England extended Thomas Tuchel's 100 percent start to his reign as Reece James' first internation...

England extended Thomas Tuchel's 100 percent start to his reign as Reece James' first international goal inspired a 3-0 win against Latvia in Monday's World Cup qualifier.Tuchel's side once again laboured to break down defensive opposition for long periods at Wembley.But three days after struggling to beat Albania 2-0 in Tuchel's first game in charge, England eventually mustered enough composure and quality to kill off 140th-ranked Latvia.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>James broke the deadlock with a superb free-kick late in the first half as the Chelsea right-back made an impressive first England start since September 2022.Hamstring injuries had sidelined James for most of last season, as well as several months in the current campaign.But James was a key figure when Tuchel's Chelsea won the 2021 Champions League and the 25-year-old could emerge as a significant weapon if he can stay fit. England captain Harry Kane put the result beyond doubt in the second half with his 71st international goal, before Eberechi Eze came off the bench to bag his maiden goal for the Three Lions.Despite their inconsistent start to the Tuchel era, the paucity of their opponents in a weak Group K means England are already well on the way to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.Tuchel is the first England boss to win his first two competitive matches since Fabio Capello.The German now has 75 days to prepare for England's next qualifier in Andorra on June 7.Tuchel has yet to deliver on his desire to produce a team that plays with more courage than the "afraid" group that reached the Euro 2024 final under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.But Tuchel has already shown he isn't concerned about ruffling the feathers of his superstars.He kept the players guessing over his line-up until just a few hours before kick-off, with England's starting line-up lacking a single player from Manchester United, Manchester City or Liverpool for the first time since 1992.<h3>Moment of magic</h3>City forward Phil Foden was replaced by Jarrod Bowen after his lacklustre display against Albania, while Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers made his first England start instead of Liverpool's Curtis Jones.James came in for Kyle Walker and Marc Guehi replaced Dan Burn at centre-back.Frustrated by England's limp performance in his debut, Tuchel had told his players to "raise the standards", but they struggled to respond to his rallying cry.Although England monopolised possession, they nearly fell behind in embarrassing fashion after 19 minutes.Guehi and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford got in a tangle as they dithered over a pass into the England area, allowing Vladislavs Gutkovskis to shoot into the side-netting when he should have scored.Tuchel threw his head back in disbelief at such a rudimentary mistake.England nearly took the lead after that narrow escape when Jude Bellingham's header deflected to Ezri Konsa, whose close-range blast was superbly tipped over by Krisjanis Zviedris. It took James' moment of magic to break the deadlock in the 38th minute as he curled a sublime free-kick over the Latvia wall and into the top corner from 25 yards.James' surprisingly subdued celebration was a contrast to the relieved Tuchel's fist-pumping delight on the touchline.England were never completely convincing at the back, but Pickford came to the rescue with a save from Alvis Jaunzems.Already on a booking, Bellingham was fortunate to avoid a red card after clattering Raivis Jurkovskis in the second half.Bellingham was replaced by Foden to save him from a potential dismissal and England finally doubled their lead in the 68th minute.Declan Rice whipped a low cross into the six-yard box, where Kane was on hand to slot home in typically predatory fashion.Crystal Palace winger Eze provided an uplifting flourish in the 76th minute, dancing through for a shot that went in via a deflection off Antonijs Cernomordijs.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 24: Harry Kane of England celebrates their second goal with Declan Rice of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Latvia at Wembley Stadium on March 24, 2025 in London, England.

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England sinks Latvia to extend Tuchel's winning start

Chelsea are willing to sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent deal from Manchester United despite a £5 ...

Chelsea are willing to sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent deal from Manchester United despite a £5 million ($6.4 million) clause that would allow them to cancel the deal, according to reports on Monday.Sancho moved to Chelsea on loan in August in a deal that reportedly included an obligation for Chelsea to buy the winger for £25 million.But after a promising start to life at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old's form has dipped and details have emerged of a way out for the west London club if they paid a cancellation fee.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With just two goals in all competitions and none since December, Sancho has struggled to hold down a regular place in Enzo Maresca's side as they chase qualification for next season's Champions League.However, Sancho's permanent transfer is reportedly still expected to go ahead as planned, with Chelsea hoping he can recapture the form that helped Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final during a loan spell last season.Maresca has repeatedly said he is happy with Sancho's displays, insisting he has been surprised by how much he has progressed following his acrimonious departure from Old Trafford.Sancho was involved in a public spat last season with former United boss Erik ten Hag and did not make another appearance before being loaned to Dortmund.Chelsea were linked with United winger Alejandro Garnacho in January and could move to strengthen in that position in the close season even if they sign Sancho.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Jadon Sancho of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England.

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Report: Chelsea want permanent Sancho deal despite cancel clause

Germany survived a spirited second-half fightback from Italy, letting a three-goal lead slip to d...

Germany survived a spirited second-half fightback from Italy, letting a three-goal lead slip to draw 3-3 in Dortmund on Sunday, reaching the Nations League semifinals 5-4 on aggregate. A first-half Joshua Kimmich masterclass, with a penalty and two assists for Jamal Musiala and Tim Kleindienst, had Germany 3-0 up and cruising at the break. However, injury-hit Italy kicked into gear in the second half, Moise Kean scoring a double to rattle the hosts. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Italy looked on course to level the scores when they were awarded a penalty with 73 minutes gone, but it was overturned by VAR. Giacomo Raspadori then converted a stoppage-time penalty to give Italy a glimmer of hope. The result not only secured Germany a first-ever Nations League semi-final spot, but it means the remainder of the tournament will be held on German soil, in Stuttgart and Munich in June. Despite the second-half scare, the victory continues Germany's resurgence under Julian Nagelsmann. Germany's only loss in their past 17 matches came in extra time at Euro 2024 against eventual champions Spain in the quarterfinals."A football game is never perfect, but it was some unbelievable football, and the best I've seen us play," Nagelsmann told reporters. "In the second half it unfortunately shifted. We played too much freestyle, without reason. When you play like that and don't have structure, then mistakes hurt a whole lot more."Nagelsmann said Germany "learned lessons which could be great for our development" from the game, adding "we know how well we can play football - but we have to show it throughout the game." Germany will face Portugal in the semifinals in June.Germany captain Kimmich said the first half was "very, very sexy to watch, but in the second half, we had everything in our hands.""Then the momentum changed and we made too many mistakes - we still have a lot to learn," he said.Italy travelled to Dortmund, the site of their 2006 World Cup semi-final win over the same opponents, with a mountain to climb. After letting a one-goal lead slip to lose in Milan in the first leg, Italy saw defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Andrea Cambiaso added to an injury list which already included striker Mateo Retegui and left-back Federico Dimarco.Italy coach Luciano Spalletti spoke pre-match of needing to do "something impossible" and his side were up against it from the get-go as Germany burst out of the blocks.With Musiala on top form and Nico Schlotterbeck sending in penetrating passes from the deep, Germany's breakthrough came from the spot. Alessandro Buongiorno brought down a surging Kleindienst in the box and Kimmich converted, just the fourth penalty for either club or country in the 30-year-old's career.After an acrobatic save to keep out a Kleindienst header by Gianluigi Donnarumma, the quick-thinking Kimmich played the ball fast from the ensuing corner. The move caught the Italians napping, with Musiala tapping in from close range as the Italian goalkeeper was still remonstrating with the referee.In the final minute of the half, Donnarumma palmed away a Kleindienst header, but this time could not keep it out, with the home crowd erupting as the referee pointed to his watch to show the ball had crossed the line. Germany dropped in intensity in the second half and the Italians pounced, Kean latching onto a loose ball and blasting home after 49 minutes. Spalletti brought on Raspadori and the Napoli man had an immediate impact, threading a pass for Kean to curl a ball past Oliver Baumann's outstretched arm with 68 minutes played. The stunned Germans were shocked further five minutes later when they conceded a penalty, but the spot kick was overturned by VAR. The Italians did eventually get a spot kick in stoppage time, with Raspadori converting, but it was too late as Germany held on to progress on aggregate.

23 March 2025, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund: Soccer: Nations League A, Germany - Italy, play-off round, quarter-finals, second leg, Signal Iduna Park, Germany's Tim Kleindienst (center) celebrates after his goal for 3-0 with Nico Schlotterbeck (l), Antonio Rüdiger (2vl) and Germany's Joshua Kimmich (r). Photo: Bernd Thissen/dpa

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Germany survives furious Italy comeback to make Nations League semis

Real Madrid's women's team earned their first-ever victory over Liga F champions Barcelona with a...

Real Madrid's women's team earned their first-ever victory over Liga F champions Barcelona with a shock 3-1 away triumph on Sunday at the Olympic stadium.Pere Romeu's Barcelona remain top of the table, four points ahead of second-place Madrid, after losing their second league match this season under rain and hail before a crowd of nearly 36,000 fans.Barcelona have won the Spanish top flight five years running and last season lifted the quadruple.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, they have not hit the same heights so far in the current campaign, with a 46-game unbeaten streak in Liga F ended by Levante in February, as Barca suffered a first-ever domestic defeat at their Johan Cruyff stadium."We're upset, like the day when we lost against Levante at home," said two-time Ballon d'Or winner and Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas."It's part of sport, losing, winning or drawing. You can never be certain of winning."Over the 90 minutes when the result is like this, we did something badly and they did something well so we have to correct that and continue."Real Madrid's women's team began in 2020 after taking over CD Tacon, which was founded in 2014.Alba Redondo sent Madrid ahead just before half-time, before Caroline Graham Hansen levelled for Barca in the 67th minute.Jana Fernandez netted for Barcelona but the goal was controversially disallowed for offside when it appeared to be on - and with VAR not operating, in Liga F the decision stood.Real Madrid's Scottish attacker Caroline Weir fired the visitors ahead in the 87th minute and struck again in stoppage time to round off a famous win."It's special," Madrid's Redondo told DAZN. "Clasicos are Clasicos, there was a nice atmosphere, playing at a place like Montjuic ... we will keep evolving."We always believed (we could beat them), we have a big squad, they have a lot of quality to be at the top, but we believe we can win all games."Today is a party because it's the first time (we've done it)."Real Madrid visit Arsenal in the women's Champions League on Wednesday boasting a 2-0 advantage from the quarter-final first leg, while Barcelona host Wolfsburg on Thursday with a 4-1 lead.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 23: Caroline Weir of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring their side's third goal with her teammates during the Liga F match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 23, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Real Madrid beat Barcelona for 1st time in women's El Clasico

Thomas Tuchel made a winning start to his England reign without delivering on his promise of a vi...

Thomas Tuchel made a winning start to his England reign without delivering on his promise of a vibrant new era as the Three Lions beat Albania 2-0 in their opening World Cup qualifier on Friday.Tuchel had urged England to play without fear after claiming they were "afraid" in a scathing assessment of their Euro 2024 runners-up finish under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.But the early returns were underwhelming as Tuchel's side dominated possession at Wembley without providing much entertainment for the sell-out 82,378 crowd.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>While it is far too early to judge Tuchel, the German -- England's third non-British manager -- must know significant improvements are needed on the road to next year's World Cup."We can do better, we have to do better," Tuchel said. "The opponent was hard to wear down as they defended in a deep block. But in the second half I felt we were too slow. "In general we did not make enough runs off the ball to get behind them. We had some heavy legs. I felt we were a little bit tired. We will get better, we will get more rhythm. I will understand the players better, why do we struggle to get more runs in the final third.He added: "It is step by step. We will look at it. We will have video sessions and make sure we find solutions."Aged 18 years and 176 days, Myles Lewis-Skelly made history in the first half when the Arsenal defender became the youngest player to score on his England debut.That was the highlight of an inconsistent England display which was hard to distinguish from the erratic fare served up by Southgate during his eight years in charge.England captain Harry Kane, who played under Tuchel at Bayern Munich last season, netted late in the second half to put a more flattering gloss on the Group K opener.The 31-year-old's 70th international goal came just 24 hours after England's record scorer claimed people were "bored" of his achievements.Tuchel was greeted with a banner unfurled by fans with the slogan "Welcome to the home of football Thomas" as he walked out of the tunnel before kick-off.True to his word, Tuchel did not sing the English national anthem after saying he had to "earn the right" and there were few songs of praise for Tuchel as Wembley started to empty well before the final whistle.Tuchel, whose side hosts Latvia on Monday, at least avoiding become the first England boss since Bobby Robson in 1982 to fail to win his first match.<h3>Lewis-Skelly on target</h3>Tuchel gave debuts to Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle defender Dan Burn, who scored in Sunday's League Cup final win at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford was given a starting berth after his revival on loan at Aston Villa.All three looked comfortable in Tuchel's 4-2-3-1 formation but England could only muster a workmanlike start.Tuchel stood in the technical area making occasional notes and clapping vigorously when England followed his demand for a high press to win the ball back.The German was even more animated in the 20th minute as his decision to select Lewis-Skelly paid rich dividends.Jude Bellingham was the catalyst as he deftly turned to find space in midfield before stroking a sublime pass towards Lewis-Skelly, who timed his run perfectly to slot home from close-range.Tuchel pumped his arms in celebration, with a sheepish grin spreading across his face.The smile was nearly wiped from his face when Burn's miscued block from Qazim Laci's cross hit the bar in a panicked sequence that ended with the defender heading off the line.Bellingham's diving header was repelled by Thomas Strakosha before Kane's follow-up was brilliantly blocked by Berat Djimsiti.Burn almost reprised his Wembley goal against Liverpool last weekend with a towering header that clanged off the bar.Tuchel's hope that England would play with more intensity wasn't helped by the soporific atmosphere, a stark contrast the Premier League passion he wants his team to emulate.Kane headed narrowly wide from Bellingham's cross after the interval, but England laboured to kill off an Albania side content to sit deep.They finally landed the knockout blow in the 77th minute as Declan Rice's cross reached Kane and he swivelled to curl into the far corner from 10 yards.

England's Myles Lewis-Skelly celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Group K match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Friday March 21, 2025.

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Historic Lewis-Skelly goal helps England win Tuchel's 1st match

Leon Goretzka marked his return to international football on Thursday with the winning goal in Ge...

Leon Goretzka marked his return to international football on Thursday with the winning goal in Germany's 2-1 victory over Italy, which handed his country the advantage in the Nations League quarterfinals.Bayern Munich midfielder Goretzka glanced home the decisive goal from Joshua Kimmich's corner in the 76th minute as Germany came from behind to win the first leg of the tie in Milan.Goretzka had last played for Germany in 2023 but was recalled to his national team by Julian Nagelsmann for the two matches with Italy, and it proved to be a wise decision.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old won Germany a tight match at the San Siro which had been delicately poised thanks to Sandro Tonali's early opener for the hosts and substitute Tim Kleindienst's 49th-minute header from another brilliantly delivered Kimmich cross.Goretzka's winner was his first goal for Germany since scoring the late equaliser in a Euro 2020 group fixture against Hungary.Italy can consider themselves unfortunate to lose as Oliver Baumann pulled off some impressive saves in each half to deny Moise Kean and Giacomo Raspadori.Sunday's second leg will be played in Dortmund, a city which holds fond memories for Italians as the site of one of the Azzurri's most famous wins over Germany, in the semi-finals of their victorious 2006 World Cup campaign.More recently the Westfalenstadion was where Italy conceded the fastest ever goal in European Championship history, after just 23 seconds in their opening group stage win over Albania.Whichever country wins the two-legged tie between Italy and Germany will also earn the right to host the finals stage of the Nations League in June.

MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 20, 2025: Players of Germany celebrate after scoring their team's first goal during the UEFA Nations League Quarter-Final First Leg match between Italy and Germany at San Siro.

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Germany fights back to beat Italy in 1st leg of Nations League quarters

Barcelona and Osasuna's appeals against the rescheduled date of their postponed La Liga match wer...

Barcelona and Osasuna's appeals against the rescheduled date of their postponed La Liga match were rejected Thursday by the Spanish football federation's appeals committee.The La Liga leaders will host Osasuna on March 27, after the game was cancelled when a Barcelona club doctor died on the original date, March 8.Barcelona appealed against the new date because it allowed some of their players "insufficient time to rest" following international duty.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Precedent... establishes that national team call-ups are not sufficient grounds for rescheduling a match... when the team effected has enough players to play the match," said the federation's appeals committee.Winger Raphinha is part of Brazil's squad for a World Cup qualifier at Argentina set to kick-off at 0000 GMT on March 26, while defender Ronald Araujo travels with Uruguay to visit Bolivia on March 25 at 2000 GMT.Osasuna also appealed against the new date because they would be left with less than 72 hours rest before their next match, which was scheduled for March 28 at Athletic Bilbao.The committee said the Bilbao match would be moved to March 30, to allow Osasuna recovery time.

The match between FC Barcelona and Club Atletico Osasuna, corresponding to week 27 of LaLiga EA Sports, is suspended due to the sudden death of Carlos Minarro Garcia, a member of the club's medical team, shortly before the start of the match in Barcelona, Spain, on March 8, 2025.

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Barcelona, Osasuna appeals rejected over rearranged match date

Thomas Tuchel has urged England to play without fear after claiming they were "afraid" in a scath...

Thomas Tuchel has urged England to play without fear after claiming they were "afraid" in a scathing assessment of their run to the Euro 2024 final under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.Tuchel will take charge of England for the first time when they face Albania at Wembley on Friday in their opening World Cup qualifier.The German, who started work in January after being hired in October, is keen to instill a more dynamic attitude in his squad after watching their angst-ridden performances in last year's European Championship.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Although England reached the final, where they were beaten 2-1 by Spain, Tuchel was unimpressed by the fraught nature of their displays."They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament in my observation than having the excitement and hunger to win it," Tuchel told ITV this week.Asked what was missing from Southgate's squad, Tuchel said: "The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the freedom of players, the hunger."Southgate led England to two finals at the Euros but resigned after the Spain defeat, unable to end their decades-long trophy drought. Tuchel wants to convince his players to buy into an attacking philosophy he believes can be the difference between success and failure at the 2026 World Cup."It was just my feeling watching the TV, long before I even knew I may be in charge," Tuchel told reporters on Thursday."I think it is a pretty clear statement and I don't know how to put it in other words. I felt tension and pressure on the shoulders of the players. "They were playing to not lose. We have every right to be self-confident. I want us to play with the excitement and the hunger and the desire to win and the joy to win and the acceptance of failure is part of it."We want to implement the togetherness and the joy and for everyone to feel safe to express themselves and give their very best. We want to play with a hunger and a joy to win and not with the fear to lose."<h3>'I have to make people believe'</h3>England captain Harry Kane, who played under Tuchel at Bayern Munich, was one of several players criticised last year for his lacklustre displays at Euro 2024.Kane agreed with Tuchel that England did not cope well with the burden of being title favourites."I think there was more expectation than we had at any other tournament. It was the first one where we were one of the favourites," Kane said."Even though we leaned on experience from other tournaments, we just couldn't find the rhythm. Thomas has obviously looked at that. "He has spoke about interactions between each other on the pitch. He knows you don't have to change everything but there are a few details that if you do change you have a greater chance of success."Tuchel has been impressed with the way England's players have responded to his methods in their first training camp with the former Chelsea and Bayern boss."What I saw in the last days was amazing. I hope we can transport that into the stadium. There is a buzz for the first match," he said."It's also been a crash course for me in international football and how to adapt to the rhythm and being with the squad."Tuchel led Chelsea to the Champions League in 2021 and has won domestic titles with Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain.Despite his wealth of experience, the 51-year-old admitted to feeling anxious at the start of a new era for England."I will be a bit nervous. Hopefully we can prove the point and take the first step. I have to make people believe in me," he said.

Jude Bellingham of England wearing his silver medal walks past the trophy during the awarding ceremony after the UEFA Euro 2024 final match between England and Spain in Berlin, Germany, July 14, 2024.

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Tuchel thinks England played with fear during Euro 2024 run

Barcelona will play the rest of their home matches this season at the Olympic stadium while work ...

Barcelona will play the rest of their home matches this season at the Olympic stadium while work continues on their Camp Nou rebuild, the club told AFP Thursday.The La Liga leaders had hoped to return to their stadium before the end of the season, after already pushing back plans to play in the Camp Nou before the end of 2024.Barcelona told club members Thursday that they could buy tickets for the remaining matches in La Liga and the Champions League at their temporary Olympic stadium home, where the Catalans have played since the 2023-24 season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Camp Nou is expected to have a capacity of over 60,000 when it is first reopened, which is now due to be next season.Work is expected to finish in the summer of 2026, with the expanded stadium having space for 105,000 fans.The Camp Nou rebuild began in June 2023 but was slowed by permit complications and complaints over working conditions among other factors.

The exterior image of the Spotify Camp Nou shows growth with the construction of the third tier. Inside the stadium, the placement of numerous seats and the preparation for sowing grass are noteworthy, in Barcelona, Spain, on March 3, 2025.

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Report: Barcelona extend stay at Montjuic as Camp Nou work continues

Paulo Dybala is set to miss the rest of the season after Roma announced on Thursday that the Arge...

Paulo Dybala is set to miss the rest of the season after Roma announced on Thursday that the Argentina forward would go under the knife in the hope of resolving a thigh injury.In a statement, Roma said that Dybala "will undergo surgery in the coming days following an injury to his left semitendinosus tendon" which he picked up during Sunday's 1-0 win over Cagliari."The player and the club have mutually agreed that this is the best course of action for an optimal recovery," Roma added.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Roma did not say for how long Dybala would be sidelined but with only nine matches left in the current Serie A campaign the 31-year-old is almost certain not to play again until next season.Dybala's absence will be a big blow to Roma who, since Claudio Ranieri's return as coach in November, have gone from being relegation candidates to the form team in Italy's top flight.He has scored eight times and set up four more in all competitions, and his dynamic play would have been key to Roma's late bid for Champions League football.Roma are four points behind fourth-place Bologna after winning their last six Serie A matches, with Ranieri's team dropping just six points in 13 matches since last losing a league game, at Como before Christmas.

ROME, ITALY - MARCH 16: Paulo Dybala of Roma during warm up of the Serie A match between Roma and Cagliari at Stadio Olimpico on March 16, 2025 in Rome, Italy.

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Roma's Dybala out for remainder of season after thigh surgery

Mateo Retegui will miss Italy's Nations League quarter-final against Germany with a thigh injury,...

Mateo Retegui will miss Italy's Nations League quarter-final against Germany with a thigh injury, the country's football federation (FIGC) said on Wednesday.In a statement, the FIGC said Atalanta striker Retegui had picked up an unspecified problem in his right thigh which has ruled him out of both legs of the last-eight tie.Retegui, who leads the Serie A scoring charts with 22 goals, is set to leave Italy's training camp for further tests with his club.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Italy host Germany at the San Siro on Thursday before travelling to Dortmund for the second leg on March 23.The winner of the tie will host the Nations League finals in June, with Italy opting for Turin should they get through.Since choosing to play for Italy in 2023, Argentina-born Retegui has scored six times in 18 international appearances for the Azzurri.

BERGAMO, ITALY - MARCH 16: Mateo Retegui of Atalanta reacts during the Serie A match between Atalanta and FC Internazionale at Gewiss Stadium on March 16, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy.

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Italy loses Retegui for Nations League quarterfinal vs. Germany

Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White told new England boss Thomas Tuchel he deserved to be incl...

Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White told new England boss Thomas Tuchel he deserved to be included in the German's first squad in charge after only being drafted in at late notice.The omission of the Forest captain from Tuchel's squad on Friday was a surprise given his role in firing Nuno Espirito Santo's men to third in the Premier League.However, the 25-year-old was handed a reprieve on Sunday when an injury to Cole Palmer saw Gibbs-White called up.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Obviously I was upset. Yeah, a little bit disappointed," Gibbs-White told the BBC."I said to him back like 'I feel like I've done enough to get the call-up, considering the form level that we were in, but obviously you're the manager, you make the decisions, and I respect that totally'."So, obviously, it was disappointing but then Sunday I got the call, so I was straight here."Gibbs-White made his first two appearances for the Three Lions under caretaker manager Lee Carsley.But he faces stiff competition to earn a place regularly in Tuchel's team from the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Palmer."The standard of players is top level," Gibbs-White said."He (Tuchel) phoned me up and said 'Are you still upset with me, or do you want to come and join us and fancy training tomorrow?'"Obviously, there's no question there. I said I'd obviously love to come and join and train with the boys, so, yeah, found out Sunday late afternoon and I was just smiling from ear to ear."Tuchel's reign begins with a World Cup qualifier against Albania on Friday followed by the visit of Latvia to Wembley on March 24.Despite his initial snub, Gibbs-White has praised Tuchel's approach in seeking to speak to the players before they met for the first time at England's St.George's Park training base this week."I feel like it was, for him, important to try and get that bond straight away with players because he's used to club football, so he's used to spending time every day with players," he said."I felt like it was top from him, really good that he sort of started that relationship before even meeting us, which is really good."

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Morgan Gibbs-White of England reacts during a training session at St Georges Park on March 18, 2025 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.

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Gibbs-White tells Tuchel he deserved England call-up

A goal in each half from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo gave Real Madrid a valuable 2-0 w...

A goal in each half from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo gave Real Madrid a valuable 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in their women's Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday. The English side made the early running but were hit on the counter when Madrid made their first chance of the match in the 22nd minute.Real's Sandie Toletti intercepted an Arsenal pass in her own half and picked out former Manchester United striker Signe Bruun.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Her pass found Colombian international Caicedo who held off the challenge of USA defender Emily Fox before surging into the box and finding the bottom left of goal with a neat finish. Beth Mead went close to levelling just before half-time but slid her shot just wide of Misa Rodriguez's right-hand post.Arsenal, in a joint-record 16th quarter-final and looking to reach an eighth semi-final, pressed in the second half for an equaliser, forcing Misa into a series of saves but the Gunners were again hit on the counter eight minutes from time. This time Scottish midfielder Caroline Weir, playing against her old club fed substitute Athenea down the left channel.Chasing to the edge of the Arsenal box, she stepped inside and drilled a drive towards the left post Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger could only palm into the corner of the net. "It's a great result and a great win," said Bruun. "We had to stick together and work as a team. We are very happy with the scoreline, but there is another game to go and now we have to focus on it."Arsenal captain Kim Little admitted her side were "disappointed" with the defeat and would need to step up a level in next week's second leg in London if they are to make it into a semi-final against either Bayern Munich or record eight-times champion Lyon. "Now we are sad but we have to recover so that the second leg will be different," said Little. "We adapted better to the game in the second half. We created some good chances – but in the second leg, we will have to create even more and play good football"That's what we need as a team for the second leg."

VALDEBEBAS, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Athenea del Castillo of Real Madrid celebrates a goal with teammates during the UEFA Women’s Champions League Quarter Final first leg, football match played between Real Madrid CF and Arsenal FC at Alfredo Di Stefano stadium on March 18, 2025, in Valdebebas, Madrid, Spain.

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Real Madrid take advantage over Arsenal in Women's Champions League

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado suffered a partial knee ligament tear in last weekend's victory ...

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado suffered a partial knee ligament tear in last weekend's victory at Atletico Madrid and will likely be sidelined for two months, the Spanish Liga leaders said on Tuesday.The 21-year-old has made 37 appearances in all competitions this season for Hansi Flick's side.Casado withdrew from Spain's Nations League squad. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The injury forced him off in the 67th minute of Barcelona's dramatic 4-2 win at Atletico."It has been confirmed that he has a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament of the right knee," Barcelona said in a statement."He will be undergoing conservative treatment that means he is likely to be out of action for two months."Barcelona are top of La Liga ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference, with Atletico four points further back, and also have a game in hand.They are still on course for a possible treble.Barca's Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico is level at 4-4 ahead of the second leg. They will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals next month.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 01: Marc Casado of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga EA match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 02, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Barcelona's Casado sidelined 2 months with knee injury

Manchester United announced plans to raise season ticket prices by five percent for the 2025-26 s...

Manchester United announced plans to raise season ticket prices by five percent for the 2025-26 season on Monday, defying calls from supporters groups for the cost to be frozen.There will be no rise in the cost of tickets for under-16s, but the club are introducing a new game categorisation for non season-ticket holders, to allow for different pricing structures for higher-profile fixtures.United fans have routinely protested at Old Trafford in recent months after the decision in November to scrap concessions to children and over-65s with all remaining tickets for this season priced at £66 ($85).<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A fan advisory board (FAB), which met with the club, had pushed for a freeze on ticket prices.Season tickets at Old Trafford have also increased by five percent in each of the past two seasons after an 11-year price freeze.United chief executive Omar Berrada said in a statement: "We understand the importance of their backing for the team and have worked hard to come up with a pricing package that is fair and reasonable."The club's co-owner Jim Ratcliffe claimed in a series of interviews last week that the English giants would have run out of money at the end of last year but for a series of cost-cutting measures and the hike in ticket prices he has overseen.United have made cumulative losses of £410 million in the last seven years after a series of expensive mistakes in the transfer market and in managerial hires.They currently sit 13th in the Premier League and are reliant on winning the Europa League to lift a trophy this season."We listened carefully to the strong arguments put forward by the FAB in favour of a freeze. However, the club has decided that it would not be right to keep prices unchanged while costs rise and the club continues to face financial issues," added Berrada."We have kept the increase to the lowest possible level and protected our youngest season-ticket holders from any rises, while ensuring the club remains financially strong enough to invest in improving the team."Among a series of changes to ticketing, United also plan to turn some general admission tickets close to the dugouts into hospitality seats that can be sold at a premium price.Premier League leaders Liverpool announced last month that they would freeze ticket prices for next season.“For several months we have argued long and hard that the club need to look at the big picture and freeze ticket prices for next season," said the Manchester United Supporters' Trust."Other clubs have done that already and at United it would have sent a powerful message about the need for everyone to pull together to get the club out of the very difficult position it finds itself in.“We do note that the scale of the headline increase is less than many feared and we believe the enormous amounts of dialogue that fans groups have had with the club, alongside the public pressure exerted through the media and various protests, helped restrain the increase."United announced plans last week to leave Old Trafford for a new 100,000-seater stadium at a reported cost of £2 billion.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 9: Players walk out under a fan banner in the crowd the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on March 9, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Man United defy fan groups with season ticket price increase

Marcus Thuram has been ruled out of France's UEFA Nations League quarter-final games against Croa...

Marcus Thuram has been ruled out of France's UEFA Nations League quarter-final games against Croatia with an ankle injury, the team's medical staff confirmed on Monday.Thuram, capped 29 times with two goals scored, was the only one of Didier Deschamps' 24 players called up for this week's games to miss Monday's open training session at Clairefontaine, outside Paris. The 27-year-old Inter Milan forward scored twice against Feyenoord in the Champions League before being substituted around the hour in both games. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He also played for the Italian club on Sunday in a 2-0 win against Atalanta in Serie A.The French staff did not specify whether he would be replaced. France play Croatia in Split on Thursday with the second leg at home on Sunday.

Bergamo, Italy - March 16: Marcus Thuram of Fc Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta and FC Internazionale at Gewiss Stadium on March 16, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy.

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Inter's Thuram drops out of France squad with ankle injury

The Barcelona game against Osasuna postponed after a club doctor died unexpectedly before kick-of...

The Barcelona game against Osasuna postponed after a club doctor died unexpectedly before kick-off on March 8 has been rescheduled for March 27, the Spanish Football Association said on Monday, although the Catalan club is reportedly unhappy with the decision.The club said at the time that Carles Minarro, the first-team doctor, "unexpectedly passed away" shortly before the home game against Osasuna.According to local media, Barcelona are considering an appeal against the Thursday date which immediately follows the international break.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>They are reportedly arguing that some of their players, such as Brazilian Raphinha and Uruguayan Ronald Araujo, are due to play with their national teams in South America two days earlier and will not have time to return to Barcelona.Osasuna have a game at Athletic Bilbao scheduled for the next night.Barcelona are top of La Liga, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference and with a game in hand.

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Report: Barcelona unhappy with new date for Osasuna match

Paris Saint-Germain completed a fine week by beating bitter rivals Marseille 3-1 on Sunday to tak...

Paris Saint-Germain completed a fine week by beating bitter rivals Marseille 3-1 on Sunday to take a big step towards another Ligue 1 title.PSG followed their Champions League victory over Liverpool on Tuesday by getting the better of Marseille at the Parc des Princes in a meeting of the top two sides in Ligue 1.Ousmane Dembele continued his prolific recent form by scoring the opener and Nuno Mendes made it 2-0 for PSG before half-time, with Pol Lirola's own goal securing victory in the second half after Amine Gouiri had pulled one back.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Luis Enrique's side are still unbeaten after 26 games in Ligue 1 this season and now lead Marseille by a mammoth 19 points at the top with just eight matches to play.It means PSG could be crowned champions for the 11th time in 13 seasons during the next round of games on the last weekend in March.If Marseille lose at Reims and Monaco draw with Nice on Saturday, March 29, Paris would be able to wrap up the title with a win at Saint-Etienne the same day. Luis Enrique made just three changes to his starting line-up following the Liverpool game, which his side won on penalties to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.There was no question of dropping Dembele, though, and he opened the scoring on 17 minutes, latching onto a Fabian Ruiz pass and going round Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli before changing direction and finishing emphatically into an exposed net.It was a 21st Ligue 1 goal this season for the division's leading marksman, and a 30th in all competitions. Dembele has scored 25 goals in 20 appearances since mid-December.Ruiz also set up PSG's second just before the interval as the Marseille defence switched off, allowing the Spaniard to make a run in behind before teeing up Mendes to score via a touch off Rulli.Marseille were staring at a third defeat in their last four games as well as a seventh successive league loss to PSG.Gouiri reduced the deficit soon after the restart as Adrien Rabiot latched onto a poor backpass by Mendes and went around home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before setting up the striker.However, Dembele struck the post for PSG and the third goal arrived when substitute Lirola turned Achraf Hakimi's low cross into his own net.Marseille are just two points ahead of both third-placed Monaco and Nice in fourth, while Lyon are a further two points back in fifth after beating Le Havre 4-2.

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 16: Nuno Mendes of Paris Saint Germain (C) celebrating his goal with his teammates during the France Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Olympique de Marseille at Parc des Princes on March 16, 2025 in Paris, France.

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Unbeaten PSG closing in on another title after beating rivals Marseille

Barcelona battled back from two goals down to beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 and land an important blow...

Barcelona battled back from two goals down to beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 and land an important blow in the Spanish title race on Sunday.Lamine Yamal struck in the 92nd minute and Ferran Torres in the 98th to help take the Catalans back top of the table after Real Madrid beat Villarreal on Saturday to briefly claim pole position.Barcelona have a game in hand on the champions with both sides level on 60 points, while Atletico trail the top two by four after they crumbled at home against Hansi Flick's side to end a disastrous week following their Champions League elimination.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"How we play, the confidence we have, it's really good to see," said Flick, whose team is fighting for a potential treble."We will try everything to win trophies, the match today gives us more confidence."Having twice been caught out late by Atletico this season, this time it was Barcelona's turn to provide the sting in the tail, extending their unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions.Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth put Atletico ahead before Robert Lewandowski and Torres hit back for Barca, who went on to win in stoppage time."I think that after the anger, the feeling of impotence, not being comfortable in the game, we put our best foot forward and gave the best that we have," Yamal told DAZN."It was a very important game to win in the end, beating Atletico was a statement win, we put ourselves back as leaders having played a game fewer and we're very happy."Flick selected Marc Casado in midfield, with Frenkie de Jong not fit enough to be included in the matchday squad.The German had warned his players to stay focussed after they conceded a 96th minute goal in December to surrender the lead at the top of the table to Atletico in a 2-1 home defeat.Barcelona also conceded two late goals in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg to draw 4-4 against Diego Simeone's side in February.They played within themselves in the first half, overly cautious and conserving energy, failing to create many openings.Teenage winger Yamal created one for himself but fired wide with Jan Oblak's goal gaping, while Lewandowski directed a header at the Slovenian stopper.At the other end Atletico wanted a penalty when Inigo Martinez pulled back Marcos Llorente in the area but they were not given it.Barcelona's best chance of the first half came when Pedri played in Lewandowski, who hit the top of the crossbar with a powerful drive. From the resulting goal kick, Atletico found the opener.The hosts worked the ball to Griezmann, who threaded a brilliant pass across the area to Giuliano Simeone, with Alvarez finishing from his cut-back.It provided a moment of joy for the former Manchester City striker who felt deep frustration in midweek when his penalty against Real Madrid was controversially disallowed for a supposed double touch on the ball, as Atletico were eliminated in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.<h3>Barca fight back</h3>Yamal probed after the break as Barca looked for a way back in and Simeone turned to his bench to freshen up his side, who played 120 draining minutes against Los Blancos.The coach introduced Sorloth and Conor Gallagher and they combined for Atletico's second goal.Atletico put together another fine team move with Griezmann heavily involved, before Gallagher squared to perennial super-sub Sorloth to net his 11th league goal of the season, despite just nine starts.Barcelona had complaints about a Rodrigo De Paul handball in the build-up dismissed and they turned their anger into an instant response.Martinez drove forward with the ball and slung it into the box for Lewandowski, who controlled well and powered a low finish past Oblak to spark the comeback.Substitute Torres netted the equaliser when Raphinha, on an othewise quiet night in the capital for the Brazilian, crossed from the right.With Atletico shaken, Barcelona took full advantage, with Yamal's deflected shot from distance sending them ahead in stoppage time.Torres bagged his second late on to round off a win which could prove decisive come the end of the season."We have to congratulate our opponent, they had a good game and in the end were very effective with their chances," said Simeone."They had that bit of luck which you have to have, in the deflection for Yamal's goal for 3-2."

Lamine Yamal right winger of Barcelona and Spain celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the La Liga match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Barca mount stunning late comeback to beat Atletico in thriller

Inter Milan moved three points clear at the top of Serie A on Sunday after winning a big title cl...

Inter Milan moved three points clear at the top of Serie A on Sunday after winning a big title clash at Atalanta 2-0.Carlos Augusto and Lautaro Martinez scored the goals which ensured Inter took a big step towards retaining the league title in a tetchy match which ended with both teams down to 10 men and Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini sent to the stands.Simone Inzaghi's Inter have pulled further clear of closest rivals Napoli who could only manage a goalless draw at lowly Venezia in the day's early kick-off.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>And Atalanta's dream of winning their first ever Scudetto is fading as Gasperini's side stay third and now trail Inter by six points with nine matches remaining.Atalanta haven't won at home in Serie A since before Christmas, failing to score in three league fixtures in Bergamo, and Inter were deserved winners thanks to a performance which highlighted why they are widely considered Italy's best team.Inter could have been ahead as early as the seventh minute when Marcus Thuram sprang the offside trap before rolling in a low finish which hit the inside of the post and somehow squirmed away from the Atalanta goal.Carlos Augusto took advantage of distracted Atalanta defending immediately after a five-minute pause in the match for a fan who needed medical assistance.The Brazilian headed home Hakan Calhanoglu's corner eight minutes after half-time to give Inter the lead and the champions never looked back from that point.Inter's cause was helped by Ederson being booked twice within a matter of seconds for dissent and leaving Atalanta a man down from the 81st minute.Martinez rammed home his 18th goal of the season six minutes later and soon after a livid Gasperini, who was still raging at Ederson's sending-off, was dismissed by referee Davide Massa.That wasn't the end of the action however as with 11 minutes of added time due to the fan previously needing help in the stands, Alessandro Bastoni was punished for a series of fouls with the match's third red card.

BERGAMO, ITALY - MARCH 16: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring the goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta and FC Internazionale at Gewiss Stadium on March 16, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy.

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Inter beat Atalanta to keep Serie A title defense on track

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