Football

San Marino, the tiny microstate nestled within Italy, has etched its name in football history by securing a remarkable promotion to the third tier of the UEFA Nations League. After trailing at halftime, the team rallied with an inspiring second-half performance to defeat Liechtenstein 3-1, marking their second-ever competitive victory.The match at the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz was a tale of two halves. Liechtenstein took an early lead, leaving San Marino facing an uphill battle. However, the team refused to be disheartened. Led by coach Roberto Cevoli, they regrouped and emerged from the break with renewed determination.Lorenzo Lazzari ignited the comeback with a well-taken goal, followed by a stunning strike from Alessandro Golinucci. The match-winner came from the penalty spot, as Nicola Nanni coolly converted to seal the historic victory.San Marino's players erupted in jubilation as they secured promotion to League C. Their triumph is a testament to their resilience and the progress they have made under Cevoli's guidance. Despite being ranked 210th in the FIFA men's rankings, the team has shown that anything is possible with hard work and belief."Finishing that first half 1-0 down was an insult to football, but the boys were brilliant and deserved what they've managed to achieve," said Cevoli.San Marino's promotion is a significant milestone for the nation. It marks the first time they have advanced to a higher tier in the Nations League and provides a platform for further growth and development.The team's success has also captured the hearts of fans around the world. Marco Tura, the president of the San Marino Football Federation, expressed his pride and emotion: "As people, as athletes, as men they have shown what they are worth... I cried with the boys."San Marino's historic Nations League campaign is a reminder that even the smallest of nations can achieve great things with determination and a never-say-die attitude.

Como's long-awaited return to Serie A became a reality on Friday after a 1-1 draw at home to Cosenza secured their promotion as runners-up in Italy's second tier. The Lombardy club, which last graced the top flight in 2003, will be joined by Serie B champions Parma, who clinched their promotion earlier this month.Como's resurgence is a remarkable tale of recovery after multiple bankruptcies and a tumble down the football pyramid following their relegation from Serie A over two decades ago. The club's fortunes have been transformed since the arrival of former Arsenal teammates Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry as minority shareholders, alongside ex-Chelsea midfielder Dennis Wise as a board member.Como's return to professional football began with their promotion to Serie C in 2019. Backed by the financial support of Indonesian tobacco giants Djarum, they have swiftly ascended through the divisions. The third promoted club will be determined through play-offs involving teams finishing between third and eighth, including Venezia and Sampdoria.Como's promotion is a testament to the club's resilience and the transformative power of investment. With Fabregas, Henry, and Wise providing guidance and support, the club has regained its place among Italy's elite. Their return to Serie A is a fitting reward for their unwavering determination and the belief of their investors.

Leicester City celebrated their triumphant return to the Premier League in style on Monday, securing the Championship title with a resounding 3-0 victory over Preston at Deepdale. The Foxes' promotion was confirmed after Leeds United's unexpected 4-0 defeat at QPR on Friday.Jamie Vardy, the 37-year-old captain and a key figure in Leicester's historic Premier League triumph in 2016, played a pivotal role in the title-clinching victory. He opened the scoring with a mishit effort that found the far corner in the 36th minute. Vardy doubled Leicester's lead in the second half, smashing the ball into an unguarded net after Wout Faes' shot rebounded off the post.Kasey McAteer sealed the title party with a header from Abdul Fatawu's cross 23 minutes from time. The victory ensured that Leicester would finish top of the Championship with a game to spare, ahead of Ipswich Town.Leicester's return to the Premier League is a welcome relief after their surprising relegation last season. The club has been facing financial challenges and was charged by the Premier League in March for alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules. If found guilty, Leicester could face a points deduction upon their return to the top flight.The battle for the second automatic promotion spot will go down to the final day of the Championship season on Saturday. Leeds United currently sit second on goal difference ahead of Ipswich Town, who have a game in hand. Ipswich will host Huddersfield Town on the final day, while Leeds face Southampton at Elland Road. Only the top two teams will be automatically promoted, with teams finishing from third to sixth entering the playoffs for the third promotion spot.

Leicester City took a giant step towards securing an immediate return to the Premier League with a resounding 5-0 victory over Southampton on Tuesday. Abdul Fatawu's hat-trick, along with goals from Wilfred Ndidi and Jamie Vardy, propelled the Foxes to the brink of promotion.Leicester, who were relegated from the top flight last season, have been in impressive form throughout the Championship campaign. However, a recent dip in results had raised concerns about their ability to maintain their promotion push.But Brendan Rodgers' side responded in emphatic fashion against Southampton, who had been in contention for automatic promotion themselves. Fatawu opened the scoring in the 25th minute, racing onto Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's pass and slotting home.Ndidi doubled Leicester's lead just after the hour mark, heading in from close range. Fatawu then secured the points with a stunning individual effort, cutting inside from the right and unleashing an unstoppable shot across Alex McCarthy.Vardy, who has been in excellent form this season, showed his class with a clinical finish to make it 4-0. Fatawu completed his hat-trick nine minutes from time, assisted by Vardy.The victory moves Leicester four points clear of Leeds United with two games remaining. A win in either of their remaining fixtures against Preston North End or Blackburn Rovers will guarantee their return to the Premier League.For Southampton, the defeat ends their hopes of automatic promotion. They now face a battle to secure a playoff spot and maintain their hopes of reaching the top flight.