Football

Inter Milan maintained their grip on second place in Serie A with a dominant 3-0 victory over 10-man Empoli on Wednesday. The defending champions showcased their resilience and attacking prowess, while Atalanta climbed to third with a 2-0 win over Monza.Inter's triumph was fueled by a brace from Davide Frattesi, who scored in the 50th and 67th minutes. The first goal came from a deflection, while the second was a composed finish that put Simone Inzaghi's side in control. Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory in the 79th minute after a defensive blunder by Empoli.The match took a significant turn in the first half when Empoli's Saba Goglichidze was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Marcus Thuram. Inter capitalized on the numerical advantage, dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities.Inter captain Martinez expressed the team's satisfaction with the victory, especially after Napoli's win on Tuesday. "It was important to win after Napoli's victory," he said.Meanwhile, Atalanta continued their impressive form with a 2-0 win over Monza. Lazar Samardzic and Davide Zappacosta scored late goals to secure the victory for the Bergamo-based side. Atalanta now sit third in the standings, one point ahead of Juventus.Juventus, who were unbeaten in Serie A this season, suffered a setback with a 2-2 home draw against Parma. Enrico Del Prato gave Parma an early lead, and although Weston McKennie equalized, a second defensive lapse allowed Simon Sohm to restore Parma's advantage before halftime. Timothy Weah leveled the score for Juventus after the break, but the Bianconeri remain seven points behind leaders Napoli.In other matches, Udinese lost 3-2 to promoted Venezia, while Napoli maintained their four-point lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 win over AC Milan on Tuesday.

Arsenal's European adventure begins with a daunting challenge as they travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League. The Gunners, fresh off a victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, will be eager to make a winning start to their continental campaign.However, Atalanta, the reigning Europa League champions, will pose a formidable obstacle. Gian Piero Gasperini's side has bounced back from recent Serie A setbacks with a victory over Fiorentina, demonstrating their resilience and attacking prowess.Arsenal will be without captain Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Declan Rice, who is suspended. These absences will test the depth of Mikel Arteta's squad, particularly in midfield.Atalanta, on the other hand, will be buoyed by the return of key players such as Duvan Zapata and Ruslan Malinovskyi. The Italian side is known for its high-octane attacking style, which could pose problems for Arsenal's defense.The match will be played at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Friday, September 20, at 12:30 AM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports network and streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.Arsenal will be looking to make a statement in their first Champions League match under Arteta. A victory would boost their confidence and set the tone for the rest of the group stage. However, Atalanta will be determined to prove that they are not to be underestimated and will be eager to make a mark on the European stage.

Juventus and Atalanta kicked off their Serie A campaigns with emphatic victories, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical adaptability.Juventus, under the guidance of new manager Thiago Motta, cruised to a 3-0 triumph over promoted Como. Samuel Mbangula, Timothy Weah, and Andrea Cambiaso found the net for the Turin giants, who dominated the match from start to finish. Despite hitting the woodwork twice, Dusan Vlahovic was denied a goal due to an offside call.Motta's Juve displayed a more fluid and attacking style of play compared to their previous regime under Massimiliano Allegri. The team created numerous chances and controlled possession throughout the match.Meanwhile, Atalanta, despite facing transfer turmoil and injuries, made a resounding statement with a 4-0 thrashing of Lecce. New signings Marco Brescianini and Mateo Retegui made their mark, scoring two goals each. Brescianini opened the scoring with a rebound, while Retegui netted a bullet header and converted a penalty.Brescianini, a local product from Bergamo, expressed his delight at his impressive debut. Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries and transfer requests but remained optimistic about building a strong team.Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi hinted at the possibility of reconciliation with Teun Koopmeiners and Ademola Lookman, who have been linked with moves away from the club.Both Juventus and Atalanta have set the tone for their respective seasons with impressive performances. Juventus will look to continue their winning ways when they face Sampdoria next, while Atalanta will aim to maintain their momentum against Monza.

Real Madrid, the reigning UEFA Champions League holders, are poised to dominate the 2024-2025 season across all competitions. The Spanish giants will kick off their campaign with the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw, where they will face Serie A side Atalanta on Thursday.Real Madrid's acquisition of Kylian Mbappe has been the talk of the transfer window, and the French superstar is expected to make his debut in the Super Cup. The club has also strengthened its squad with the signings of Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland, making them the clear favorites for the upcoming season.The UEFA Super Cup is a curtain-raiser for the European season, pitting the Champions League winners against the Europa League winners. Real Madrid will be aiming to clinch their first silverware of the new campaign and extend their record as the most successful club in the competition's history.Last year's Super Cup was won by Manchester City, who defeated Sevilla on penalties. However, the Champions League holders have historically dominated the competition, with 28 wins out of 48 editions.Real Madrid will be making their ninth appearance in the Super Cup, equaling Barcelona's record. The match will be played at the National Stadium in Warsaw, which is the 12th venue to host the event.The Super Cup is a one-off match, with no extra time. If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it goes straight to a penalty shoot-out. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is the most successful coach in the tournament's history, having won it five times.

Gian Piero Gasperini, the 66-year-old grandmaster of Italian football, continues to defy expectations with his Atalanta side. Despite limited resources, Atalanta has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, winning the Europa League and reaching the Champions League quarterfinals.Gasperini's success stems from his unwavering belief in attacking football. His teams, often deployed in a fluid 3-4-3 formation, play with a high press, quick combinations, and a relentless pursuit of the ball. This attacking philosophy has earned Atalanta a reputation for entertaining and effective football.Atalanta's Europa League triumph was a testament to Gasperini's tactical acumen. In the final against Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta's slick passing and relentless pressing overwhelmed the German giants. Gasperini's ability to outwit younger managers like Xabi Alonso, who has led Leverkusen to Bundesliga success, highlights his enduring brilliance.Gasperini's success is not limited to the pitch. He has also transformed Atalanta off the field. Under his leadership, the club has renovated its stadium, invested in its academy, and established itself as a financial powerhouse. The club's success has brought a sense of pride and unity to the city of Bergamo.Gasperini's achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has been linked with several top clubs, including Napoli. However, he has remained loyal to Atalanta, a testament to his deep connection with the club and its fans.Gasperini's story is a reminder that success in football is not always about spending the most money. With a clear philosophy, innovative tactics, and a relentless work ethic, even a small club can achieve greatness.

Italy's provisional squad for Euro 2024 has been announced, with Gianluca Scamacca earning a spot after his impressive performances for Atalanta. The 25-year-old striker has been in scintillating form, scoring 11 goals and assisting four more since March, helping Atalanta secure a historic Europa League triumph.Scamacca's inclusion is a testament to his resurgence under coach Luciano Spalletti, who had previously criticized the striker for his off-field habits. However, Scamacca's recent performances have forced Spalletti to reconsider, as Italy seeks to address its long-standing issue of finding reliable strikers.Inconsistent Ciro Immobile, a key figure in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph, has been dropped from the squad. Scamacca is expected to lead the line alongside Juventus star Federico Chiesa, who will be joined by surprise inclusion Nicolo Fagioli.Fagioli, a Juventus midfielder, has been included despite missing most of the season due to a gambling ban. His selection is part of a youth movement in the Italian squad, with several veterans from the last Euro victory being replaced.Marco Verratti, Manuel Locatelli, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Lorenzo Insigne are among the notable absentees. Spalletti will announce his final squad on June 6, which will face Spain, Croatia, and Albania in Group B.Italy will play pre-tournament friendlies against Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina early next month.

Atalanta's remarkable journey culminated in a historic triumph as they shattered Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten streak and claimed the Europa League title with a resounding 3-0 victory. Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero, etching his name in the annals of European football with a stunning hat-trick.Lookman's first goal, a clinical finish in the 12th minute, set the tone for Atalanta's dominance. The Nigerian forward, who has found a new lease of life in Bergamo, displayed his predatory instincts, capitalizing on Exequiel Palacios's lapse in concentration.Leverkusen, known for their late fightbacks, found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Their slow start proved costly, and Lookman's second goal, a nutmeg on Granit Xhaka followed by a powerful shot, left them reeling.Xabi Alonso's decision to start without a recognized striker backfired, and the introduction of Victor Boniface at half-time failed to spark a revival. Atalanta's defense, marshaled by Rafael Toloi and Berat Djimsiti, held firm, while their counter-attacking threat remained potent.Lookman completed his hat-trick with another moment of brilliance, skipping past Edmond Tapsoba and unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner. The goal sealed Atalanta's triumph and sent their fans into raptures.For Atalanta, this victory represents a culmination of years of hard work and dedication under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini. The club, long overshadowed by AC and Inter Milan, has finally achieved continental glory, proving that financial might is not the only path to success.Leverkusen's unbeaten run, which had stretched to 51 matches, came to an abrupt end. Despite their disappointment, they can take solace in their remarkable season, which saw them secure a first-ever Bundesliga title.

Bayer Leverkusen's pursuit of an unprecedented treble received a significant boost with the return of talismanic midfielder Florian Wirtz to full fitness ahead of Wednesday's Europa League final against Atalanta.Wirtz, a pivotal figure in Leverkusen's maiden Bundesliga title triumph, has been carefully managed in recent weeks by coach Xabi Alonso, who has prioritized his star player's health for this crucial encounter. Despite playing through a muscle injury, Wirtz has remained influential, scoring a hat-trick off the bench in Leverkusen's 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen that clinched the league title.In the subsequent two league matches, Wirtz provided late equalizers against Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart, extending Leverkusen's unbeaten streak. Alonso recognizes Wirtz's exceptional talent, describing him as the club's "only true superstar."At just 21 years old, Wirtz has already amassed 18 goals and 20 assists this season. His performances have drawn comparisons to Ballon d'Or winners, with some German media suggesting he could be a contender this year if Germany performs well at the Euros.Alonso has taken calculated risks with Wirtz despite his injury, bringing him off the bench in the second leg of Leverkusen's Europa League semi-final against Roma. The hosts scored a crucial goal shortly after Wirtz's introduction, extending their unbeaten run to 49 games and breaking a 59-year-old European record."He couldn't run well, he was limping, but he wanted to help the team," Alonso said after the match. "He's still a pretty good player when he's 70 percent fit, but he still needs a bit more time."Wirtz missed the next two league games but returned on Saturday, with Alonso stating that he "feels much better... (and) could play from the start."Leverkusen, who have won only the 1988 Europa League and the 1993 German Cup in their 120-year history, are now on the cusp of an unbeaten treble. They face second-division Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final on Saturday.Atalanta, who lost the Coppa Italia final to Juventus on Wednesday, will be desperate to end their trophy drought. However, they face a Leverkusen side that has shown remarkable resilience and a knack for scoring late goals.Leverkusen have scored 15 goals after the 90-minute mark this season, often snatching victory or a draw from the jaws of defeat. Their relentless ball movement and late surges have proven too much for opponents to handle.In the Europa League knockout rounds, 11 of Leverkusen's 12 goals have come after the 70-minute mark. Alonso remains optimistic about his team's chances, saying after Saturday's win over Augsburg, "With this atmosphere, with this energy, there are reasons to be optimistic -- and to believe."

Atalanta, the unassuming club from Bergamo, stands on the cusp of history as they prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday. The Italians aim to become the first team to defeat the newly crowned German champions this season and etch their name in European football folklore.Gian Piero Gasperini's side has already tasted heartbreak this season, losing the Coppa Italia final to Juventus. However, they have a chance to end their 61-year trophy drought in Dublin. Atalanta's remarkable journey to the final has seen them overcome Sporting Lisbon, Liverpool, and Marseille, all teams with illustrious histories and larger fan bases.The Bergamo club has defied expectations under Gasperini, reaching the Champions League four times and establishing themselves as a force in Italian football. Their success is built on a strong connection with their local community and a commitment to attacking football.Star forwards Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca have been instrumental in Atalanta's success this season. De Ketelaere, on loan from AC Milan, has scored 14 goals and provided eight assists, while Scamacca has been a constant threat with his physicality and finishing ability.However, Atalanta will be without key midfielder Marten De Roon due to a hamstring injury. Gasperini has expressed his disappointment at De Roon's absence, calling it a "real loss."Despite the setback, Atalanta remains confident in their ability to overcome Leverkusen. They will rely on the brilliance of De Ketelaere and Scamacca, as well as the potential return of defender Sead Kolasinac.Gasperini, who has lost his previous three finals with Atalanta, is determined to make history in Dublin. He believes that qualifying for the Champions League is the best Atalanta can achieve, but he is eager to see his team perform at their best on Wednesday.Atalanta's journey to the Europa League final has been a testament to their resilience and determination. They have overcome adversity and defied expectations to reach the pinnacle of European football. Now, they stand on the brink of history, ready to write a new chapter in the club's illustrious history.