girona, as he produced 11 goals and 10 assists in the 2023–2024 campaign and this led to Manchester City signing him in the summer of this year.
Guardiola called him "devastating in one-on-one situations" and emphasized his ability to make accurate crosses and generate a potent attacking situation
Savinho has the potential to be a prominent figure in the Premier League as well as for City if he keeps improving. He is a player to keep an eye on this season because of his explosive playstyle and room for improvement.
One of Europe's most promising young players is João Neves, a Portuguese midfielder who made a high-profile move to PSG earlier this year for an estimated €60 million (with add-ons). He is a sought-after asset because of his performances at Benfica and his innate ability to direct play.
Neves is well known for his technical abilities, which include accurate passing and deftly avoiding pressure. His pressing style demonstrates a relentless, high-intensity strategy for regaining possession.
Given his current trajectory, João Neves' market value is likely to rise as he continues to impress in one of Europe's most competitive leagues.
Paul Pogba terminates contract with Juventus after mutual agreement
Paul Pogba and Juventus have parted ways following a mutual agreement. The club and the player announced the contract termination on Friday despite Pogba's doping ban reduction.
Paul Pogba and Juventus have mutually agreed to part ways amid doping ban as the club announced on Friday via an official statement. The Turin-based club terminated the player's contract despite his ban being cut down to 18 months by CAS in October 2024.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Paul Pogba becomes free agent, he’s left Juventus terminating the contract on mutual agreement.
Pogba will be able to join new club with immediate effect, training from January 2025 and playing from March 2025. pic.twitter.com/IEjikxWzpM
The Serie A giants Juventus have stated in the official club statement:
"Juventus Football Club and Paul Pogba announce that they have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024. The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future."
Paul Pogba confirmed his departure from the club via Instagram and expressed his gratitude to Juventus fans.
However, Pogba becomes a free agent and will be available in the winter transfer window in January 2025.
Pogba's doping ban
Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return to Juventus in 2022 but he has not played for the Bianconeri since September 2023. In August 2023, Pogba was tested positive for DHEA which is a banned substance. According to Journalist Julien Laurens, Paul Pogba admitted to Juventus that he took some food supplements not knowing they contained testosterone which led to his positive drug test.
However, Italy's anti-doping court sanctioned Pogba with a four-year ban for doping in September 2023, and the decision was announced this year in February. Pogba appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) against the punishment stating that the verdict was incorrect. CAS reduced Pogba's ban to 18 months from four years as the 31-year-old Frenchman was able to prove that the consumption of testosterone was not intentional. Pogba stated afterwards:
"I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes,
"I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s judges who heard my explanation."
However, Pogba is eligible to play from March 2025 after receiving the punishment reduction.
The following incidents
According to a report by Fabrizio Romano on 7 October 2024, both parties would agree on a contract termination. Pogba's high salary of €10m per season also caused financial worries for the Turin club and his fitness issues would have taken time to recover.
🚨 Paul Pogba and Juventus, expected to agree on contract termination as he will become a free agent.
Talks to follow from tomorrow after CAS verdict, as Paul will be available from March.
Paul Pogba also feels a fresh start would be best solution for him and his career. pic.twitter.com/niTvAzRbzt
The reports have come true and now Pogba has become a free agent and will be available in the winter transfer window. Paul Pogba is training in Miami to regain his fitness and be ready for his next club. It will be exciting to see which club pursues the French midfielder who will be available to train with his new club from January and play from March 2025.
AS Roma appoints Claudio Ranieri as new head coach
Claudio Ranieri arrived in Rome this morning to complete his agreement with AS Roma. The 73-year-old veteran comes out of retirement for his third stint as Roma head coach.
AS Roma have reached an agreement to appoint Claudio Ranieri as the new head coach. The legendary PL-winning manager of Leicester City announced his retirement earlier this year in May after leaving his position at his last club Cagliari. However, Ranieri will take up the charge to be Roma's next manager as AS Roma fired Ivan Juric on 10 November 2024.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio and Florian Plettenberg of SkySports, the 73-year-old veteran manager completed the verbal agreement for a contract until the end of the season yesterday.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ranieri arrived at the club this morning and signed all the formal documents for his appointment as Roma coach for the third time in his career.
🟡🔴✍🏻 Claudio Ranieri and his lawyers already signed all formal documents for his return to AS Roma as head coach.
Ranieri himself confirmed his appointment after he met the AS Roma president Dan Freidkin and vice president Ryan Friedkin in London on Wednesday. He jokingly told the press on his way back:
"[Roma’s] a tough nut to crack? That’s why they called me!"
"We’re all set—the good guys are coming!"
via Ansa
An official announcement is expected from AS Roma today as Ranieri is all set for this return at his beloved club for the third time as the manager.
One of my favorite moments when Ranieri was at olimpico for Roma Leicester and both sets of fans gave him the round of applause he deserved pic.twitter.com/hrUSlnEcXc
The legendary Jose Mourinho was sacked by AS Roma in January this year. However, Roma legend Daniele De Rossi was appointed as the next head coach for the Giallorossi. Roma finished 6th in Serie A last season under De Rossi but he was eventually fired from his position in September 2024 after going winless in the first 4 matches of Serie A 2024-25.
Following De Rossi's departure, the fans expressed their anger about the decision and Roma CEO Lina Souloukou stepped down. Former Torino coach Ivan Juric was appointed as De Rossi's successor but Roma's worst start in the Serie A in over two decades led to his sacking on 10 November 2024.
AS Roma is currently facing a very difficult situation as they are 12th in this season's Serie A League table as of now, having earned 13 points from 12 matches.
Ranieri's sensational return to Roma
Although Claudio Ranieri is mostly known for Leicester City's folkloric 2015-16 Premier League-winning journey under his managership, the 73-year-old Italian shares a close bond with Italian football, especially with AS Roma.
Ranieri kissing the historic Premier League trophy won by his Leicester side in 2016.
Ranieri announced his retirement from his managerial career after leaving Cagliari in May 2024 this year but now he has returned to his hometown to take up the mantle. Ranieri's third stint with AS Roma begins tomorrow with a first training session. Rome, where Ranieri was born and played for Roma later, has also managed Roma in two different spells before.
Ranieri was appointed as Roma's manager in September 2009 and concluded his first stint in February 2011. His second stint was from March to June 2019.
However, according to Gazzetta, Ranieri will leave the position at the end of this season and he will join AS Roma's technical board. But as of now, AS Roma will look to get back on track with their old guard back in the business.
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