Good morning, my friends! Here are the front pages from the Italian newspapers La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, and Tutto Sport, Monday 30 August 2021.
La Gazzetta dello Sport, Front Page, Monday 30 August 2021.
Front Page La Gazzetta dello Sport, Monday 30 August
👉Giroud boom: Even Pioli in command
Great Milan
👉The South Center keeps the pace
Spalletti and Mou are serious
Napoli, Petagna enters and decides
Roma, Pellegrini and Abraham show
Italy Head Coach Roberto Mancini called up 34 players to prepare for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Italy with an added boost after winning the UEFA Euro 2020. The objective now is to secure the qualification for Qatar 2022 and extend their run of 34 unbeaten matches, with the current world record held by Spain only 90 minutes away (35 unbeaten games between 2007 and 2009).
As reported by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), The Italian team will meet on Sunday 29 August in Coverciano. The first training is scheduled on Monday 30 August preceded by a press conference from the Head Coach. After the match with Lithuania, the Azzurri will leave for Basel on 4 September, the eve of the match against Switzerland. On 6 September they will make their last transfer from Basel to Reggio Emilia, where the third and final match with Lithuania is scheduled for 8 September at the ‘Citta del Tricolore’ stadium.
Mancini, for the first three matches of the new season called up 34 players including 25 of the 26 Azzurri who became European Champions on 11 July at Wembley Stadium are present. The only absentee is Spinazzola for injury, while Nicolò Zaniolo returns to wear the national team jersey one year after his injury picked up last September during the Nations League match against the Netherlands. Among the news is the first call-up to the senior National Team to Sassuolo forward Gianluca Scamacca.
🇮🇹 👉 Italian Squad List
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint Germain), Pierluigi Gollini (Tottenham), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Genoa); Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Cristiano Biraghi (Fiorentina), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson Palmieri (Lione), Alessandro Florenzi (AC Milan), Manuel Lazzari (Lazio), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta); Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Gaetano Castrovilli (Fiorentina), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Frello Jorge Luiz Jorginho (Chelsea), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Matteo Pessina (Atalanta), Stefano Sensi (Inter), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain), Nicolò Zaniolo (Roma); Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Moise Kean (Everton), Giacomo Raspadori (Sassuolo), Gianluca Scamacca (Sassuolo).
Thanks to the wins in the opening three matches played in March, the Azzurri are top of Group C, three points clear of Switzerland who are in second place but have played a game fewer. Indeed, the match with the Swiss (Basel, “St. Jacobs Park” Stadium, 5 September at 8.45 pm) is the one that could well decide the fate of the group, in a round of fixtures that also includes two other matches not to be underestimated: Those against Bulgaria (Florence, Stadio Artemio Franchi, 2 September at 20:45 CEST) and with Lithuania (Reggio Emilia, Stadio del Tricolore, 8 September at 20:45 CEST). For Italy, who then play in the Nations League Final Four in October in what will be a European Championship semi-final replay with Spain, and Belgium taking on France on the other side of the draw, the journey towards Qatar 2022 will end in November, with the return match against Switzerland taking place at the Olimpico in Rome (on the 12th) and a final trip to Belfast to face Northern Ireland (on the 15th).
🇮🇹 👉 Backgroud for the games against Bulgaria, Switzerland, and Lithuania
✅ ITALY vs. BULGARIA. In the previous 20 encounters, Italy boast eleven wins (the most recent being a 2-0 win in Sofia in the return match), seven draws (the most recent a 2-2 draw in Sofia on 28 March 2015) and two defeats (the most recent a 2-1 loss in a friendly on 25/09/91). The most significant clash was dated July 13 1994, at the World Cup in the United States: Italy won 2-1 in the semi-finals with a brace from Roberto Baggio; the biggest victory was in 1966: 6-1 in Bologna. The top Azzurri goalscorer from the matches against Bulgaria is Roberto Baggio (four goals, two braces). Two important milestones for Azzurri goalkeepers came against Bulgaria: Zoff made his debut in ’68 in Naples, and Buffon celebrated 150 matches with the National Team in 2015.
✅ SWITZERLAND vs. ITALY. Switzerland are the opponents that the Azzurri have faced off against more time than anyone else in their history: 59 matches between 1911 and 2021, with the record clearly in Italy’s favour, with 29 wins and 22 draws and only eight defeats. In the detailed comparison of all competitions, Italy are however at a disadvantage in the most important tournament, the World Cup: three games, with two Swiss victories in 1954 and an Italian victory in 1962; Switzerland are also ahead of us in the Olympics (2-1 in Paris 1924). Italy are ahead in other tournaments: 1/0/0 in European Championships, 1/1/0 in World Cup Qualifiers, 3/4/1 in European Championship Qualifiers, 8/4/0 in the European International Cup of Nations, 15/13/4 in friendlies. Italy haven’t lost to Switzerland for 28 years. The most recent meeting was the 3-0 win at Stadio Olimpico in Rome in the group stage of the European Championship.
✅ ITALY vs. LITHUANIA. The balance clearly favours the Azzurri once again with Lithuania: Five wins and two draws. The first success was in April 1996: Zola’s goal in Vilnius, then two 4-0 wins, in Reggio Emilia in November 1995 (Del Piero and Zola’s hat-trick) and in Trieste in March 2001 (braces from Inzaghi and Del Piero). Then the success dated June 2007: 2-0 in Kaunas with a brace from Quagliarella. Two draws: 0-0 in the World Cup qualifiers in Kaunas on 1 September 2001, then 1-1 in the European Championship qualifiers on 2 September 2006 in Naples (Danilevicius’ goal is the only goal conceded by Italy in all six matches). The last encounter ended 0-2 in the first leg in Vilnius.
🇮🇹 👉 The Italian National Team Schedule (all times CEST)
Sunday 29 August 2021
Meeting around midnight at the Federation’s Technical Centre and carrying out of Covid tests. Monday 30 August 2021
13.45 –Head Coach’s press conference at Coverciano
17.30 – Training on the ‘Vittorio Pozzo’ pitch at Coverciano Tuesday 31 August 2021
13.45 – FIGC-LAPS Foundation press conference at Coverciano
14.00 – Player press conference at Coverciano
17.30 – Training on the ‘Vittorio Pozzo’ pitch at Coverciano Wednesday 1 September 2021
17.30 – Italy press conference at Coverciano
18.00 – Team training on the ‘Vittorio Pozzo’ pitch at Coverciano
19.30 – Bulgaria press conference at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence
20.00 – Bulgaria training at Stadio Artemio Franchi (open for first 15 minutes) Thursday 2 September 2021
20.45 – ITALY vs. Bulgaria (Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence). Media duties and return to Coverciano following the game. Friday 3 September 2021
11.30 – Training on the ‘Vittorio Pozzo’ pitch at Coverciano Saturday 4 September 2021
10.00 – Swiss press conference at St. Jacob Park in Basel
11.00 – Swiss training at the St. Jacob Park in Basel (open for first 15 minutes)
11.00 – Transfer Florence – Basel
17.30 – ITALY press conference at St. Jacob Park in Basel
18.00 – ITALY training at St. Jacob Park in Basel (open for first 15 minutes) Sunday 5 September 2021
20.45 – Switzerland vs. ITALY (St. Jacob Park). Media duties following the game Monday 6 September 2021
11.30 – Training at the C.S. Basel (closed)
18.00 – Transfer Basel – Reggio Emilia Tuesday 7 September 2021
16.45 – ITALY press conference at the ‘Città del Tricolore’ stadium
17.15 – ITALY training at the ‘Città del Tricolore’ stadium (open for first 15 minutes)
18.15 –Lithuania press conference at the ‘Città del Tricolore’ stadium
18.45 – Lithuania training at the ‘Città del Tricolore’ stadium (open for first 15 minutes) Wednesday 8 September 2021
20.45 – ITALY vs. Lithuania (‘Città del Tricolore’ stadium). Media duties after the match, then the return of players and staff to their respective clubs.
The big flop of the round is Juventus failing to win the Serie A Week 2 game against promoted Serie B team Empoli at the Allianz Stadium. It’s the new era without Cristiano Ronaldo who transferred to Manchester United. On the other hand, it is a memorable game for Empoli not only scoring an away Serie A goal against Juventus for the first time since January 2006 (Sergio Almirón), but also stopping a five-games run without a single goal on the road against Juventus. Surely, this is a golden victory for Empoli defeating Goliath at the Allianz. The fans at the end of the game with jeers and understandably disappointed. The hero is Leonardo Mancuso scoring the winner goal.
The most remarkable game of the round is absolutely the mega show Lazio 6 – 1 Spezia. Lazio win their second game defeating Spezia at the Olimpico di Roma Stadium. Highlight of the match is Lazio forward Ciro Immobile scoring his second hat-trick in the first half in Serie A; his first has been in January 2018 v SPAL. Spezia with an urgent wake up call to improve their performance in the upcoming games remaining with just 1 point. Lazio taking the first position with 6 points for a goal difference of +7 while Inter steps down to the 2nd position same points but a goal difference of +6.
Fiorentina win the Serie A Week 2 game defeating Torino on Saturday 28 August 2021 at the Artemio Franchi Stadium. Fiorentina with their first victory of the Season celebrating with the fans at the Franchi thanks to the goals by 41′ Nicolás González and 89′ Simone Verdi. A tough defeat for Torino remaining with 0 points. The honor goal for Torino scored by Simone Verdi in the 89th minute.
Atalanta vs Bologna failing to win the Serie A Week 2 game ending with a goalless draw at the Gewiss Stadium. Bologna played their 2500th Serie A match becoming the ninth team to cross this milestone in the competition. This draw means Atalanta and Bologna reaching 4 points each.
Hellas Verona failing to win the Serie A Week 2 defeated by Inter at the Marc’Antonio Bentegodi Stadium. Hellas Verona losing concentration to challenge Italy’s Champions Inter. Inter with a perfect start having won all 2 games for 6 points and a positive goal difference of +6. Hellas lost last week at the Bentegodi against Sassuolo (Hellas Verona 2 – 3 Sassuolo) while Inter crushed Genoa (Inter 4 – 0 Genoa.)
Udinese defeating Venezia at the Dacia Arena. Udinese reaching the mission and win the first home victory after last week 2-2 draw with Juventus. The last time Udinese faced Venezia was in 2002. Udinese and Venezia have played 6 games against each other, Udinese 2 wins, Venezia wins, and 2 draws. The chaos is for Venezia to find their way out because they have lost the first 2 games in the Serie A and are without points stepping down to the 20th position.
AC Milan playing the first home game of the 2021-22 Season at San Siro winning the Serie A Week 2 defeating Cagliari. A great start for AC Milan with a perfect score reaching 6 points while Cagliari remaining with 1 point. Mission accomplished, the last time AC Milan won two consecutive Serie A games was under Carlo Ancelotti in 2002/03 and 2003/04.
Salernitana failing to win their first game in the Serie A against AS Roma at the Arechi Stadium. Salernitana are without a point and the cry for help is out loud. For Roma, this victory is a boost to the morale to keep up the battle to remain among the top 3 teams. Motivation for AS Roma is high after qualifying to the UEFA Europa Conference League Group Stage. Highlight of the match Tammy Abraham scored his first goal for Roma and is the second English player to score for Roma in Serie A, after Chris Smalling scored three in 2019-20.
57% Ball Possession AC MILAN and 43% Ball Possession CAGLIARI AC Milan 4 – 1 Cagliari
12′ Sandro Tonali 15′ Alessandro Deiola
17′ Brahim Díaz
24′ Olivier Giroud
43′ Olivier Giroud (pen) Buy Serie A tickets for every Italian League football match
👉 Serie A Standing BEFORE the game:
AC Milan, 8th position with 3 points and a positive goal difference of +1
Cagliari, 9th position with 1 point and a goal difference of “0”
AC Milan playing the first home game of the 2021-22 Season at San Siro winning the Serie A Week 2 defeating Cagliari on Sunday 29 August 2021 at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy. A great start for AC Milan with a perfect score reaching 6 points while Cagliari remaining with 1 point. Mission accomplished, the last time AC Milan won two consecutive Serie A games was under Carlo Ancelotti in 2002/03 and 2003/04.
AC Milan must be optimistic considering that a victory will give full 3 points to collect a total of 6 points after winning Week 1 Sampdoria 0 – 1 AC Milan and be among the top 5 positions. For Cagliari, the panorama not that bad having collected 1 point last week, Cagliari 2 – 2 Spezia.
AC Milan opening the score in the 12th minute. It is Sandro Tonali to defeat Cagliari goalkeeper Radunović with a right footed free kick shot to the top left corner.
Calgiari equalizing immediately in the 15th minute for the 1-1. It is Alessandro Deiola to defeat AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan with a headed shot to the bottom right corner. The assist is by João Pedro.
Cagliari losing concentration and concede another goal in the 24th minute. This time it is Olivier Giroud to score with a left footed shot to the top left corner. The assist is by Brahim Díaz
A total nightmare for Cagliari. Referee Serra giving a penalty to AC Milan. In the 43rd minute, Olivier Giroud defeats goalkeeper Radunović converting the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner. The penalty is conceded by Kevin Strootman after a handball.
👉AC Milan 4 – 1 Cagliari, 43rd minute, goal by ⚽️ Olivier Giroud for @acmilan converting a penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner. The penalty is conceded by Kevin Strootman after a handball.https://t.co/SnAeR3SRJ3https://t.co/5ThtU4EmOi
Stats before the game between AC Milan vs Cagliari showing AC Milan with 43 wins, 27 draws, and Cagliari with only 8 wins. AC Milan and Cagliari will play their 40th game in San Siro with stats AC Milan 26 wins, 10 draws, and Cagliari with 3 wins.
✅ Here is AC MILAN official starting lineup by Coach Stefano Pioli:
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kjær, Tomori, Hernández; Tonali, Krunić; Saelemaekers, Díaz, Leão; Giroud.
✅ Here is CAGLIARI official starting lineup by Coach Semplici:
📺👉 Click the video to watch AC Milan – Cagliari highlights on Sunday 29 August 2021
✅ Referee Serra will be assisted by Rodolfo Di Vuolo from the section of Castellammare di Stabia and Andrea Zingarelli from the section of Siena. The fourth official will be Luca Massimi from the section of Termoli. The VAR will be Marco Guida from the section of Torre Annunziata and Alessandro Lo Cicero from the section of Brescia.
👉 Serie A Standing BEFORE the game:
AC Milan, 8th position with 3 points and a positive goal difference of +1
Cagliari, 9th position with 1 point and a goal difference of “0”
✅ Here are AC Milan vs Cagliari official starting lineups – formations for the Serie A Week 2 game on Sunday 29 August 2021 at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy at 20:45.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kjær, Tomori, Hernández; Tonali, Krunić; Saelemaekers, Díaz, Leão; Giroud.
Referee Serra will be assisted by Rodolfo Di Vuolo from the section of Castellammare di Stabia and Andrea Zingarelli from the section of Siena. The fourth official will be Luca Massimi from the section of Termoli. The VAR will be Marco Guida from the section of Torre Annunziata and Alessandro Lo Cicero from the section of Brescia.
By Anna Italia
