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Shree Cement Limited, the new investors for East Bengal FC, registered a new company named 'Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation' with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in early September. 

Subsequently, the company picked up the bid papers issued by FSDL (Football Sports Private Limited) to play in the ISL (Indian Super League) and submitted the same on Monday, September 14, to the organisers. 

But the sporting rights of East Bengal Football Club are still held by the company 'East Bengal Club Private Limited'. To play in the ISL and to fulfill the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) licensing criteria it is mandatory that the sporting rights must be transferred to 'Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation' since it is the entity that has picked up the bid.

But first, the sporting rights must be given back to East Bengal Football Club by 'East Bengal Club Private Limited'. Thereafter, Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation will take possession of the sporting rights. 

It must be noted that a similar procedure was followed when Quess came on board as East Bengal investors in 2018. The sporting rights were transferred back the club before it was handed over to Quess East Bengal FC.

This is expected to take place in an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) that will be hosted by the club in the last week of September. 

An EGM is a shareholder meeting which is convened apart from the company’s scheduled Annual General Meeting (AGM). An EGM is also called a special general meeting or emergency general meeting.

Certain events may require shareholders to come together on short notice to deal with an urgent matter, often concerning company management. The EGM is used as a way to meet and deal with urgent matters that arise in between the AGMs.

An EGM is generally called to deal with any matter that can't wait until the next shareholders meeting. 

It is also likely that the shape of the new board of 'Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation' will take place that day. The two current directors of the company are Sunil Kumar Gupta and Sanjay Mehta.

Former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor recently penned a one-year deal with Indian Super League (ISL) side Odisha FC.

The 34-year-old Brit has come to India after two successful seasons with A-League side Wellington Phoenix. He was also the club’s skipper last season.

Taylor will pair up with Australian defender Jacob Tratt in Odisha’s defence this season who also joined the club from A-League side Perth Glory.

The defender, who has represented England at the youth level, suggested that he had a fair idea about India and the ISL, courtesy a host of A-League players who had played before in the league.

“(ISL) It’s getting better every year with the top quality players that are coming to the ISL and of course, I’ve played with a lot of players who have played in the ISL. And speaking to them, they all loved playing out in India,” said Taylor to Goal.

Taylor had played alongside ATK Mohun Bagan strike duo Roy Krishna and David Williams at Wellington Phoenix during the 2018-19 season and suggested that both the players had endorsed the league.

“Yeah, they have been great. They've been telling me how much I would enjoy playing out here in India and how much they have loved it so far since signing out here.”

Since last season, there has been a huge influx of top quality players in the ISL from the Australian league. It started with Roy Krishna and David Williams to ATK and Bobo to Hyderabad FC.

The success of Krishna and Williams who played a crucial role in guiding the Kolkata club to their record third ISL title has prompted clubs like Odisha, Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters to bring in quite a few big names from down under.

The Englishman explained the reason why a host A-League footballers are keen to join ISL.

“I think with all the uncertainty going on with the A-League, a lot of players have seen how good the ISL is and want to experience and a new challenge.”

The former Newcastle defender spoke very highly of Odisha FC’s new coach Stuart Baxter and said that the coach convinced him to join the club.

“I spoke to Stuart a good few times and hearing his plans for the season and the club was exciting so it was a no brainer after speaking with him that I would be joining Odisha FC. You just have to look at his CV and seeing his experience for myself to learn from will be very good cause you're never too old to learn,” he said.

Taylor heaped praises on the young Indian talents Odisha have acquired this season and suggested that he is looking forward to having an exciting season with the club.

“They have a very young and exciting squad with ambitions to have an exciting season. There are a lot of up and coming new Indian talents, so it will be good to see them express themselves this season and for us to do something special,” said the British defender.

Indian Super League (ISL) champions ATK Mohun Bagan have completed the transfer of Bradden Inman from A-League outfit Brisbane Roar for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old midfielder spent the 2019-20 season with the Roar, making 25 appearances and scoring four goals in the process.

Inman is the seventh overseas player in the ATKMB squad and completes the club's foreign player recruitment. They already have fellow Aussie David Williams, Roy Krishna (Fiji), Carl McHugh (Ireland), Edu Garcia, Javi Hernandez and Tiri (all Spain).

Williams and Krishna also moved to ATKMB from the A-League.

Inman, who is known for his flair and creativity from midfield, started his professional career in England where he was part of Newcastle United's academy. He played for various clubs in England's lower tiers before moving back to Australia with Brisbane Roar.

Inman has represented Scotland at the youth levels but has been called up to the Australian national team squads, though he is yet to make an appearance for the Socceroos.

“I would like to say thank you to all the players and staff. It was a unique season – there were plenty of great moments as well as some tough ones, but we helped each other through it all and really enjoyed pulling on the orange kit every week,” Inman said after leaving Roar.

Inman adds even more skill to a technically proficient midfield that ATK has. Coach Antonio Habas will be counting on Inman as the club prepares to compete in the AFC Cup as well this season, the first time they are playing on the continent.

Ibrahima Niane’s double against Reims is his first ever as a professional footballer as he inspired Metz to a 2-1 win on Sunday.

The visitors came to the Stade Saint-Symphorien with the ambition of bagging their first win of the 2020-21 season, however, they were silenced by Vincent Hognon’s men.

It took the Senegal youth international 18 minutes to put his side ahead after heading past goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic a free-kick taken by Farid Boulaya.

Two minutes before the half-time break, the visitors earned a penalty after Boulaya upended Mathieu Cafaro who was goal-bound after controlling Valon Berisha’s cross – a foul that earned the Algerian a caution. Boulaye Dia converted the resulting kick after sending goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja the wrong way.

Five minutes into the second-half, Reims’ ambition of leaving Saint-Symphorien with at least a point suffered a setback following Marshall Munetsi’s dismissal. The 24-year-old Zimbabwe international was given the marching orders for pulling down Niane.

The Red and Whites kept scores even following their numerical disadvantage, nevertheless, they returned home with heads bowed low with Niane having the final say after drilling home a cross from compatriot Papa Ndiaga Yade.

The former Senegal U20 star’s double was the first of his professional career, and that earned Vincent Hognon’s men their first win of the 2020-21 campaign.

He was in action from start to finish alongside Oukidja, Tunisia’s Dylan Bronn, Ghana international John Boye, Boulaya and Cote d’Ivoire midfielder Habib Maiga. Senegal’s Opa Nguette was handed a starter’s role, but he was replaced in the 71st minute by Yade.

Mamadou Fofana (Mali), Boubacar Traore (Mali), Lamine Gueye (Senegal), Cheikh Sabaly (Senegal), Habib Diallo (Senegal), Boubakar Kouyate (Mali) and Vagner Goncalves (Cape Verde) played no part in the encounter.

Morocco's Yunis Abdelhamid was played all 90 minutes for Reims, while Guinea Bissau's Moreto Cassama was substituted for Dario Maresic after 52 minutes and Mali's El Bilal Toure coming off for Mathieu Cafaro 16 minutes later.

Cote d'Ivoire's Ghislain Konan, Cameroon's Tristan Dingome, Mali's Moussa Doumbia and Senegal's Dialy N'Diaye were not dressed for action.

Metz are guests of Olympique Marseille on Saturday while Reims welcome PSG to the Stade Auguste-Delaune on Sunday. Before then, they will try Fehervar for size in Thursday's Europa League game.

While now sometimes powerless to stop a perfectly timed finish in recent FIFA games, a strong goalkeeper remains a huge asset to any side. 

Ahead of FIFA 21's release, EA Sports has released the ratings for the best 20 shot-stoppers in the upcoming game with Atletico Madrid's number one Jan Oblak coming out on top. 

The Slovenia international is only just heading into his prime at 27 years of age but has been a consistent performed for Diego Simeone's side in both La Liga and European competitions. 

Oblak's one weakness in FIFA 21 is a kicking rating of 78, but 92-rated handling and 90-rated reflexes more than make up for any shortcomings with his boots.

Liverpool's Alisson has taken out second spot this year with his saves helping guide the Reds to the Premier League title across the 2019-20 season.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen then rounds out the podium, with the Barcelona shot-stopper one of the most well-rounded keepers in the game. 

The Premier League has seven representatives in the top 20 this year with Wolves' Rui Patricio the surprise packet and boasting an overall rating of 84.

Other lesser known names that could be worth scouting out on FIFA 21 include RB Leipzig's Peter Gulacsi and Torino's Salvatore Sirigu.

AC Milan prodigy Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the best young goalkeeper in the game and is an ideal long-term signing for any side. 

Andrea Pirlo has unleashed the shackles and given Juventus' players a lot more freedom to attack opponents, according to veteran defender Leonardo Bonucci.

Juve replaced Maurizio Sarri with first-time coach Pirlo last month and the legendary midfielder kicked off his tenure with a 3-0 win over Sampdoria in Juve's 2020-21 Serie A opener on Sunday.

Reigning champions Juve registered 20 shots at Allianz Stadium and scored from three of them, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Bonucci and debutant Dejan Kulusevski finding the back of the net.

And after a largely disappointing campaign last time out under Sarri, Bonucci believes that Pirlo has already made big changes during his short time in the dugout.

"We saw some new ideas proposed by the coach and his staff, a new way of interpreting the game, a lot of enthusiasm both in possession and off the ball," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"The big difference is the way we are attacking the game and taking the initiative, trying to bring home the result. Seeing the work of the last few weeks and this game, I think it is better.

"There are different movements, as with Sarri we moved far more as a group in defence, whereas with Pirlo we are more one-on-one, giving us more freedom to be aggressive and win back the ball more often.

"We have four central midfielders with the right characteristics to play like this. They are aggressive and also good at passing the ball. That way, we have more quality in possession, which I see as a difference from last season."

Sarri was reportedly sacked by Juventus after failing to win over the dressing room with his style of play, which won him plenty of admirers at Serie A rivals Napoli.

However, Bonucci insisted rumours that the club's old guard forced Sarri out of the door are wide of the mark.

"We accepted any changes made by the club," he said. "This season, the new coach is Pirlo, who changed the way of understanding football that we had last year. 

"It's early to say if it is right or not, but it is different, with a very precise mentality of being aggressive and not wanting to concede goals.

"We had that same attitude last year, because you don't win nine Scudetti in a row without it.

"We're old enough to behave like real professionals. Pirlo is now our coach and we have the utmost respect for all our coaches, just as we try to help all our coaches from within the locker room.

"Fortunately, this is a squad full of great men who are accustomed to working with great champions. That makes it easier for everyone concerned."

Asked if Pirlo reminded him more of Sarri or Massimiliano Allegri – another of his former bosses in Turin – Bonucci said: "Much more similar to Allegri, that is obvious. 

"Pirlo has much the same impact he had as a player - you knew that you could give him the ball and trust he wouldn't lose it. Now it's the same as a coach. There is that same trust."

Lionel Messi posted a message to departing Barcelona team-mate Arturo Vidal on Sunday as the midfielder prepared to join Inter.

Vidal is set to be confirmed as a Nerazzurri player on Monday after the buying club posted updates on his arrival in Italy this weekend.

The 33-year-old, who previously played in Serie A for Juventus, is set for a €1 million move after two years at Barca.

Vidal and Luis Suarez are close friends of Blaugrana captain Messi and were reportedly each told they could leave the club by new head coach Ronald Koeman.

Former Bayern Munich man Vidal has secured his exit, while Suarez's situation remains unclear, after Messi failed in his attempts to force through a transfer of his own.

In addition to Manchester City, Messi – who wanted to be released from his contract – was linked with Vidal's new employers Inter.

He wrote to the Chilean on Instagram on Sunday: "I only knew you from facing each other and you always seemed like a phenomenon to me, but later I was lucky to meet you personally and you surprised me even more.

"They were two years sharing many things and you made yourself noticed. The dressing room is going to miss you.

"I wish you all the best in this new stage at your new club. We will cross paths again, for sure."

Vidal commented: "Thanks alien! I am proud to have played with the greatest in history and thank you very much for your friendship. I miss you. See you soon."

Suarez also used Instagram to send a goodbye message to Vidal, with the pair having played together since the Chile international joined Barca in 2018.

“Having you as a rival was unbearable because of how great you are as a player, but having you as a team-mate, friend, and knowing you as a person is even bigger! A pleasure to have been with a star player like you. I wish you all the best.”

Vidal was part of the 2018-19 La Liga title-winning team at Camp Nou and scored 11 goals in 66 league games in total.

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho interrupted a post-match interview with Son Heung-Min to jokingly declare Harry Kane as his man of the match on Sunday. 

After losing 1-0 to Everton last weekend, Spurs bounced back in style to smash Southampton 5-2 with Son scoring four goals in clinical fashion. 

Kane claimed Tottenham's fifth goal from close range and also notably provided the assist for all of Son's strikes, with the South Korean converting each of his four shots at St Mary's Stadium. 

While Son was seen by many as the game's man of the match, Mourinho seemingly felt otherwise as he cut off the attacker's interview with BBC Sport to declare: "Man of the match, Harry Kane."

Son did his best to brush off the awkward moment, laughing and agreeing with his manager before praising his Spurs team-mate.

"I will say that Harry is man of the match because he scored one goal, gave four assists," he said.

"With Harry we have been working together for so long, this is the sixth season, we know each other, we want to have a good relationship on the pitch and even off the pitch.

"I think we work really hard to get a better relationship, even better than now, so obviously it's not perfect but we're aiming for a perfect relationship."

Son's four-goal haul was his biggest in the competition to date as he looks to improve on his 11 goals in the league last season. 

"I'm buzzing to score four goals in the Premier League for the first time," Son said in a message to Spurs fans on the club's Twitter account.

"But I'm really grateful to my team-mates who gave me the opportunity to score, especially to H. It was an amazing performance from Harry, amazing passing.

"To score my first hat-trick in the Premier League with Spurs is a big honour for me, I'm very proud and very grateful.

"The lads did a really good job, an incredible job – we completely deserved the win. We go again on Tuesday [against Leyton Orient] now." 

Mourinho would again single out Kane in his post-match press conference, praising the striker for his selfless link-up play. 

"In the second half Harry Kane, in my opinion, changed the game," Mourinho said.

"His movement was tremendous, his link play was absolutely incredible and he allowed Sonny to play in a different position on the pitch. 

"Gio [Lo Celso] and [Erik] Lamela, I just love when players come from the bench and add something to the team. The second half was a really strong performance for us."

Napoli head coach Gennaro Gattuso acknowledged Kalidou Koulibaly is likely to leave the Serie A club but he would be happy to keep the star defender.

Koulibaly has been strongly linked with Premier League giants Manchester City and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain as Napoli look to raise funds following the club-record signing of Victor Osimhen.

The 29-year-old Koulibaly played as Napoli opened their 2020-21 Serie A season with a 2-0 win at Parma on Sunday and Gattuso hailed the in-demand centre-back, who has also reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United.

"I had no doubts, he is one of the strongest champions in the world in his role," Gattuso said via Sky Sport.

"He has always given me great availability and always trains well. I would be sorry to lose him, both for the man and for the player.

"But you know that numbers are important for clubs and at this moment something needs to be done for numbers, but I'd be happy to keep him."

Osimhen made his debut for Napoli, coming off the bench to inspire the visitors as Dries Mertens and captain Lorenzo Insigne scored against Parma.

When asked about the Nigeria star, Gattuso added: "It's not about numbers, but the principles of football. We know Osimhen is an added bonus, but we need to run before we have quality, because quality is not enough on its own.

"We must set out the team with the right concepts and protect the defence, but we knew that Osimhen could give us another gear in the final 20-25 minutes today.

"Osimhen is a lad who, in the 25 days I've been working with, I can tell doesn't forget where he started from, who made sacrifices, lost his family very young and has the head of a 40-year-old on 21-year-old shoulders.

"I am confident he won't change, as he has a great attitude and at this moment is a better player than he's so far shown on the pitch."

Osimhen scored six goals across his first two pre-season games for Napoli and will be hoping to find the back of the net in his club's next Serie A match against Genoa on Sunday. 

Andy Delort was Montpellier’s hero having scored twice in their 4-1 victory over Angers in Sunday’s French topflight encounter.

The hosts came into the encounter on the back on consecutive victories over Nice and Olympique Lyon. Against the Black and Whites, they continued with their impressive start to the season with the Algerian star wreaking havoc.

Defender Arnaud Souquet gave the hosts an 18th minute lead thanks to his long-range low effort after a one-two pass with Gaetan Laborde.

Not willing to stoop so low, the visitors equalised seven minutes later through Stephane Bahoken. The Cameroonian fired past goalkeeper Jonas Omlin after receiving a well-timed cross from Angelo Fulgini.

Two minutes into the half-time break, Delort put Michel Der Zakarian’s team ahead – beating his marker to head home Laborde’s cheeky lob.

The Algeria international completed his brace on the hour mark to silence any ambition of Stephane Moulin’s men to launch a comeback. The 28-year-old headed home a cross from Junior Sambia.

Four minutes before full time, substitute Florent Mollet made things worse for Angers with a beautiful strike that was unstoppable by goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni.

After putting up a fine shift that evening, Delort was replaced with five minutes left to play by Stephy Mavididi. Cameroonian defender Ambroise Oyongo was introduced in the 68th minute for Nicolas Cozza, whie South Africa's Keagan Dolly was an unused substitute.

Cote d'Ivoire's duo of Ismael Traore and Abdoulaye Bamba were in action from start to finish for Angers, as Mali's Lassana Coulibaly who was handed a starter's place was substituted for Senegal's Sada Thioub after 63 minutes.

Thomas Toure of Cote d’Ivoire got replaced by Lois Diony in the closing stages of the encounter with Algeria's duo of Farid El Melali and Haithem Loucif were not dressed by manager Moulin.

With this win, Montpellier sit in third spot having garnered nine points from four games, while Angers occupy the 11th position with six points from same number of matches.

2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner Delort would be eyeing more goals when his club travel to Stade Gaston Gerard on Sunday to tackle Dijon.

Jurgen Klopp lauded Fabinho for an "outstanding" performance at centre-back in Liverpool's 2-0 Premier League win over Chelsea on Sunday.

With Joe Gomez and Joel Matip injured, Fabinho moved into the centre of defence alongside Virgil van Dijk and produced a fine display at Stamford Bridge.

Sadio Mane's second-half brace lifted Liverpool to a second straight win to begin the Premier League season, with the attacker earlier brought down by Andreas Christensen that led to the defender being sent off.

Klopp praised Fabinho for his performance, although Liverpool needed a penalty save from Alisson to deny Jorginho to keep their clean sheet.

"If Sadio wouldn't have scored two goals, I think Fab would be a proper contender for man of the match," the Liverpool manager told a news conference.

"I loved his performance, he played outstanding. He helped us a lot with the ball and in defending as well, so yes, a proper performance."

Fabinho made a game-high four interceptions and gained possession 12 times, while completing 86 of his 89 passes.

In a further boost for Liverpool, Thiago Alcantara made his debut, replacing Jordan Henderson at half-time, and set a Premier League record in the space of just 45 minutes.

But Mane starred with his brace and Klopp said the attacker's second goal, when he dispossessed Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, highlighter Liverpool's hunger.

"It says everything about that and it says everything about the team as well. I love that because we have these situations quite a lot – that we chase the goalie," he said.

"I think in the first half Sadio was really close to blocking it there already but you just have to do it. I love it when we get the rewards for these kinds of situations.

"The first goal was a nice piece of football, everybody involved pretty much. [Roberto] Firmino cross and then Sadio comes in front of his man, so it's really difficult to defend. Good goal and gave the game the right direction. That's exactly what we have to show all the time, that's what we wanted to show today.

"I saw us today, I saw us playing football today and I'm completely fine with that. I loved it."

Liverpool face Lincoln City in the EFL Cup on Thursday before hosting Arsenal in the Premier League four days later.

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Macheke has reflected on his recent move to Stellenbosch FC.

The 26-year-old player joined Stellies on Friday as a free agent after parting ways with Bidvest Wits, after the club sold its PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.

Macheke attracted interest from Polokwane City midway through the 2019/20 season, with his former coach Clinton Larsen at Chippa United keen to reunite with him at Rise and Shine.

However, Polokwane have been relegated to the National First Division (NFD) and Larsen has parted ways with the Limpopo-based side.

Macheke has since moved to Stellenbosch and he is impressed by the club's structure after taking part in his maiden training session under coach Steve Barker.

"I have seen the structure of the club. The direction in which the club wants to go and I think it is a good set-up," Macheke told the club's social media platforms on Sunday.

"We just completed our first training session and I could see the desire from the players on the pitch."

Stellies caught the eye in their debut season in the PSL as they finished in the 10th spot on the league standings - three points behind the top eight.

Macheke feels that he made the right decision by joining the Western Cape-based side, who will be looking to retain their status in the elite league once again. 

"So yeah, I am looking forward to it. I think it is a good move for me and I hope I can contribute towards the team and our goals," he concluded.

Macheke has been a nomadic player since he was promoted to the Chiefs first team from the club's academy by coach Stuart Baxter prior to the 2014/15 season. 

The Soweto-born player spent the 2014/15 season with the Glamour Boys as they clinched the league and cup (Nedbank Cup) double.

Macheke was loaned out to Chippa United in the following season, before being sold to the Chilli Boys at the end of the same campaign.

The talented defender was sent out on loan to then-NFD side Thanda Royal Zulu in the 2016/17 season and upon his return to Chippa, he became a regular. 

He was snapped up by Wits at the beginning of the 2019/20 season. 

Wilfred Ndidi shone in a centre-back role for Leicester City in their 4-2 victory over Burnley in Sunday’s Premier League game.

The 23-year-old midfielder was again deployed in a defensive role at King Power Stadium after starring in the same position against West Bromwich Albion in their opening league game last time out.

The Nigeria international paired Caglar Soyuncu at the heart of the Foxes’ defence and gave a good account of himself in the encounter, helping his side to secure their second consecutive win.

Chris Wood opened the scoring for the Clarets as early as the 10th minute before Harvey Barnes levelled proceedings for Leicester in the 20th minute.

Erik Pieters gave the King Power Stadium outfit the lead for the first time in the game, beating his own goalkeeper Nick Pope with his effort.

James Justin and Dennis Praet’s strikes then sealed the victory for Leicester despite an effort from Jimmy Dunne.

Ndidi featured for the duration of the game, won four aerial contests, made two tackles and had 69 touches as part of his contribution.

His compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho, who was not involved in their opening Premier League game against West Brom, was an unused substitute at King Power Stadium.

The midfielder will hope to continue with his development in the defensive role and help his side extend their winning form when they take on Arsenal in a league game on September 23.

Ndidi has been a consistent performer for the Foxes since he teamed up with the club in January 2017 from Genk.

The Nigeria international has featured in more than 120 Premier League games for Leicester and played a significant role as they finished fifth last campaign.

Ndidi has been a key member of the Super Eagles squad since he made his international debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2015.

The versatile midfielder has 36 caps for the Nigeria national team and was part of the side that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

He will be expected to help the West Africans during their Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

Simeon Nwankwo’s return to the Italian elite division was greeted by defeat as Genoa beat Crotone 4-1 on Sunday evening.

After two seasons in Serie B, the Pythagoreans returned to top-flight football, but they were unable to match the attacking masterclass of the Griffin at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Goals from Mattia Destro, Goran Pandev, Davide Zappacosta and Marko Pjaca were all Rolando Maran’s men needed to brush aside the visitors with Emmanuel Riviere’s strike a mere consolation for Crotone.

Profiting from Paolo Ghiglione’s well-placed pass, Destro put the ball past goalkeeper Alex Cordaz as Genoa raced to a sixth-minute lead.

Three minutes later, Pandev doubled the advantage with a delightful lob over Cordaz after he was released by Edoardo Goldaniga, with the visitors’ backline caught unawares.

That goal was a reality check for Crotone and they gradually stamped their authority on the game. In the 28th minute, Riviere reduced the deficit after tapping home a Salvatore Molina cross.

Eleven minutes before the half-time break, former Chelsea star Davide Zappacosta restored Maran’s side's two-goal advantage with a long-range strike outside the goal area.

After leaking in the third of the evening, the Italian topflight returnee’s morale looked dampened as they defended in their numbers to make the scoreline respectful.

Even at that, Genoa was not done as Pjaca sealed the game with a fourth strike in the 75th minute.

Simy was in action for 89 minutes but could do little to help his team and was replaced by Denis Dragus. Libyan midfielder Ahmad Benali was not listed for action, while Sierra Leone star Augustus Kargbo replaced Riviere in the 58th minute.

Crotone welcome AC Milan to the Stadio Ezio Scida on Sunday as they chase their first win of the 2020-21 season.

The Super Eagles forward bagged 20 league goals in Serie B last term to emerge as the league’s top-scorer and his 21 strikes and three assists across all competitions saw him become the club’s highest goal scorer of the season. 

He boasts of five caps and one goal for the Super Eagles since he made his debut against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2018.

A debut goal from Dejan Kulusevski and strikes from Leonardo Bonucci and Cristiano Ronaldo earned Juventus a 3-0 win over Sampdoria in Andrea Pirlo's first game in charge. 

Legendary player Pirlo, appointed in August following the sacking of Maurizio Sarri, saw his reign get off to an impressive start at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday. 

Young midfielder Kulusevski found the net inside 13 minutes and Bonucci added a deserved second for Juve with 12 minutes to play, following up after Weston McKennie's shot was saved. 

Ronaldo, who had earlier hit the crossbar, rounded out the scoring late on after being teed up by Aaron Ramsey, helping the hosts make a bright start to their latest title defence in Serie A.

Kulusevski found the net with his first shot for his new team, curling a left-footed effort away from Emil Audero after Ronaldo's run into the box was halted and the ball ran loose. 

Ronaldo, who has now scored in his last four games against Sampdoria, sent a powerful strike against the underside of the crossbar as Juve pressed for a second. 

Some good play from Ramsey set up Ronaldo for another opportunity before half-time, but his angled drive ended inches wide of the target. 

The lively Ramsey also played in Gianluca Frabotta for a good chance early in the second half, which the surprise starter drilled on target but Audero kept out. 

Juventus did eventually make their dominance tell, however, as Bonucci was first to pounce when McKennie's prodded effort was stopped after the visitors failed to deal with a corner. 

McKennie was denied a debut goal by Audero's fine save late on but Ronaldo took Ramsey's pass in his stride and clinically fired home, putting the seal on a successful outing for his new head coach. 

What does it mean? Pirlo already making his mark 

Juve, with debutants McKennie and Kulusevski lining up in a 3-4-1-2 formation that saw youngster Frabotta at wing-back, played some stylish and exciting football. 

Pirlo clearly wants his side to pass the ball around - as highlighted by having 66 per cent of the possession - and they were not afraid to shoot, firing away 20 attempts in total. 

Dream debut for Kulusevski 

Kulusevski was signed by Juve in a big-money deal in January but was loaned back to Parma, where his form saw him named Serie A's best young player. He picked up from where he left off last season too, netting with just his sixth touch of the ball - his one and only shot of an impressive debut – while also creating three chances. 

Three goals but new striker needed 

Pirlo has admitted he wants reinforcements up front, though sporting director Fabio Paratici confirmed ahead of kick-off that Luis Suarez is no longer an option. Juventus may have scored three times here, yet they struggled in front of goal between their first and second. Ronaldo finally registered with his 10th attempt of the contest. 

What's next? 

Juventus face a potentially tricky test against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, while Sampdoria host Benevento next weekend. 

Frank Lampard has played down speculation linking Antonio Rudiger with a move away from the club, despite leaving the defender out of his squad for Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.

The Germany international was a notable absentee from Lampard’s 23-man squad list for Sunday’s game at Stamford Bridge, with Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen named in the starting XI.

Fikayo Tomori and club captain Cesar Azpilicueta were named among the substitutes, meaning there was little need for another defender to be on the bench.

With new signing Thiago Silva not yet match fit it was Rudiger who was the man to miss out, sparking speculation he could be on the brink of a transfer away from west London.

Lampard, though, was quick to dismiss those rumours, saying Rudger’s absence was simply because his rival defenders impressed more in training.

“We have five centre-halves at the club and I can't pick a squad that has three of them on the bench,” he told reporters after the game, which ended with a 2-0 defeat for the Blues.

"That is the way it is, I have to pick a squad via training and situations and that was the selection today.”

The arrival of Silva on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain has increased competition for a first-team place and raised suggestions Lampard could offload a centre-half before next month’s transfer deadline.

As reported by Goal last month , Everton are interested in signing Tomori on a season-long loan.

The 22-year-old had a breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge last season under Lampard, but ultimately lost his place towards the end of the campaign and he did not play in a competitive match after February.

However, Tomori and Rudiger could be offered a route back into the Chelsea side in the coming weeks thanks to Andreas Christensen’s red card against Liverpool.

Christensen was dismissed shortly before half-time for hauling down Sadio Mane as he was clean through on goal and will now serve a one-match ban.

Mane went on to score twice at the start of the second half as the  defending champions managed  to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season.

Fran Kirby has been in exceptional form since returning to the pitch after nine months out through illness, but the Chelsea and England forward believes she can be even better.

The 27-year-old was diagnosed with pericarditis back in November, a condition which consists of inflammation of the lining around the heart.

On Friday, she pulled an England shirt back on for the first time in 14 months and, while it was only an in-house friendly, she was again one of the best players on the pitch, continuing her fine start to the season after a trio of stand-out displays for Chelsea - but for all the praise Kirby has received over the last few weeks, she believes there is still a lot more she can give.

“I’m at a stage of my career where I can be more critical of myself,” she said. “I haven’t always been good at that. I struggled to accept when I hadn’t had the best of games because I had got an assist, or I had got a goal or whatever.

“You kind of walk off the pitch happy regardless [of the overall performance] and now I’m nit-picking. Could I have done better? Could I have passed there, or should I have been more selfish and maybe scored a goal?

“I am at a really good level. I think I am probably the fittest I’ve been for a long, long time just purely because it’s something I’ve worked really hard on for the last three or four months.

“I think there is still another level I can go to. I think I can be more clinical in my finishing, I can improve.”

Kirby returned to competitive action with a stunning display in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield last month.

Since then, she has backed up that performance with two more brilliant ones in the Women’s Super League, scoring her first league goal in 16 months against Bristol City – her first goal in any competition since she netted in England’s third-place play-off at the Women’s World Cup last summer.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes couldn’t help but heap the praise on her forward off the back of that, saying she believes “Fran is at a level above already”.

“When you hear a manager say something like that it is really special,” Kirby, who has 45 caps for England, said. “I’ve worked really closely with Emma the last few weeks and we’ve grown a lot closer on and off the pitch.

“I think I’ve matured a lot off the pitch. I want to be the best player every day in training, in games, that means I’m the best team-mate.”

The praise has come from far and wide, with messages of support for the player once described as a ‘mini Messi’ - by former England boss Mark Sampson - pouring in.

“You see [the support], but I’m trying not to get ahead of myself,” Kirby added. “I still need to work hard and improve, but no support has gone unnoticed, reading everyone’s comments about me being back and all the positives I’ve had.

“I need to keep working, I need to keep producing the performances. That’s the journey I’m on. I want to keep progressing on that, but it’s been incredible to hear people saying so many positive things about you, not just as a player but as a person.

“I’ve come back energised, I’ve come back smiling. I’m enjoying it. That means more to me, how people see you as a person.”

The time away from the pitch has also made her value the return to action more, after so long out on her own.

“I train like every day like it is going to be my last one. That’s just the attitude I have,” Kirby said.

“I will never underestimate the joy I get out of playing and training, being in a team environment. I’ve spent a lot of time by myself and I learned a lot about myself, it wasn’t always negative, but being in a team, with your friends, day in, day out, there’s nothing that can replicate that.

“I take every day and I cherish every day and I enjoy every day and I think that is why my performances are going in the right way. As long as I’m happy, smiling and enjoying myself, hopefully I’ll keep building and keep putting good performances in for my team.”

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has reiterated his belief that Liverpool's Sadio Mane is the best player in the Premier League. 

Mane struck twice on Sunday in the Reds' 2-0 win over Chelsea with the attacker heading home his first from a Roberto Firmino cross before capitalising on a mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga for his second. 

The 28-year-old continues to play a massive part in Jurgen Klopp's front line and netted 18 goals in the league last season having claimed the Golden Boot the campaign prior. 

Now into his seventh Premier League season after first moving to England with Southampton, Mane has hit double figures in each of his campaigns so far and has won plenty of admirers in the process.

Fabregas has marked himself as one of the attacker's biggest supporters with the Spaniard taking to social media on Sunday to crown him the best player in the league. 

"I'll say it again. Mane best player in the League," Fabregas tweeted. 

While the 33-year-old is currently playing in France for Monaco, he continues to watch the Premier League, and particularly his former sides, very closely. 

On Chelsea, Fabregas singled out Timo Werner's runs for praise against Liverpool before reserving judgement on the Blues' other new recruit Kai Havertz. 

"Too early to judge. Very young and the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world," Fabregas replied on Twitter when asked about the young German.

Fabregas' Mane claim was, however, turning the most heads on social media with thousands weighing in on his call. 

Klopp was full of praise for his match-winner after the game, hailing Mane's hunger and desire in claiming his second goal against Chelsea. 

"Yes, it says everything [about him] and it says a lot about the team as well. I loved these situations that we had quite a lot that we chased the goalie. I love it when we get the reward for these situations," Klopp said after the match.

"The first goal was a nice piece of football and everybody involved pretty much the ball through, the cross in and Sadio comes in front of his man and got the goal to send the game in the right direction." 

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne was named Premier League Player of the Season in August and he'll look to remind everyone of his quality against Wolves on Monday night. 

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho missed his first penalty for the club on the same afternoon he made his 100th appearance for the Blues.

Frank Lampard's side went down two goals against the defending champions on Sunday as a pair of disastrous mistakes proved costly.

Andreas Christensen put his side in serious trouble with a red card just before half-time, with Sadio Mane then opening the scoring five minutes after the break.

Mane then added his second just minutes later as under-fire Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga played an awful pass directly to the forward, who calmly slotted home into an empty net.

The home side, though, were given a chance to get back into the match with 15 minutes to play after Liverpool debutant Thiago Alcantara fouled Timo Werner in the box. 

Jorginho stepped up to the spot, having converted all eight of his previous penalty attempts with the Blues. 

However, the Italy international's ninth try proved to be a different story as Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson came up with the save to preserve his side's two-goal lead.

Chelsea had been on a streak of 16 consecutive scored penalties in the Premier League, with their last miss coming when Eden Hazard failed to score against Manchester City in April 2017.

It was also the first time that Alisson had saved a penalty for Liverpool, with the Brazilian having conceded on two previous attempts. 

In fact, the save from Alisson was his first of the season after the goalkeeper conceded three goals against Leeds in Liverpool's 4-3 opening-day win at Anfield. 

Jorginho's penalty miss all but ended Chelsea's chances of getting anything from the match, as Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. 

The win marked the first time the reigning league champions had won away at Chelsea in the Premier League since Manchester United pulled off the feat in April 2002, with the Blues unbeaten in 13 such matches (seven wins, six draws) before Sunday.

It was also just the third time Chelsea had lost their first home match of a Premier League season after they also did so against Blackburn in 1993-94 and Burnley in 2017-18.