Inter Milan boss highlights his team’s ambition for next year

Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti has highlighted the team’s ambition to do well in both the Serie A and Europa League during the second half of the ongoing campaign. The Nerazzurri have endured a mixed run of form during the first phase of the season and this sees them only third in the league standings while they have already been eliminated from the Champions League by the minute of margins.

Speaking to reporters, Spalletti said that he would like the team to perform with a better consistency during the backend of the season and that could potentially mean competing for the trophies up for grabs, he quipped: “We have to perform well in the league as well as the Europa League. Then you have the Coppa Italia which, if you win the first game, takes you close to the final.

“Do we need to lift a trophy? There are only two we still can win because Juventus have already won the Serie A. They’re a team that is superior to everyone else on an individual level. Then of course we have to improve, because even today we lost some balls that a team at our level just cannot afford to lose, giving the opponent a chance to counter attack easily.”

Juventus star open to future Premier League move

Juventus defender Alex Sandro has opened the possibility of playing in the Premier League at some stage in the future. The Brazil international was hotly linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain during the summer but neither of those clubs were able to strike an agreement with the Bianconeri for the left-sided defender.

Sandro has since been in good form for the Bianconeri with two assists from 12 league appearances but there remain question marks regarding his future, having yet to extend his current deal beyond the summer of 2020. In a report covered by Tuttosport, Sandro acknowledged that he has the ambition of playing in the Premier League but that may not happen in the near future as he remains content with the Bianconeri, he said: “I think, one day, who knows what will happen? I have a desire to play in the Premier League but right now I am very happy where I am at, the club I am at [Juventus], the league I am playing in. So today my only thought is to continue where I am because that's where I feel happy.”

Fulham appoint legendary Italian manager to replace Slavisa Jokanovic

Fulham have decided to part ways with manager Slavisa Jokanovic and replaced him with former Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri. Jokanovic had played a crucial role in the Cottager’s return to the Premier League after a four-year absence but the team have struggled this term with just five points after the opening 12 matches.

As such, Cottagers owner Shahid Khan has taken the responsibility of making the change and Ranieri returns to the Premier League for the first time since his Leicester City stint, where he guided them to a historic league title in 2016 against all odds. Speaking after the arrival, Ranieri said:“It is an honour to accept Mr. Khan’s invitation and opportunity to lead Fulham, a fantastic club with tradition and history.

Luciano Spalletti Happy with Comeback against PSV

Inter Milan were able to produce a strong comeback to secure a vital away win over PSV in the Champions League. Inter travelled to Holland looking to make the most of their late win over Spurs in the first group match. However, there was only disappointment for Luciano Spalletti’s men as they fell behind to Pablo Rosario’s goal in the 27th minute. This was a major blow for Inter in the hopes of topping the Champions League group; it would ensure a much easier fixture list in the knockout stages. However, there was a major change in Spalletti’s half-time talk thanks to Nainggolan’s equaliser just before half time.

Inter were able to complete the comeback in the second half when Mauro Icardi scored in the 60th minute. The winner from Icardi was able to place Inter level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table. Considering that this happens to be one of the toughest groups in this Champions League campaign, Inter have done extremely well to open the group with back-to-back wins. Inter were also able to secure their first away victory in the Champions League for the first time in more than five years following the success. Spalletti claimed that he was disappointed to see his team drop a goal early in the game but the manner of the comeback was a delight to the manager.

Vincenzo Montella wants Italian clubs to do well in the Champions League

Former AC Milan and Sevilla manager Vincenzo Montella believes the Serie A clubs have shown genuine progress over the past few seasons with Juventus leading the line in terms of the performance in Europe. The Bianconeri have reached the Champions League final in two of the previous four editions and they are now regarded as one among the favourites with the competition’s top-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo now playing for them.

Speaking to reporters, Montella highlighted that the teams have improved in recent years and he fancies Inter Milan to offer a strong challenge to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League opener, he said: “It is proof that the Serie A is always very difficult. Ronaldo’s arrival has created competitiveness and Juventus rivals have strengthened a bit, but they have changed a lot and it takes patience. The league is at a higher level than in recent years. The Italian clubs have every chance to play on equal terms as others, and I believe that tomorrow, Inter will play a competitive match. As for Roma, it will be a little more difficult. I hope they all do well.”

Matteo Darmian confirms desire to leave Manchester United

Italy international Matteo Darmian has confirmed that he would like to part ways with Manchester United during the summer transfer window. The 28-year-old managed just five Premier League starts during a frustrating 2017/18 campaign and he has now decided on a fresh challenge regarding of the injury crisis at the club.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Darmian admitted that he wants to move on from the Mancunian giants and does not believe the injury to Antonio Valencia will hamper his ambition, he said:“I don’t think the injury of Antonio is a big injury. I don’t know how long he needs to stay out, but at the moment he is the captain, he’s first choice. I want to play more regularly.Last season, I didn’t play much — that’s my objective and my ambition. That’s why I spoke with the manager and also with the club about my future. I want to leave but we will see what happens because we don’t know.”

Thomas Tuchel won’t rush to play Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking trident

Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that he would remain patient with the likes of Edinson Cavani, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, who are currently on vacation following the summer World Cup. The trio managed to reach the quarter-final of the tournament with their respective countries with Mbappe going all the way to secure the World Cup crown with France.

As such, Tuchel is wary of playing them shortly after their vacation and has called for patience over the team selection, he said: “We have an extraordinary attack. We have Neymar, Cavani, and Mbappe. I'm looking forward to work with these players.Unfortunately, we still have to be patient, because the players were far too long at the World Cup.Accordingly, they arrive late and the league starts early. That's nothing that pleases a coach.”

Edinson Cavani insists Uruguay are not looking at Spain or Portugal

Uruguay international Edinson Cavani has stressed that his teammates are not looking towards facing Portugal or Spain with their final group game against Russia yet to be played. The South American nation have picked up close 1-0 wins over Egypt and Saudi Arabia in their last two matches and they now have the opportunity to secure the top spot with a victory over the hosts.

Speaking prior to the game, Cavani refused to look far into the future and he is looking forward to facing Russia in the final group stage match, he said: “None of that, we focus on the match tomorrow first and foremost and that is the path we will take and we'll think about other aspects afterwards.

PSG president: Neymar and Edinson Cavani won’t be leaving the club

Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has stressed that both Neymar and Edinson Cavani won’t be leaving Parc des Princes during the summer transfer window. The pair have been linked with moves to real Madrid and Atletico Madrid respectively this summer but Al-Khelaifi has insisted that the pair are content in Paris.

Speaking to reporters, he said: “Neymar? I’ve repeated myself 10,000 times already. He’s going to stay at PSG. Neymar’s tired of the rumours about his future. His father told me that his future is in Paris. It’s the Spanish media that are saying otherwise. If you believe them then that’s too bad. Cavani? Not only does have two more years left on his contract, but he’s also happy. He’s a great player, a fighter, the top scorer in the club’s history.”

Edinson Cavani: Uruguay have a good feeling ahead of the World Cup

Uruguay international Edinson Cavani believes there is a ‘good feeling’within the squad ahead of the summer World Cup in Russia. The two-time champions underperformed during the previous edition of the tournament where they onlyreached the round of 16 stage in Brazil but Cavanisays the team has shown sufficient growth since then.

Speaking after the 3-0 win over Uzbekistan, Cavani said: “I think all Uruguayans have a good feeling because we have grown as a team, and also because we have shown a lot as a team. People have recognised that over time. I think this good feeling is important because we can feel it from the pitch and sometimes that is what we need to give that little extra in certain moments.”

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