Valencia Looking to Bolster Squad with Permanent Acquisition of Geoffrey Kondogbia

​Valencia have met with Geoffrey Kondogbia’s agent as the Spanish club look to strengthen their squad for next season and turn his loan move into a permanent one.

According to CalcioMercato, Kondogbia’s agent Evans Kondogbia (his brother), was in the stands during Valencia’s recent game against Eibar. 

It’s understood that he was there to hold talks with the club over Geoffrey’s long term future at the Mestalla. The initial deal between Inter and Valencia was a loan with an option at the end of the season to make it a permanent move and Valencia are keen to exercise it.

Kondogbia has been crucial for Valencia

Since joining Valencia on loan from Inter Milan, Kondogbia has appeared 29 times and contributed four goals, one of which came on his debut away at Real Madrid. He also added four assists from midfield, enough to convince Valencia that they should sign him on a permanent basis.

The club have enjoyed a surprisingly impressive season, with Kondogbia playing a crucial part in the team’s push for a Champions League spot which they’ve all but clinched with three games left of their La Liga season.

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Kondogbia will be looking to replicate this season’s form next year and prove Inter that they were wrong to let him go. He’ll also get the chance to show his quality on the biggest stage as Valencia prepare for their return to Champions League football.

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Roberto Mancini Close to Agreeing Italy Deal as Azzurri Make Plans for Recovery

​Roberto Mancini has reportedly agreed a two-year deal to become the new Italy manager as the IFF prepare to appoint a permanent boss for the first time since their failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Gian Piero Ventura was sacked last November after Italy lost a play-off tie against Sweden, a result which meant that the 2018 World Cup will be the first since 1958 not to feature the Azzurri.

Italy under-21 manager Luigi Di Biagio took charge of the side for their two friendly matches last month, including a 1-1 draw against England at Wembley, but he is not believed to be a contender for the permanent role.

Corriere Dello Sport (via ​the Sun) claims that Mancini met with Italian chief Alessandro Costacurta to agree a contract which will see the former ​Manchester City boss take charge before Italy’s friendly against Saudi Arabia on 28th May.

It is believed that Carlo Ancelotti was the IFF’s first choice to take over, but he turned down the offer as he wishes to remain in club management.

Speaking to RAI state radio on Monday night, Mancini denied that there had been any negotiations with the IFF, but implied that he would be tempted if an offer of employment were made.

(You may also be interested in ​Mario Balotelli Claims He Deserves Italy Recall and Explains Why He Is More ‘Mature’ Now)

“There has not been contact with the [Italian football] federation but, for a coach, the Italian national team would be a source of honour and prestige,” said Mancini.

Mancini is currently the manager of Russian club Zenit St Petersburg, where he took charge last summer. However, with Zenit currently sitting 4th and in danger of missing out on the Champions League, he may be wise to jump ship now before he is pushed.

As a player he featured 36 times for Italy at senior level, scoring four times.

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Inter Charged Following Racist Chanting From Fans Towards Blaise Matuidi During Juventus Defeat

​Inter Milan have been charged for their supporters making racist chants at Juventus’ Blaise Matuidi during their ​3-2 defeat on Saturday evening.

After going a goal behind early on thanks to Douglas Costa, Mauro Icardi equalised for the home side early in the second half before Andrea Barzagli but the ball into his own net to give Inter the lead. Just when it looked as though Inter had done enough to win, an own goal in the 87th minute from Milan Skriniar and an 89th minute Gonzalo Higuain gave Juve all three points.

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Unfortunately, whilst it was a thoroughly entertaining game to watch, the match was overshadowed by events in the stands involving the home fans. As reported by ​Football Italia, Inter have been charged by the Lega Serie A after it was alleged that fans were chanting racial slurs aimed at the Frenchman Matuidi, and a full investigation has now been opened. 

This isn’t the only racial incident involving Serie A this season with Fiorentina having been sanctioned earlier this week, receiving a €10k fine after voicing anti-Neapolitan chants during their win over Napoli on Sunday.

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Inter will be hoping if sanctioned that their punishment won’t be too severe as they continue their bid for Champions League football next season. They currently sit in fifth place and are just one point behind both Roma and Lazio who currently occupy third and fourth place.

They will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they travel to Udinese on Saturday as they look to strengthen their bid to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2012.


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Inter Defender Davide Santon Receives Death Threats Following Derby D’Italia Defeat

Inter defender ​Davide Santon has been subjected to numerous death threats following his disappointing cameo in the dying minutes of the Derby D’Italia on Saturday. 

The 27-year-old was brought on for Inter with the 10-man Nerazzurri leading Juventus 2-1 with under 10 minutes remaining, however instead of seeing the game out, Inter capitulated in the dying minutes of the game, seeing ​the Bianconeri grab two late goals in order to run out 3-2 winners.

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Following Inter’s dramaric collapse, fingers have been pointed at Santon – whose defending has been blamed for the two late goals – prompting a contingent of so called fans bombarding the defender and his partner with death threats, as reported by ​Football Italia.

Now, Santon’s partner has admitted she is “scared in her own home” after both her and Santon’s social media accounts were bombarded with violet messages and ill-wishes.

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Taking to Instagram in an attempt to quell the aggressive behaviour, she wrote: “Football is a sport of passion. I understand and appreciate that.

“But for the first time in my life I am scared in my own home alone with my baby… When I’m told to lock my doors and I have to worry how my partner will get home tonight. It’s not okay. NO ONE is more devastated about the result tonight than Davide.”

The defeat against Juventus on Saturday saw Inter fall behind in the race for the top four, while the Bianconeri tightened their grip on the Serie A titles, with Napoli suffering a huge blow to their title hopes as they fell to a 3-0 loss at the hands of Fiorentina.


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Midfielder Marcelo Brozovic Proud of Derby d’Italia Performance & Insists Inter ‘Didn’t Lose’

Internazionale midfielder Marcelo Brozovic has insisted the club ‘didn’t lose’ to Juventus, and put the result down to things out of their control.

​Inter were actually beaten 3-2 by the league leaders in controversial fashion, with Matias Vecino seeing red after just 17 minutes, and Juve star Miralem Pjanic avoiding a second yellow for a bookable offence.

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It was a damaging defeat for I Nerazzurri, who slipped to four points behind Roma in third, with Lazio to try and capitalise on Sunday.

Following the game, Inter did not send any players to speak to the waiting media as they  tried to process what had happened, but midfielder Brozovic took to Instagram to share his thoughts.

He said: “We gave our heart and soul. This Inter did not lose! The result was down to things that have nothing to do with our performance on the field! Always Forza Inter.”

Interestingly, he added an image of the pre-match choreography in the Curva Nord which shows Juventus as Pinocchio lying about having 35 Scudettos. It also declared that the club had never been in Serie B.


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Inter have some work to do now if they are to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Next weekend they face Udinese, and Sassuolo the weekend after that, before finishing up against Lazio which could prove to be a crucial game for both sides.

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3 Things We Learned From Juventus’ Dramatic Late Win Over Inter at the San Siro on Saturday

Juventus stunned Inter Milan in Saturday’s Serie A clash at the San Siro, overturning a 2-1 deficit with two quick late goals to keep them in pole position for a seventh straight Scudetto.

However, Gonzalo Higuaín’s winner merely papered over the cracks of what had been a distinctly subpar performance by the reigning champions, who conceded twice after Inter had been reduced to ten men.

Meanwhile, the home side had good reason to feel hard done by, as their second half performance arguably merited at least a point against a jaded Juve side.

Here are three things we learned from a bad-tempered, error-strewn and thoroughly absorbing Derby d’Italia.

1. Italian Defending Is No Longer As Watertight As It Once Was

Seeing as Saturday’s clash pitted two of Serie A’s meanest defences against each other, that doesn’t say much for the standard of defending in Serie A.

First of all, Douglas Costa was given the freedom of the Inter penalty area to fire Juve into the lead, from a Juan Cuadrado cross which should have been meat and drink for the Inter back four.

The other four goals were just as woeful from a defensive point of view – two free headers from free kicks and two own goals, although admittedly the own goals were also unfortunate.

Still, these defensive errors did make for a highly entertaining match – though this is unlikely to be much consolation for Luciano Spalletti, whose Nerazzurri now face an uphill struggle to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

2. Massimiliano Allegri Is a Highly Courageous Manager – As Well As Being a Lucky One

Not many managers would have had the nerve to replace their entire back four and drop one of their attacking stars before a make-or-break match like Saturday evening’s clash at the San Siro.

Yet that’s exactly what Juve boss Allegri did.

One of his most eyebrow-raising decisions was to play Juan Cuadrado in the right wing-back role, but it just about paid off, as the Colombian contributed to three goals on the night – two of which were for his own side.

The Juve manager’s decision to bring on Paulo Dybala – whom he had dropped after a disappointing display against Napoli – also reaped dividends, as it was Dybala’s free kick that set up Higuaín’s late headed winner.

Nevertheless, the final scoreline was highly flattering to Allegri’s side, who owed their victory to a large slice of luck.

On this occasion, fortune definitely favoured the brave.

3. Juve Have One of the Most Important Qualities of All True Champions

OK, it’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s also undeniably true – great champions always find a way to win when they need to, even when they’re not playing well.

To say Juventus didn’t play well in the second half of Saturday’s game would be an understatement. For the first twenty minutes after the break, they were awful. They seemed to be unpleasantly surprised that their bitter rivals wouldn’t just capitulate and let them hold onto their 1-0 first-half lead.

Inter fully deserved their two second-half goals – and they even came agonisingly close to adding a third through Mauro Icardi, who couldn’t quite reach Antonio Candreva’s teasing low cross.

Yet just when it looked as though Juve were going to hand Napoli the advantage in the race for the Scudetto, the reigning champions somehow dug themselves out of a hole of their own making with two rapid-fire goals.

Anyone can win when they play well. It takes a very special side to win after playing as poorly as Juventus did for long periods on Saturday.

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Inter’s Luciano Spalletti Blasts ‘Unbalanced’ Refereeing in His Side’s Harsh Defeat by Juventus

​Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti has expressed his frustration with what he considered ‘unbalanced’ refereeing in his side’s ​3-2 defeat to Juventus at the San Siro in Serie A on Saturday.

Despite being reduced to ten men after the controversial dismissal of Matías Vecino, Inter overturned a 1-0 first-half deficit to lead 2-1 – only for Juve to strike twice in the dying minutes of the match.

Speaking to Mediaset Premium and quoted by ​Football Italia, Spalletti said of the referee’s performance: “It’s difficult for me to evaluate… I don’t think there was a completely balanced treatment of situations.”

As well as Vecino’s sending off, Spalletti was presumably also referring to the decision not to dismiss Miralem Pjanic when the Juventus player appeared to make contact with Rafinha’s face.

Spalletti was adamant that exhaustion had been the main reason for his side’s late collapse, explaining: “We above all lost it because we used up a lot of energy by playing down to 10 men. At the end, that equaliser for 2-2 was so chaotic and unlucky. The team deserved a more fortunate outcome, quite frankly.”

The Inter manager also acknowledged that it would be difficult for his players to recover from the psychological and emotional impact of Saturday’s result. He said:

“Clearly, we need to shake off the bitterness of this defeat, because the team didn’t deserve it. The question then is why does this have to be forced upon us? That’s the difference.

“It’s difficult to make them accept it,” continued Spalletti, “because the problem is that you must give the players the credit they deserve. This is the game that means a lot for us, for the fans, for everyone.”

Then he added: “It’ll take more than one sleepless night to shake that off.”

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Inter will definitely need to bounce back quickly if they are to keep alive their hopes of a top-four finish, as they are currently one point behind 4th-placed Lazio, who also have a game in hand.

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Inter 2-3 Juventus: Serie A Leaders Ride Their Luck in San Siro Thriller

Juventus remain on course for a seventh successive Scudetto, after plundering two late goals against an Inter side who played most of the match with ten men.

Douglas Costa’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Mauro Icardi’s header and an own goal, but Inter conceded a late own goal and a Gonzalo Higuain winner in a marvellously entertaining and typically fractious Derby d’Italia – though the match only really caught fire in the second half.

After last weekend’s ​dismal home defeat against Napoli, Juve urgently needed a win over their bitter Milanese rivals to deny the Neapolitan side the chance to leapfrog them against Fiorentina on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Luciano Spalletti’s side were hoping for a win to keep their hopes of Champions League qualification alive. They would have been encouraged by back-to-back victories in their two previous Serie A matches, leaving them just one point behind 4th-placed Lazio.

Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri made no fewer than five changes to the side who played so poorly against Napoli, changing his entire back four and relegating Paulo Dybala to the bench. Only one of those defensive changes was enforced, as Giorgio Chiellini had not fully recovered from an injury.

Neither side made an ideal start, with Inter’s Antonio Candreva giving away a needless corner, while Juve’s Juan Cuadrado – a surprise choice at right wing-back – was booked for a rash challenge on Ivan Perisic.

Those were the only incidents of note in a cagey opening period, as the significance of the match seemed to inhibit both sides’ creativity and attacking instincts.

Then, in the 13th minute, Juve’s Douglas Costa capitalised on some criminally lax defending by the home side, emphatically drilling home a fine shot from Cuadrado’s high, floated cross which really ought to have been cleared. Once the referee had consulted the VAR to ensure there were no infringements in the buildup, the goal was given.

Things went from bad to worse for Inter, as they went down to ten men in the 18th minute – again, after the VAR had confirmed that Matias Vecino’s hideous challenge on Mario Mandzukic was worthy of a red card. The only small mercy for the hapless Nerazzurri was that the resulting free kick came to nothing.

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From that point on, the Bianconeri looked comfortable for most of the first half, though Candreva tested Gianluigi Buffon with a searing long-range drive in the 29th minute,

The atmosphere was considerably more electric than the football, and at times a second red card looked likelier than a second goal, such as when Mandzukic and Candreva angrily clashed in the 38th minute after the Italian had clipped the Croatian.

Just as half time approached, Inter had a reprieve, as Blaise Matuidi was rightly deemed by the VAR to be offside after finding the net from close range. A second Juve goal would surely have killed off the home side, who offered little threat going forward and looked uncharacteristically brittle in defence on several occasions.

Something had to change for Inter at half time – and it did. And how.

Juventus started the second half in extremely lethargic fashion, and Inter were level in the 52nd minute. The away side’s defending left a lot to be desired, as Mauro Icardi was left unmarked to head past Buffon from a free kick which Mandzukic had needlessly conceded.

Juve offered little in reply, until Gonzalo Higuain missed a golden opportunity to equalise in the 63rd minute, firing wide after rounding Inter keeper Samir Handanovic.

Before then, the away side were fortunate not to earn a red card of their own, as Miralem Pjanic appeared to make contact with Rafinha’s face. In any case, they deservedly went behind in the 65th minute.

Cuadrado was at fault, being too easily bamboozled by Perisic, who drove in a low cross which the unfortunate Andrea Barzagli could only turn into his own net.

Juve did their utmost to turn the tide, and Handanovic had to make a smart low save against Costa and a brilliant stop from substitute Paulo Dybala’s fine free kick. However, Inter could have killed off the game in the 76th minute, when Icardi narrowly failed to convert the tireless Candreva’s excellent low cross after Juve had been caught on the break.

Then, just as Inter seemed to be cruising to victory, Juventus delivered a stunning late ‘smash and grab’ raid.

First, Cuadrado fired a cross-cum-shot across goal which was cruelly deflected into his own net by Milan Skriniar in the 87th minute.

Then, with the home side still reeling, Higuain headed home Dybala’s free kick to earn Juve a win that their second-half performance didn’t deserve.

​​Juventus will now hope that Napoli slip up away to Fiorentina on Sunday to leave them in pole position in Serie A, while Inter will hope that Torino can do them a favour against Lazio to keep their top-four hopes alive.

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Roma Face Fight to Keep Midfield Ace As Juventus & Inter Consider Making Summer Offers

​Roma could face a massive task in holding onto Lorenzo Pellegrini after Juventus and Inter were linked with swoops for the midfield star.

Italian news outlet ​Calciomercato has alleged that I Giallorossi’s Serie A title rivals want to prise Pellegrini away from Stadio Olimpico this summer, and may find themselves having to do their upmost to retain his services.

Both Juve and Inter want to bolster their midfield ranks ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and see the 21-year-old as the perfect man to bring in to restructure the middle of the park for their teams.

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But Roma, who are likely to miss out on a Champions League final appearance due to the 5-2 first leg semi final defeat to Liverpool, will want to stave off any and all bids for Pellegrini – especially from those who play in the same division as them.

Pellegrini has starred for Eusebio di Francesco’s side this term, with three goals and five assists chalked up for the Italian club in his second spell in Rome.

It is the manner of his overall performances that have piqued the interest of many teams across Europe though, and the Italy international has plenty of admirers outside of his homeland too.

(You may also be interested in ​Man Utd Face Serious Competition for Lazio Star As Juventus ‘Open Talks’ With Midfielder’s Camp)

Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with keeping tabs on Pellegrini’s progress, but it is Roma’s fellow Italians who may be best placed to land his signature this summer.

Pellegrini has a reported 25m euro release clause fee in his contract with Roma and they would be powerless to prevent him talking to any would-be suitor if that figure was matched.


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Roma have tried to convince the ex-Sassuolo man to enter discussions over a new deal, however, and the re-negotiation of that buyout clause would likely be high on their list of demands to finally rid themselves of the ongoing speculation concerning their star man’s future.

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Picking a Combined XI of Inter & Juventus Players Ahead of Saturday’s Serie A Clash

With the Derby d’Italia fast approaching, there remains so much at stake for both Inter and Juventus, as the current title holders travel to Milan for a game of paramount importance.

Juventus have allowed their grasp on the Scudetto to slip somewhat, failing to win either of their most recent two games, seeing Napoli put themselves back in contention to become to first team besides Juventus to win the Italian league since 2011.

Inter, on the other hand, still sit just one point outside the top four, with Lazio and Roma currently occupying the hotly contested Champions League qualification spots.

Ahead of one of the most highly anticipated Serie A fixtures of the season; here’s a combined XI of players from both Inter and Juventus.

1. GK: Gianluigi Buffon

What more can be said about Gianlugi Buffon that hasn’t already been said? The Italy and Juventus veteran has had an extraordinary career, seeing him earn himself as being one of the world’s finest shot stoppers, as well as being one of the most likeable guys in the game.

His goalkeeping ability is second to none in Italy, even at the jaw-dropping age of 40 years old. To have stayed at the top for so long, Buffon truly is a special player.

2. LB: Alex Sandro

An immensely talented full back, Alex Sandro has the great misfortune of competing with Marcelo, Filipe Luis and Alex Telles for his place in the Brazil national team. 

As such, his prolonged absence from international football has very little bearing on his actual footballing ability, with Sandro being one of Europe’s most talented left backs.

3. CB: Giorgio Chiellini

Arguably the finest central defender in world football, Giorigo Chiellini has been Juventus’ defensive general for over a decade now, with the Italian sticking with the Old Lady through thick and thin, and subsequently helping them back to the top.

A consistent performer, Chiellini will be a notable absentee from Saturday’s match against Inter and will likely be sorely missed by Massimiliano Allegri’s men

4. CB: Milan Skriniar

2017/18 has been a breakout season for Inter’s Slovakian defender Milan Skriniar. The 23-year-old defender has been a revelation at the heart of a stoic Inter defence, playing next to Miranda, attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. 

A strong tackler and overall intelligent defender, Skriniar has been one of the players of the season for Inter, and I Nerazzurri would do well to hold onto the talented youngster going into the 2018/19 campaign.

5. RB: Stephan Lichtsteiner

A surprisingly consistent starter for Juventus this season, Stephan Lichtsteiner has proved he is still more than capable of performing at the highest level. 

Currently filling in for the injured Mattia Di Sciglio, the Swiss right back has proven he is still a reliable option at right back while also being versatile enough to be utilised further up the field.

6. CDM: Blaise Matuidi

Blaise Matuidi’s importance to Juventus cannot be understated this season. The Frenchman has been the Old Lady’s utility man, adapting his game to suit every occasion, often taking the game by the scruff of the neck and propelling Juventus to victory.

An incredibly influential figure in the centre of the field, the 31-year-old midfielder has been paramount to Juventus’ incredible defence.

7. CM: Miralem Pjanic

Miralem Pjanic seems to be one of Juventus’ unsung heroes. The Bosnian midfielder has such  positive impact on the Bianconeri’s performances when he plays with his abundant talent. In fact, when he plays Juventus average 2.7 points per game, compared to 1.8 points per game when he doesn’t play.

The 28-year-old midfielder is a great all-round performer, with excellent passing ability and having a knack for striking shots from distance, Pjanic is a complete player.

8. CM: Rafinha

One of Inter’s shining stars since joining I Nerazzurri from Barcelona in January, Rafinha has been an important attacking influence for Luciano Spalletti’s men. Plying his trade in behind Mauro Icardi, his industrious performances have been greatly influential in Inter’s push for Champions League qualification.

9. CAM: Paulo Dybala

Arguable Argentina’s next talisman, Paulo Dybala has grown into one of the finest players in his position in world football since joining Juventus from Palermo. The 24-year-old has had an outstanding season under Massimiliano Allegri this season, seeing him notch 21 league goals, becoming Juventus’ leading goal scorer in the league.

10. ST: Mauro Icardi

One of the best strikers in the league, Inter captain Mauro Icardi has been I Nerazzurri’s standout performer on numerous occasions this season, scoring 26 league goals, seeing him ranked second in the race for the Serie A golden boot, behind only Lazio’s Ciro Immobile.

Although Inter’s attack can often be found somewhat lacking, the Argentinian striker usually more than makes up for that when he plays, with a natural goal scoring ability helping inspire Inter to victory.

11. ST: Gonzalo Higuain

The third of an Argentinian attacking troika, Gonzalo Higuain rounds out the 11. Although the 30-year-old striker hasn’t been at his brilliant best this season, he has still managed to notch 22 goals across all competitions. 

The prolific former-Napoli man has been a consistent source of goals throughout the entirety of his time with Juventus and it could be his goal scoring exploits that see his former club miss out on their first Serie A title since 1990. 

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