Sam Curran, Will Jacks also in the runs as Surrey post mammoth 236 for 2

ECB Reporters Network07-Jun-2023

Laurie Evans celebrates his century•Getty Images

A record-breaking batting performance from Laurie Evans and his Surrey teammates set up a 65-run victory against Glamorgan in their Vitality Blast match in Cardiff.Evans made the highest score against Glamorgan and the highest score on this ground as Surrey also set a record total at Sophia Gardens.With Sam Curran and Will Jacks both making runs, Surrey set Glamorgan a target of 237 to win. This was a hard enough task but with big hitting all-rounder Dan Douthwaite unable to bat, having only managing to bowl 10 balls before he left the field, it became even harder.Glamorgan eventually reached 171 for 8 as Surrey closed out a comfortable win with Sam Northeast’s 76 the only significant score from the home side.Surrey won the toss and elected to bat and were electrifying from the start of their innings. Jacks gave Evans great support in an opening stand that brought 115 runs from just 64 balls. Jacks was dismissed when he was trapped lbw by Glamorgan’s Australian leg-spinner Peter Hatzoglou for 46 from 29 balls.While Evans had been the aggressor in his stand with Jacks it was Curran who took on the role when he walked into bat at three. In innings that was full of outrageous shots, seven of which were smoked over the boundary for six, it was the three balls Curran hit over the rope in Prem Sisodiya’s final over that will live longest in the memory. The last of these was a shot where Curran danced down the pitch a long way from where the ball pitched and still managed to straight drive it for six.It was in that same Sisodiya over that Glamorgan nearly had some respite from the partnership between Curran and Evans, but Kiran Carlson, playing with a dislocated finger he sustained in Sunday’s match against Sussex, put down a catch at long on when Evans was on 94.Evans made the most of his chance to score his third hundred in T20 cricket and his first for Surrey. His career best 118 not out came from 60 balls and contained 12 fours and six sixes.Curran departed in the final over, caught by Colin Ingram at long on going for another six, as Surrey posted 236 for 2, the highest total made on this ground, going past the 216 for 5 that Glamorgan made against Hampshire in 2019.Glamorgan were left with a near insurmountable task of going at nearly 12 runs an over from the very start of their innings and they were two wickets down inside the powerplay with Carlson and Callum Taylor both falling inside the first six overs.Glamorgan came into this match with four wins from five matches and most of that success has been down to the form of Ingram and Chris Cooke. There was a rare failure for both of them with Ingram dismissed for 11 by Sunil Narine and Cooke clean bowled by Gus Atkinson for 12.With Cooke and Ingram gone it was left to Northeast to try and bring some respectability to the Glamorgan total and his half-century the only bright spot on a tough day for his side.

Crystal Palace have struggled to score goals this campaign, scoring 25 goals in 22 games so far this season, making them the joint fifth-lowest goalscorers in the Premier League.

This is despite taking 13.9 shots per game (10th most in the division) with their average xG per shot being 0.12.

With their striker options being Jean Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah -who was a big-money signing in the summer – the Eagles could instead look to add goals to their squad behind the striker, aiming to replace the output of Michael Olise who left in the summer window.

Crystal Palace looking at new forwards

According to reports from Italian outlet Firenze Viola in recent days, Crystal Palace have emerged as potential suitors for Botafogo winger, Luiz Henrique.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Other interested clubs include Fiorentina, who made an offer of around €20m (£16.8m) to Botafogo, but the Brazilian side have not been convinced by this bid.

The reports suggest a fee of around €30m (£25m) would be needed to prise the 24-year-old winger away from the club in the January window. However, it is unknown whether Palace would be willing to meet such an asking price.

Henrique has made 55 appearances since joining Botafogo in 2024, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists.

How Henrique compares to Romain Esse

On Saturday it was confirmed by the Eagles that they had officially signed Romain Esse from Championship side Millwall.

He has made 26 appearances so far this season, scoring five goals, providing one assist and totaling 2,165 minutes played.

Esse is, of course, five years younger than Henrique, and would demand a lower fee, but you would also be gambling on him making the jump from Championship to Premier League football seamlessly. That being said, Henrique has played in LaLiga and the Brazilian Serie A, so he would also be making a change and could potentially struggle with the physicality to begin with.

Goals

0.30

0.21

Assists

0.14

0.04

xG

0.29

0.10

xAG

0.13

0.20

Progressive Carries

2.94

1.65

Progressive Passes

2.66

3.26

Shots Total

2.14

1.38

Key Passes

1.21

1.21

Shot-Creating Actions

3.52

3.13

Successful Take-Ons

2.91

2.28

When comparing the two wide player’s metrics this season, Henrique has much better output, both with goals and assists. However, Esse has shown his ability to create chances for his team, with a higher xAG (expected assisted goals) which could lead to his assist numbers being higher when surrounded by better finishers.

Henrique and Esse both average 1.21 key passes per 90, as well as over three shot-creating actions per 90, showing their ability to create chances. The 24-year-old (Henrique) does offer more potency and goal threat though, having a higher shot-volume to go alongside his higher goals per 90.

The Brazilian was labeled an “absolute sensation” by scout Jacek Kulig, when playing for Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers. The quality of Henrique is clearly huge, but the biggest challenge would be settling into one of/if not the most physical league in the world.

The aim for either one of these players if they both arrived this January would be to replace some of the assets that Palace lost in the summer, specially when one of their jewels in the crown, Michael Olise, left the club. Both players have elements to their game, adding attacking spark, but whether they can provide enough output straight away remains to be seen.

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Crystal Palace can finally land their Olise replacement with EFL star

ByConnor Holden Jan 16, 2025

The stories of the people who worked against a cyclone to try and make the final Test of the series between India and England possible

Sidharth Monga in Chennai14-Dec-2016It is little over a year since R Ashwin went in to rescue India’s innings against South Africa in Delhi, while his hometown Chennai was ravaged by flood. His wife was trying unsuccessfully to get in touch with his parents, who were stranded, and he was feeling helpless, away from his beloved city and unable to help in its hour of need.Now, even as Ashwin’s side sealed another emphatic series win, cyclone Vardah hit Chennai, leaving in its wake destruction visible through felled trees, broken houses and uprooted electricity poles. This time, Ashwin and his team help, in their own way.A Test match begins on Friday. We tend to attach too much meaning to sport at times, but the successful hosting of this Test will mean a bit of a return to normalcy. Nothing represents normalcy in Chennai more than getting off at Chepauk train station and walking into MA Chidambaram Stadium for a Test match.Two days out, inside the stadium, the groundstaff works hard to make that happen. Inside the groundsmen’s shed, PR Viswanathan, BCCI’s south zone curator and formerly MA Chidambaram Stadium’s own, directs traffic. In a cart next to him lie two trays full of burning coal that have just been used to dry the pitch. They were kept on stumps so as to not burn the pitch.This is not the most unnatural drying act Viswanathan has overseen. Last year, in Bangalore, he put up a tent and used an actual iron and hair dryer to get the pitch ready during incessant rains. Sanjay Bangar, the India batting coach, will remember how in 2002-03 Viswanathan poured diesel on the bowlers’ run-up and burnt it to make sure it dried out in time for the Test against West Indies. India won by eight wickets.Lockers of the groundstaff at MA Chidambaram stadium•Sidharth Monga/ESPNcricinfoFive years ago, Viswanathan rolled out an admittedly ordinary surface for the Ranji Trophy final between Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. Rajasthan scored 621 runs, and took away the title. That was the last pitch he prepared at the Chidambaram Stadium. His father played in the first-ever Ranji Trophy match, which ended in one day; he says he will take to his grave the regret of a match that looked good to last 10 days.Of all the gin joints in all the towns, Viswanathan is back at Chidambaram Stadium at a time of crisis. Quite possibly for one last time. He doesn’t want to hang on for too long; he wants youngsters – better trained scientifically – to take over, but what redemption it will be for him if he can stage a successful Test in such trying circumstances.Viswanathan, who was once a seam bowler who spent four matches with the Tamil Nadu squad without making the XI, has the support of a brave and committed groundstaff. They are the people who do all the hard work, he says. The people who come up with improvisations before the chief curator can. The people who sat through the cyclone on Monday to make sure the covers stayed in place.Gates fell, roofs were torn, sight screens were ravaged, bulbs flew out of the flood lights, but these can all be repaired. The playing surface, though, to be protected. The practice pitches were uncovered and the damage was such that they were unfit for training and will allow for only a few throwdowns, if at all, before the match.Thanks to the groundstaff’s bravery through the cyclone, and the modern drainage system, this is not even the biggest crisis Chidambaram stadium has gone through. The sight screens are erected and floodlights repaired through the day.The groundstaff’s shed is an oasis in the harsh Chennai sun. Their 25 lockers are adorned with images and cut-outs of gods and goddesses. A trunk and a rich blue cabinet stand at the other end. Statues and photos of more gods and goddesses sit there. Just before the Visakhapatnam Test earlier in the series, the groundstaff worshipped the pitch. Viswanathan says this groundstaff also does its best and then leaves the rest to the gods. And they carry out their worship at such early hours that you won’t even notice. “You are not in control once the match starts,” he says.Behind the shed, Vairamuthu, in his 50s, guards the deserted practice pitches. The only thing they might now be used for is a fitness test for Stuart Broad; you can bowl on them but batting can be unsafe. During the cyclone, a neighbour’s roof fell onto his house. Some things are more important than a fitness test, but it is also important to get back on your feet. Vairamuthu is on his feet.Baskaran, the cobbler who once fixed MS Dhoni’s pads•Sidharth Monga/ESPNcricinfoNot on his feet is Baskaran the cobbler, who sits cross-legged 50 metres past the Pattabhiraman Gate. Past trees fallen outside. Past the posters of Jayalalithaa handing a yellow flower to friend Sasikala, which have suddenly emerged in the week after the death of the iconic chief minister, a symbol of moving on, of handing over the reins.Baskaran sits on a plastic mat, tattered cricket gloves at one side and his photo with Sachin Tendulkar on the other. He claims to be a specialist in emergency repair on cricket equipment, especially those that need stitching. He began doing this for local matches, and over time he has become almost a dressing room attendant. The last time he was required in an international match was when MS Dhoni’s pads needed a quick fix.After the Test, Baskaran will go back to fixing shoes of the common public, but right now the cyclone and the destruction don’t matter. He is there is his place – maybe 50 metres to the left because of fallen trees.Over at Chemplast Cricket Ground in the IIT Madras campus, Vijay wouldn’t move from his place despite a landfall. He lives in the pavilion-style structure with his three “hounds” – rescued street dogs Andy, Laddoo and Prabhu Deva.Vijay sat in his veranda through the cyclone, looking at the beloved ground he takes care of, safe in the knowledge that there were no trees around it or tall structures that could fall. On Wednesday morning, at around 7am, he received a call from his employers if he could get the ground ready by 4pm. No other cricket ground in the city was available, and England needed one for Broad, who has been out with a foot injury, to run in and a pitch for him to bowl on. Vijay felt this was the least he could do two days before a Test. Perhaps the England team will understand and do without training, but somehow he had to help with the fitness test.Vijay got down to the job, and at 4pm, out came England bowling coach Ottis Gibson and Broad, in a tempo traveller. Andy, Laddoo and Prabhu Deva are on guard as Broad bowls 36 deliveries in his fitness test. They both leave happy, hoping they can get such a damp pitch offering seam and uneven bounce for the Test too. They have been away from home for close to two months, they have not won anything on this tour, which makes you miss friendlier environs even more. Before they leave, though, they – along with the Indian team – have one final act left: help a ravaged city attain a semblance of normalcy.

MatériaMais Notícias

da dobrowin： Uma torcida que coloca 27 mil pessoas para apoiar os jogadores, num treino em plena tarde de segunda-feira, merece muito ver o seu time campeão. E, nesse caso, se o futebol fosse disputado nas arquibancadas, o título da Copa do Brasil deveria ser do Corinthians.

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da betway： + Confira detalhes da terceira camisa e a nova linha do Corinthians em alusão ao Mundial do Japão

Aqui poderia ser dito que só verdadeiros malucos largariam tudo para apoiar o seu clube do coração em um treino aberto em meio ao horário comercial, como foi ontem (17), mas o que é insanidade para todos se torna natural quando se entende que a nação corintiana é o verdadeiro bando de loucos.

Para o torcedor do Timão, fidelidade não é mero adjetivo, é estilo de vida. Colocado em prática cada vez que o time precisa do combustível que vai além do tático, técnico e físico: é o espírito. E a alma do Coringão está fora das quatro linhas.

+ Confira a tabela da Copa do Brasil e simule a final entre Flamengo e Corinthians

Escutei de algumas pessoas que o título corintiano começou a ser conquistado no treino aberto, e não dúvido. A Fiel tem essa capacidade de tatuar na mente e coração dos atletas que é sangue no olho, e o Corinthians não é brincadeira. Mas também digo que qualquer conquista que venha ocorrer começou muito antes da final.

Através de cada louco do bando, o Timão deu um bico em qualquer possibilidade de vexame na Copa do Brasil contra a Portuguesa-RJ, ainda na terceira fase; abriu vantagem em um clássico, contra o Santos, nas oitavas de final; virou um ‘duelo perdido’ contra o Atlético-GO, nas quartas; fez valer a grandeza corintiana contra o Fluminense, na semi; e agora está prestes a fazer história em um Maracanã lotado de rivais.

É natural que nos momentos de decisão a atenção se volte aos torcedores dos clubes envolvidos, mas para a Fiel a final começa desde o primeiro jogo do campeonato. E nessa Copa do Brasil não foi diferente.

Tottenham Hotspur and technical director Johan Lange remain on the hunt for Ange Postecoglou’s first outfield deal of the January window, with the Lilywhites now contemplating whether to open talks for a new transfer target.

Spurs targeting new forward for Postecoglou in January

Summer signing Dominic Solanke, who has been one of Postecoglou’s best players this season, is set to be sidelined for six weeks after he picked up a knee problem in training – adding to Spurs’ plethora of injury woes.

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Solanke twisted his knee after attempting a shot and missing the ball, which just about sums up Tottenham’s serious bad luck with injuries right now. The England international joins Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Wilson Odobert on the long list of players who are certain to miss their clash against Leicester City on Sunday (Premier Injuries).

Leicester City (home)

January 26

Brentford (away)

February 2

Man United (home)

February 16

Ipswich Town (home)

February 22

Man City (home)

February 26

Djed Spence and Pape Matar Sarr are also doubts after picking up knocks, while Postecoglou is hopeful that Yves Bissouma can return against Leicester pending a late fitness test.

Tottenham’s extra matches, due to their participation in Europe, exacerbate the need for reinforcements before January deadline day on February 3rd – with this player selection nightmare exposing Postecoglou’s real lack of squad depth.

Spurs are reliably believed to be in the market for a forward this month, and did attempt to lure PSG outcast Randal Kolo Muani to north London before Juventus eventually won the race for his signature on a straight loan deal (Fabrizio Romano).

Postecoglou, speaking ahead of their Tottenham Hotspur Stadium match versus Leicester, sent another subtle message to the club’s hierarchy that he could do with a quality reinforcement or two.

“It depends on the player, it depends on how they fit in to what we do,” said Postecoglou on January transfers.

“It’s not just about bringing in another body, but yeah, there is still no doubt we need to help these players because we’ve still got some significant games in the next two or three weeks before we get players back.”

Tottenham debating whether to open "surprise" talks for Santiago Gimenez

As per GiveMeSport, Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez is a player they’re seriously looking at before the window shuts.

It is believed Tottenham are “threatening to make a surprise move” for Gimenez, despite AC Milan attempting to close a deal for the Mexico international, with Spurs considering whether to “rush into negotiations” for his signing over the coming days.

While Feyenoord could look to demand £40 million for his services, this is a serious drop from his rumoured £84 million price tag last year. Gimenez, called “amazing” by journalist Graeme Bailey, is also in great form with 15 goals from his last 18 matches in all competitions so far.

Their renewed interest in Gimenez is described as a “major twist” by the news outlet, but with Milan trying to strike a full agreement for the centre-forward, they’ll have to act quickly.

Antonio Conte clashed with the Italian press after Scott McTominay inspired Napoli to a huge win in the Serie A title race over Monza.

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Napoli beat Monza 1-0 in Serie AMcTominay scored the winnerConte criticised by Italian press Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Conte has repeatedly lamented the lack of reinforcements since Napoli sanctioned the January sale of star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain. The Georgian’s departure left a gaping hole in Napoli’s attack, and Conte has been vocal in pointing out the lack of like-for-like alternatives available to him.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The absence of quality has been particularly noticeable in matches where Napoli have struggled to create chances. Though Saturday's game yielded a win through Scott McTominay, the manager pointed to the overall performance as further evidence that the squad lacks the necessary depth and balance to sustain a title challenge. Conte was also seen exchanging heated words with Napoli supporters in the stands after McTominay’s winner, as fans voiced their own opinions from the terraces.

WHAT THE MEDIA SAID

Despite Conte’s complaints, Italian media outlets have challenged his assessment of the squad. notably highlighted the game-changing influence of Giacomo Raspadori, who came off the bench to deliver the decisive assist for McTominay’s goal.

“The link-up between Mathías Olivera and Leonardo Spinazzola didn’t work, and not even Billy Gilmour was convincing,” journalist Sebastiano Vernazza wrote in his player ratings.

“Conte saved himself with Raspadori, the living proof that the reserves are not so bad.”

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

Despite the drama surrounding the win, the result propelled Napoli to the top of the Serie A standings, albeit temporarily. They now sit level on 71 points with Inter, who have a game in hand and face a potentially tricky test away at Bologna on Sunday.

Nottingham Forest demonstrated earlier this week that they are more than capable of competing with some of the very best sides in the Premier League, holding top-of-the-table Liverpool to a 1-1.

The result was the second time in which they had taken points off Arne Slot’s side in 2024/25, with a number of the additions made by the hierarchy starring under Nuno Espírito Santo.

Centre-back Murillo produced yet another masterclass at the back, making 18 clearances – the most in an English top-flight match since 2022, highlighting his importance to the Reds’ impressive backline.

Chris Wood caught the eye, as he has done for the majority of the season, scoring his 13th league goal of the campaign, putting Nuno’s men ahead in the early stages of the encounter.

The New Zealand international could be aided in his attempts in the final third after January, with the club targeting one player to improve the options at the City Ground this month.

Nottingham Forest plot move for midfield sensation

According to journalist Guilherme Ramos, Forest are constantly monitoring the progress of Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios ahead of a potential move.

The 24-year-old, who has made over appearances for the Brazilian side, could follow in the footsteps of current first-team member Danilo, who moved to the East Midlands from the same club in 2023.

The journalist confirmed that the Colombian has given the green light to a move to join the Reds this month, with his skill set suiting that of the Premier League.

It’s unclear how much any deal would cost owner Evangelos Marinakis, but it would be another signal of his intent to help the club reach European football under his guidance.

Any move would allow Rios to form a potentially deadly partnership with one player currently at the club, further boosting their chances of an unlikely title push in the next few months.

Why Rios could star with Anderson in Nottingham Forest’s midfield

Elliot Anderson joined Forest in a £35m deal from fellow top-flight side Newcastle United in the summer, with many fans questioning the size of the price tag upon his move.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, the England U21 international has wasted no time in impressing in Nottingham, cementing his place at the heart of the squad alongside the likes of Ryan Yates and Morgan Gibbs-White.

This campaign has undoubtedly been his best in the Premier League, producing countless impressive stats that have allowed for the Reds’ current top-four standing.

Anderson has registered an average of 8.7 duels won and 2.4 tackles won per 90, allowing him to be the perfect ball-winning option at the heart of the midfield.

Such figures could see him strike up a perfect partnership with Rios should he move to Trentside this month, with Anderson’s superb ability to regain possession allowing the Colombian to star with the ball at his feet.

The midfielder, who’s previously been dubbed as a “ball-carrying machine” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered 1.1 dribbles per 90 in the Brazilian Serie A during 2024 – a figure that could be perfect in transition for Nuno’s men.

Games played

24

Goals & assists

7

Pass accuracy

82%

Progressive passes

5.3

Progressive carries

1.4

Tackles won

3.1

Successful dribbles

1.1

Long passes completed

2.4

He’s also achieved an average of 2.4 accurate long balls per 90 with an 82% pass accuracy, having the skill set to find the likes of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to aid them on the counter attack.

Whilst no fee has been touted over a potential move for the Palmeiras star, it’s clear from his figures and play style that he would be a superb addition to the current squad, adding another dimension to the already impressive squad.

Such talents could be perfect for a dynamic alongside the former Newcastle youngster, with the duo able to work together to maintain Forest’s unimaginable start to the season.

Imagine him & Luiz: Nottingham Forest targeting "one of the best forwards"

Nottingham Forest have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements in January.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 11, 2025

Arsenal are likely to emerge as the potential beneficiaries of a star international forward when the transfer window reopens in around a week’s time, with Mikel Arteta in need of fresh attacking options after multiple injury blows.

Arsenal tipped to move for new winger after Saka and Sterling injuries

Following their imperious 5-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend, Arteta was dealt some less-than-ideal news regarding two big-name forwards in his squad.

"Extraordinary" player "top" Arsenal target to replace £200k-per-week star

The Gunners are putting plans in motion.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 24, 2024

Bukayo Saka looked a frustrated figure in south London on Saturday, forced off with a hamstring injury in the 24th minute against Palace, and it has since come to light that the 24-year-old is set for “many weeks” on the sidelines.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games	Date
Ipswich Town (home)	December 27
Brentford (away)	January 1
Brighton (away)	January 4
Tottenham (home)	January 15
Aston Villa (home)	January 18

To make matters even worse for Arteta, summer signing Raheem Sterling will also be out for a lengthy period after sustaining a knee problem, with Arsenal now having to make do with vastly reduced attacking options in the wide area.

“It’s not looking good,” said Arteta in a latest injury update on Saka.

“He’s going to be out for many weeks.”

There are even suggestions that Saka could be out until March with a torn hamstring, which would be a hammer blow for Arsenal, who were also forced to cope without club captain and chief creator Martin Odegaard for months earlier on in the campaign.

In light of this terrible news for the Gunners, who are attempting to keep up with current Premier League title favourites Liverpool at the top of the table, it is believed they could bring forward their plans to sign a new winger.

Saka and Sterling’s injuries are allegedly forcing Arteta to pull a “major U-turn” over bringing in a wide attacker this January, and we saw similar reports when the former injured himself during England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley in October.

Football Insider claimed back then that Arsenal may explore a quick January deal for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, so this may well be the case once more, given Saka’s injury looks far more serious this time round.

Barcelona’s Dani Olmo is now among the names linked with a January switch to Arsenal, and out-of-favour £203,000-per-week PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani could be floated in Arsenal’s direction as well.

Arsenal "likely" to be offered PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani

That is according to reliable journalist Simon Collings, who writes for Standard Sport that Arsenal are “likely” to be offered Kolo Muani on a loan deal in January.

The 26-year-old was tipped to step into Kylian Mbappe’s shoes at the Parc des Princes, following the latter’s departure to Real Madrid, but Luis Enrique hasn’t called upon him quite as much as most expected.

His lack of consistent opportunities has opened the door to a potential mid-season departure, and Arsenal are one of many clubs who could be handed an opportunity to bring in Kolo Muani on a temporary deal.

Despite not being a regular at PSG, the former Eintracht Frankfurt sensation remains a star for France at international level.

He burst on to the scene for Les Bleus at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scoring their semi-final opener against Morocco and bagging an assist in the final against Argentina, with manager Didier Deschamps including him in every single squad since then.

Kolo Muani has bagged three goals and an assist over their last five UEFA Nations League games, with Deschamps still highly favouring the forward regardless of his PSG woes.

Andrea Pirlo had to block his son's ban account in 2022, as the then teenager amassed gambling debts of €30k in illegal online scheme.

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• Ex-Italy international took decisive action
• Son forced to learn the hard way
• Avoid repetition of the same words & topics

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The ex-Juventus and AC Milan playmaker was able to shut his son Nicolo's account as his legal guardian. Just 17 at the time, he would be unable to open another account until he turned 18. It is believed the young man had become embroiled in the same illicit gambling schemes as Sandro Tonali. The Newcastle midfielder served a 10-month ban for his indiscretions from October 2023 to August 2024.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A report by , suggests that Fiorentina midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who was also banned for his involvement in the scheme, had informed suspected ringleader Pietro Marinoni about the issue between Pirlo and his son. The Serie D referee is accused of organising and recruiting footballers to take part in illegal gambling activities. Marinoni was suspended by Association of Italian Referees, after Milan's public prosecutor opened a case against 12 current and former Serie A players.

• WHAT NICOLO FAGIOLI SAID

  In a WhatsApp chat dated June 7th, 2022, Fagioli described Pirlo's son as "one of us" to Marinoni, but then also added:

  "He went into debit recovery, but his father found out and blocked his bank account until he’s 18. Having a €30,000 debt at 17 is something else."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Tonali told calciomercato in 2023 about Marinoni's role in recruiting him into the illegal activities. He said: "The person who initiated me to gambling is Pietro Marinoni, who comes from the same city as me and went to school with my sister. He was a referee.

  "I was never threatened, but I was offered to pay off the debt in installments. I reached a debt of €500,000 with them. Their objective was to make me continue to gamble, but they never pushed for any payment."

يقترب نادي الزمالك، من إبرام صفقة جديدة لتدعيم صفوف الفريق خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية، قبل انطلاق الموسم الجديد 2025-2026.

الزمالك كان قد نجح في التعاقد مع 4 صفقات جديدة في الميركاتو الصيفي، هم: “عمرو ناصر وأحمد شريف والأنجولي شيكو بانزا والحارس المهدي سليمان”.

طالع | اتحاد الكرة يوضح لـ بطولات موقف قيد صفقة الزمالك الجديدة عبد الحميد معالي

وأفاد مصدر لـ بطولات، أن نادي الزمالك يقترب من التعاقد مع محمد علاء حارس مرمى الجونة، لتدعيم مركز حراسة المرمى في الموسم الجديد.

وأشار إلى أن الحارس وافق على الانتقال للقلعة البيضاء بعد جلسة جمعته بمسئولي الزمالك، ويتبقى فقط حسم الاتفاق المالي مع نادي الجونة.

وأوضح المصدر أن هذه الصفقة تأتي تحسبًا لرحيل محمد صبحي إلى بيراميدز خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الحالية.

ويخوض فريق نادي الزمالك، معسكر إعدادي استعدادًا للموسم الجديد في العاصمة الإدارية، في الفترة الحالية وسيلعب الفريق 3 مباريات ودية أمام أندية رع اليوم الجمعة 18 يوليو، ثم يلتقي في ثاني مواجهاته مع فريق الشمس يوم السبت 19 يوليو، ويختتم الفريق مبارياته الودية في المعسكر بمواجهة وادي دجلة يوم الجمعة 25 يوليو.

وكان الزمالك خاض مواجهة ودية أمام فريق أورانج على ملعب استاد الكلية الحربية، قبل الدخول في معسكر العاصمة الإدارية، وفاز بها 1-0.