20:19 BST 01/08/2020
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20:12 BST 01/08/2020
Former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure defends under-fire Arsenal trio Granit Xhaka, David Luiz and Nicolas Pepe
The Spaniard is the first man to win the trophy as a captain and manager with the north London club, who picked up their 14th win in the competition
Mikel Arteta was left celebrating a unique feat on Saturday as he capped his debut season in charge of Arsenal by leading the Gunners to victory in the FA Cup.
The former Arsenal captain was appointed as Unai Emery's replacement on the bench in December 2019, with the club languishing in mid-table following a disappointing start to the Premier League season.
But while results have picked up under Pep Guardiola's former number two at Manchester City, a late dip consigned the Gunners to eighth place, finishing outside of European qualification.
Arsenal therefore needed victory at Wembley to seal a spot in the 2020-21 Europa League, which duly arrived with a 2-1 comeback victory over 10-man Chelsea.
Christian Pulisic fired the Blues ahead after just five minutes, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalised from the spot to send the two sides into half-time deadlocked at 1-1.
Aubameyang then fired home his side's second after some excellent footwork in the penalty area, while Chelsea saw Mateo Kovacic receive his marching orders for a second yellow card and also lost Cesar Azpilicueta, Pulisic and Pedro to injury across a hard-fought 90 minutes.
No man before Arteta had ever led Arsenal to FA Cup glory as both a captain and manager, the Spaniard having previously lifted the trophy on two occasions during his time at the Emirates.
Arteta also became the first Gunners boss to taste success in his debut season on the bench since George Graham, who clinched the League Cup shortly after his appointment in the 1986-87 campaign.
Saturday's win consolidates Arsenal's status as the most successful club in the competition's history, pulling two clear of Manchester United with their 14th triumph in the all-time FA Cup standings.
The Gunners may have been far from their best in recent seasons, but their record when it comes to deciders is nothing short of lethal: in seven FA Cup final appearances since 2002, the north Londoners have won every single one.
They are also more than accustomed to ending Chelsea's trophy dreams, with no fewer than three of their 14 victories coming against the Blues - another competition record.
The Gabonese striker netted twice to help the Gunners overcome the Blues at Wembley and was eager to steer clear of contract talk afterwards
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang refused to be drawn on his future after netting a match-winning brace for Arsenal in the FA Cup final.
The Gabonese striker underlined his value to the Gunners cause with two goals against Chelsea on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side have continued to look to their captain for inspiration throughout the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation.
Aubameyang is yet to agree an extension to a deal at Emirates Stadium that now has less than 12 months to run.
The 31-year-old has remained coy on his plans, with plenty suggesting that major silverware would be required in order for a prolific presence to put pen to paper.
Arsenal now have that, along with qualification for the Europa League, but Aubameyang continues to give little away.
Asked if he had a message for the club’s supporters on his future after guiding them to another trophy triumph, he told BBC Sport: “Nothing. Today is about the trophy.”
Arteta was also quizzed on the plans of his talismanic skipper, with the Spaniard reiterating his belief that a deal will be agreed at some stage.
"He knows what I think about him," said Arteta. "I want to build the squad around him. I think he wants to stay and it is just about getting the deal done.
"But I think these moments will help him to realise and believe that we are in the right path and he is a big part of that. He is loved by everybody at the club. Hopefully he can continue with us."
When asked if Aubameyang will extend his time at Emirates Stadium, Arteta replied: "I think he will, yes."
Talks are, however, on hold for now as the Gunners revel in ending their 2019-20 campaign on a high.
It has been a testing season for the north London outfit, with another managerial change made, but optimism has returned under Arteta and they now have tangible reward for their efforts.
“We enjoyed it and we are all happy,” Aubameyang said on sealing FA Cup success.
He added on the job done by Arteta, who took the reins in December and is filling a first managerial post of his coaching career: “I think he deserved this win. He did a great job and we are all happy to have him on board and we all follow him.”
Aubameyang played a leading role in giving his boss something to celebrate against Chelsea.
The Blues took the lead early on through Christian Pulisic, who later limped off, with Arsenal restoring parity from the spot.
Aubameyang’s second of the game was worthy of winning any game, as he wriggled through the Chelsea defence and fired past Willy Caballero with his left foot.
He said of that finish, with Gunners legend Ian Wright among those in attendance: “It was Wrighty of the 90s.
“[Kurt] Zouma knows me well and knows I am right footed but that’s why I said ‘ok, I’ll go on my left’.”
The Tanzanian enjoyed a good 2019/20 season at Coastal Union, prompting interest from several clubs
Mainland Premier League giants Young Africans have completed the signing of Bakari Mwamnyeto from Coastal Union.
The Taifa Stars defender had been heavily linked to the Kariakoo clubs but at last, Yanga have won the battle to his signature ahead of Simba SC.
Mwamnyeto has been one of the outstanding defenders in the Premier League and his prowess rightfully attracted interest from local giants, including Azam FC.
Having put pen to paper on a two-year deal, he will now set about proving that he proves to be the successor to his international teammate Kevin Yondani.
The 35-year-old has been a regular figure at the centre of defence alongside Lamine Moro, and the addition of Mwamnyeto is a sign that Yanga are now preparing for life without him.
Mwamnyeto’s arrival is expected to generate more debate on Andrew ‘Dante’ Vincent’s future at Timu Ya Wananchi.
Vincent had fallen out with Belgian Luc Eymael, who had made it clear that he was not going to renew his contract due to disciplinary issues, although the coach has since departed the club.
Mwamnyeto played a pivotal role in Coastal Union’s season, which saw them just concede 30 goals; a fifth-best record, which was only bettered by Simba, Yanga, Azam and Biashara United.
The Tanzanian’s performance also saw him earn a place in a provisional list of 30 who will vie for the Most Valuable Player Award for the 2019/20 season. Mwamnyeto entered into the list alongside other defenders including Ugandan Nicholas Wadada who is playing for Azam, Yanga’s assistant captain Juma Abdul, and Lucas Kikoti of FA Cup 2020 finalists Namungo FC.
He is the second player the record league champions have signed in the transfer window that was opened on August 1.
The Jangwani street-based club has already confirmed the acquisition of midfielder Zawadi Peter Mauya from Kagera Sugar on a two-year deal as well.
As Tanzania Football Federation confirmed the transfer period will run until the end of August, it emphasised that no extra time is going to be granted for clubs once the window shuts.
“TFF emphasises there will be no additional time to be granted for transfers and that is why the clubs are urged to complete their activities - both signing and releasing players - within the prescribed period,” TFF said in a statement on Saturday.
Azam have also made two signings so far, while Simba, who will participate in the Caf Champions League once more, have not signed any player so far but Chief Executive Officer Senzo Mazingisa earlier said there will be minimal transfer activity.
The Wekundu wa Msimbazi official has warned his players to be wary of their opponents when they play in the domestic final
Simba SC have been warned that there will be no underdogs when they take on Namungo FC in the final of the FA Cup on Sunday.
The Wekundu wa Msimbazi will be keen to seal a treble this season, having won the Mainland Premier League title and the Charity Shield Cup - as they come up against a Namungo side who finished fourth on the league table - at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Sumbawanga, Rukwa this weekend.
The club’s Information Officer Haji Manara has cautioned the players against complacency, despite the difference in stature between the two sides, saying a cup final can go either way and therefore that they should be ready for a tough battle.
“In a cup final you don’t have a favourite winner,” Manara told Goal. “Anything can happen in a cup final, you must be alert and always avoid committing silly mistakes that can complicate matters for you.
“We all know we don’t have underdogs in such a final, the two teams in final are all equal, they won matches to reach the final and so it will be a huge mistake to underrate your opponent.
"I am hoping our boys will be keen to avoid mistakes especially at the back and give us the best result we want to end the season in style."
Despite Manara's comments, Simba will be favourites to lift the crown when they meet a team who only scraped past lowly Sahare All-Stars to reach this stage of the competition.
“From the fans, the playing unit, and the technical bench we all need to know anything can happen in the final and get prepared for a good final, go with confidence and avoid being complacent.”
In an earlier interview, Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck explained the importance of the FA Cup final by revealing he will field his best team on the day.
“It will be our final match of the season and we will, therefore, field our best squad to finish the job,” Vandenbroeck told Goal on Saturday. “I will not underrate [Namungo], they are not a team to look down upon and therefore, I have told my players what to do and what to expect in such a final, it will be difficult because they can also spring a surprise, so we must be ready to deal with them.
“I am happy we have been training for the last few days since we ended the league and all the players are fit to play, I will go for my best squad, to finish the job and give us another trophy.”
Simba defeated Yanga SC 4-1 in the semi-final to advance to the final, while Namungo narrowly defeated minnows Sahare All-Stars by a solitary goal.
The former Blaugrana star believes those at Camp Nou should be doing all they can to keep a proven goalkeeper on their books
Barcelona should be making a new contract for Marc-Andre ter Stegen “one of their priorities this summer”, says Bojan Krkic, with the Liga giants told their German goalkeeper is deserving of a lucrative deal.
Discussions regarding fresh terms have been held between those at Camp Nou and their first-choice shot-stopper.
Talks were, however, put on hold during a coronavirus-enforced break and no agreement has been reached as yet.
Ter Stegen has been generating speculation regarding a possible move elsewhere, with Premier League heavyweights Chelsea said to be among his suitors.
He is already tied to Barca through to 2022, but the Catalan giants had been hoping to have an extension in place by now.
Bojan believes they should be doing all that can to get Ter Stegen tied down, with a proven performer key to their future plans and in a strong position when it comes to demanding parity with some of the club’s top earners.
“I've got a lot of faith in Marc-Andre ter Stegen,” the former Barca playertold Sport.
“I believe that, during these years at Barça, he's improved massively as a keeper and is now one of the best in the world.
“He's only 28 which makes me think there's still room for further improvement and he could eventually become the best.
“For that reason, in my opinion, his renewal should be one of Barca's priorities this summer. His role is key in the present and future of this club.
“We're talking about an extremely solid goalkeeper and that's something which makes it uncomfortable for the opposition's forwards.
“His qualities are extensive: he closes the angles down quickly in one-on-ones, makes himself big and isn't one of those goalkeepers who guesses what the forward will do. Instead he stands strong, covering as much of the goal as possible and is very agile.
“And that doesn't even go into the fact he's capable of assuming the responsibility when the team needs his help. He always wants the ball and is another outfield player when the team has possession.
“He's also comfortable with facing the cameras after a bad performance and, in a measured and respectful way, point out the errors of the team.
“He's a very hard worker. I can attest to that because we completed a pre-season together, just before I joined Stoke. I remember not long after signing he was already trying to speak in Spanish and took an interest in Catalan.
“For all of those reasons, I don't believe the club can allow a player like him to leave.
“There's no risk when it comes to ter Stegen but, without him, everything becomes less clear. This is why the idea of not handing him a new contract can't be considered.
“Furthermore, I believe he's proven himself to rightly be amongst the best-paid members of the squad for years to come. And in doing so, it would remove a great uncertainty as we enter the transfer window.”
Barca are having to carefully manage their finances in the current window, as they also look into acquiring the likes of Inter forward Lautaro Martinez, but funds are expected to be made available for any deals deemed vital to the club’s plans.
48' Godin makes a driving run down the right and swings a good cross into Martinez at the near post. He gets the ball caught under his feet before getting his shot away and Toloi makes a good block.
46' Atalanta get us back underway for the second half!
Gasperini won't be happy with how his side have played so far and they're yet to have a shot on Handanovic's goal so far. He'll want to see a big improvement after the break, especially in the final third. Conte, on the other hand, will want to see more of the same as he looks for a second-place finish in the league.
Inter lead Atalanta 2-0 at the break. It took them just 50 seconds to break the deadlock after D'Ambrosio headed Young's cross into the back of an empty net to score the earliest Serie A goal this season. Young then doubled the lead with a brilliant curling effort from outside the box that nestled in the bottom-right corner.
45' + 6' HALF-TIME: ATALANTA 0-2 INTER.
45' + 5' Gomez is caught by Godin just outside the box and Atalanta have a free-kick in a dangerous position. Gomez steps up and tries to curl his shot over the wall, but it's blocked by Lukaku.
45' + 3' Gosens makes a driving run down the left but Inter have got a lot of their players sitting deep and closing the space ahead of him. He can't pick out a pass into the box and is forced to go backwards.
45' + 1' Martinez does really well to get away from Toloi on the left and square his cross into Lukaku on the edge of the box. His first touch lets him down though and Caldara is able to clear his lines.
42' GREAT CHANCE! Gomez times his run perfectly to stay onside before swinging a dangerous cross into the box. Young misses it and Pasalic hits the shot on the volley, but Young was in the right place to block it and put it out for a corner.
40' Martinez stayed down in the box after that challenge from Castagne and the medical team have come on to give him some treatment. He's quickly back to his feet though and he'll be able to carry on.
38' Martinez is in on goal as he drives into the box through the middle but just as he sets himself to take the shot, Castagne slides in and nicks the ball off him to deny him the chance.
37' Atalanta are keeping hold of the ball well at the moment but all of their possession is in their own half and in front of Inter. They're struggling to get forward into the final third.
35' Inter break quickly on the counter-attack and Young is leading it down the left. He is closed down by Toloi but still tries to set up Martinez through the middle. The pass is poor though and he gives it straight to Caldara.
33' Zapata puts another good cross into the box and Inter don't deal with it. Godin's clearance fall to Freuler on the edge of the box and he sets himself before hitting the shot but it's a good block from Bastoni.
31' Atalanta have a chance from a corner now and Pasalic swings the cross into the box. It's poor from him though as he can't beat the first man and De Vrij heads it clear.
29' Zapata does really well to nick the ball off De Vrij on the right but he has no one up in support with him. He swings a cross into the box anyway and it's easily dealt with by Godin.
27' Inter get the game restarted after a drinks break by taking the free-kick that Gagliarini won and play it back to their goalkeeper.
22' Martinez is near the halfway line when he gets his head up and sees that Sportiello has drifted off his line. He gets a lot of power behind the shot and it's on target, but it's comfortable for the goalkeeper.
19' Handanovic almost plays his side into trouble as he's waiting for one of his team-mates to get into space so he can make a pass. He plays it forward to Martinez, and Gomez almost intercepts it on the stretch but it's just out of his reach.
17' D'Ambrosio has scored the earliest goal in a Serie A match this season, finding the net after just 50 seconds.
15' Barella spots Martinez's run through the middle of the box and lifts the ball into his path. He takes it down on his chest but ends up completely missing the ball when he tries to hit the shot under pressure from two defenders.
13' Atalanta are starting to put some pressure on Inter in the final third now and Pasalic swings another cross in from the left. He overhits it this time though and Young is able to head it clear.
11' It's a good break by Atalanta and Pasalic puts a low cross into the six-yard box. Zapata tries to slide in and reach it but Handanovic comes off his line and gets to it first.
9' Toloi wins the ball from Lukaku and tries to play a long ball over the top to Gosens who is making a run down the left wing. He sets off too early though and the flag has gone up for offside.
7' Atalanta are struggling to keep hold of the ball and get out of their own half at the moment as Inter are pressing them high up the field and forcing them into sloppy mistakes.
3' Golini is receiving some treatment for what looks like a knee injury after he landed awkwardly when Young's cross was played into the box from the goal. He's led to the side of the field and it looks like he's not going to be able to carry on.
1' Lukaku gets the game underway for Inter!
The players are out on the pitch, with kick-off just moments away.
Atalanta have won their last seven home games in Serie A and could set their all-time record if they beat Inter to win their eighth consecutive top-flight home league match.
Antonio Conte makes four changes to the team that started against Napoli in their last game, with Godin, Gagliardini, Young and Martinez all coming into the starting line-up. Candreva, Biraghi, Valero and Sanchez all drop to the bench.
Gian Piero Gasperini makes just two changes to the side that beat Parma last time out as he brings in Djimsiti and Toloi. Sutalo starts on the bench while Jose Luis Palomino misses out with a thigh injury.
INTER SUBS: Borja Valero, Cristiano Biraghi, Alexis Sanchez, Andrea Ranocchia, Sebastiano Esposito, Daniele Padelli, Tommaso Beri, Lucien Agoume, Victor Moses, Christian Eriksen, Milan Skriniar, Antonio Candreva.
INTER STARTING XI (3-4-1-2): Samir Handanovic; Diego Godin, Stefan de Vrij, Alessandro Bastoni; Danilo D'Ambrosio, Marcelo Brozovic, Roberto Gagliardini, Ashley Young; Nicolo Barella; Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez.
ATALANTA SUBS: Jacopo Da Riva, Francesco Rossi, Hans Hateboer, Luis Muriel, Ebrima Colley, Raoul Bellanova, Rodrigo Guth, Marco Sportiello, Bosko Sutalo, Lennart Czyborra, Ruslan Malinovskiy, Adrien Tameze.
ATALANTA STARTING XI (3-4-1-2): Pierluigi Gollini; Rafael Toloi, Mattia Caldara, Berat Djimsiti; Timothy Castagne, Marten de Roon, Remo Freuler, Robin Gosens; Mario Pasalic; Alejandro Gomez, Duvan Zapata.
Both teams are guaranteed a top-four finish this season, no matter the result in this game, but both are in with a chance of finishing second. Atalanta are just one point behind Inter and will leapfrog them with a win today. They are currently on a 19-match unbeaten run in all competitions (W15 D4). Inter have lost just one of their 13 games since the restart in all competitions (a 2-1 loss to Bologna) and are unbeaten in their last seven.
Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Serie A meeting between Atalanta and Inter at the Gewiss Stadium!
53' Calhanoglu drops his cross right on he head of Kjaer, but the Denmark international sends a glancing header wide.
52' Calabria is getting forward at will down Milan’s right, and has just won a free-kick in a promising position. Set-piece specialist Calhanoglu stands over it…
50' Calhanoglu’s miss, combined with Ibrahimovic’s failure from the spot, has handed Cagliari a lifeline they hardly deserve. Will they take advantage?
48' WHAT A MISS! That’s embarrassing for Calhanoglu who, from six yards out, has skewed an effort into the floor and up over the bar. Ibrahimovic was the provider with a perfect cross, but with the goal gaping, Calhanoglu fluffed his lines.
46' KICK-OFF! Milan get the second half started.
Leao was certainly a standout performer in the opening half-hour but he has made way with an injury, and Milan have certainly missed the forward. However, they have more than enough quality on the pitch and in reserve to see out this result and end the season on a high.
A strong performance from Milan in the first half, though it has ended on a sour note for them, with Ibrahimovic missing a penalty. They lead courtesy of an own goal from Klavan, who turned into his own net after Leao’s strike hit the woodwork.
45' + 3' HALF-TIME: MILAN 1-0 CAGLIARI.
45' + 1' There will be three minutes added on before the break.
43' PENALTY TO MILAN! Calabria picks out Ibrahimovic with a looping cross, who attempts a header. It seems to come off his shoulder, but onto the raised arm of Walukiewicz. The defender did not appear to be able to do much to get out of the way, yet the referee has pointed to the spot.
40' Calhanoglu has been involved in six goals in his last three home appearances in Serie A, scoring three and making three assists. The last midfielder to score in four consecutive home games was Andrea Pirlo in 2005.
38' Bennacer is not in the side to score goals, and he has perhaps just displayed why, with a very wayward strike from range. Meanwhile, Milan have prepared a change, with Leao unable to carry on.
36' Play goes on while Leao receives treatment, with some Milan substitutes warming up in case they are required.
35' This could be a worry for Milan, with Leao having stopped due to what could have been a hamstring injury. He is receiving some attention on the touchline.
33' Milan have had over 65 per cent of the possession so far. Their performance has certainly been worthy of anothe goal before the break.
31' Milan have eased off the pressure in the last few minutes, and just allowing Cagliari to have the ball for a spell. The visitors do not look likely to pose any major problems, though.
29' Cagliari have won only one of their last 13 away games in Serie A, and that record does not appear to be ending today based on their performance so far.
26' We’ve reached the first drinks break.
24' OFF THE BAR! So close to what would have been an incredible second for Milan. Leao met a cross from the right with an audacious overhead kick. The connection is true and Cragno is rooted to the spot, but the ball rattles away off of the woodwork.
23' CHANCE! That should have been 2-0! Ibrahimovic latches onto a brilliant cross from Castillejo, but Cragno is on hand to make a superb save from the forward’s close-range volley.
22' Leao has been a star of the show so far for Milan and displays a great turn of pace to leave several Cagliari defenders in his wake. After a driving run he feeds Ibrahimovic, whose shot is deflected out for a corner.
20' Milan really have been in total control so far, with Simeone and Pereiro having hardly had a touch.
18' Should they win this game, Milan could set their record of 15 consecutive home wins against a single Serie A opponent.
16' Milan continue to apply the pressure, with Leao drilling in a cross which Castillejo meets, but his first-time effort is directed straight at Cragno.
14' Bennacer has received treatment and is fit to carry on.
11' That goal had certainly been coming, though Leao – who scored with a superb strike in the win over Sampdoria last time out – is unfortunate it won’t go down as his own. Calhanoglu and Ibrahimovic were again at the heart of the move, with the pair combining to tee up Leao.
10' Ibrahimovic and Calhanoglu have formed a terrific partnership since Serie A resumed, with the latter thriving playing in a central role behind the veteran striker.
8' Calhanoglu delivers a wonderful cross from the left, which Cragno flaps at. Ibrahimovic, however, could not take advantage.
5' Cagliari have lost 41 games against Milan in Serie A so far – more than against any other opponent.
3' Almost a rather comical opener for Milan, as a corner finds its way through to Hernandez. He cannot react quickly enough, but the ball diverts off him and heads just wide of the upright.
1' KICK-OFF! Cagliari get the match underway.
The teams are out at San Siro and kick-off is coming up shortly.
Walter Zenga also makes two changes – Rog and Joao Pedro both dropping out, with Nandez and Lykogiannis coming in. Someone and Pereiro scored against Juve, and they start up top.
CAGLIARI SUBSTITUTES: Valter Birsa, Federico Marigosu, Leonardo Pavoletti, Isaias Del Pupo, Giuseppe Ciocci, Rafael, Alberto Paloschi, Andrea Carboni, Luca Gagliano, Riccardo Ladinetti, Alessandro Lombardi, Fabio Pisacane.
CAGLIARI (3-5-2): Alessio Cragno; Sebastian Walukiewicz, Ragnar Klavan, Luca Ceppitelli; Federico Mattiello, Nahitan Nandez, Artur Ionita, Paolo Farago, Charalampos Lykogiannis; Giovanni Simeone, Gaston Pereiro.
Just two changes from Pioli. Rebic has made way for Leao, who will start on the left but likely will be given the freedom to join Ibrahimovic. The other alteration sees Castillejo replace Saelemaekers.
MILAN SUBSTITUTES: Asmir Begovic, Giacomo Bonaventura, Lucas Biglia, Lorenzo Colombo, Lucas Paqueta, Leo Duarte, Alexis Saelemaekers, Antonio Donnarumma, Diego Laxalt, Marco Brescianini, Emanuele Torrasi, Daniel Maldini.
MILAN (4-2-3-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Davide Calabria, Simon Kjaer, Matteo Gabbia, Theo Hernandez; Franck Kessie, Ismael Bennacer; Samu Castillejo, Hakan Calhanoglu, Rafael Leao; Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Cagliari, meanwhile, sit safely in mid-table despite winning just one of their last nine league games – though that victory did come against champions Juventus last time out.
Milan have a Europa League place wrapped up, as they are four points ahead of seventh-placed Napoli. Stefano Pioli’s side are unbeaten since the resumption of the season, and will be looking to make it, at the least, 12 games unbeaten to wrap up their campaign.
Hello and welcome to live coverage of Milan’s final Serie A match of 2019-20, as the Rossoneri take on Cagliari.
55' Zaniolo is running the show. He cuts inside from the right and goes for goal but sees a shot deflected wide.
51' A very awlward moment for Fuzato! Frabotta's low cross from the left reaches Ibanez, who controls on his knee. Fuzato should be able to pick the ball up but panics and instead lashes clear under pressure from Bernardeschi.
50' Juve struggled from set-pieces in the first half, but Szczesny claims the latest corner.
49' CLOSE! Szczesny comes to Juve's rescue! They have emerged for the second half in determined mood but are nearly picked off on the counter. Zaniolo marches forward and squares to Kalinic, whose rising shot is deflected before Szczesny touches the ball over the top.
47' SAVE! Higuain powers past Smalling into the area but sees a low shot blocked by Fuzato. The flag is then raised for an offside as players on either side make for the rebound.
47' Juve are 45 minutes away from their first Serie A home defeat since then title rivals Napoli won 1-0 in Turin in April 2018.
46' KICK-OFF: Roma get the action back under way.
Juve have scored at least two goals in each of their past 12 home games. They will need to do so again if they are to end the season unbeaten at Allianz Stadium.
Juve will celebrate their title triumph after this game, but Roma are rather spoiling the party. Higuain scored early, yet the Giallorossi responded well and were level through Kalinic. Perotti's penalty then gave the visitors a lead to take into half-time.
45' + 3' HALF-TIME: Juventus 1-2 Roma
45' + 2' Wasteful! Bernardeschi steps up to take the free-kick conceded by Perotti and goes for goal, yet a powerful effort comfortably clears the crossbar.
45' + 1' There will be a minimum of two minutes' added time at the end of this first half.
45' SAVE! Straight at Szczesny this time, but Juve are struggling in defence! They concede possession and a quick pass finds Zaniolo in the area. He turns and shoots quickly but lacks the power or accuracy to really trouble Szczesny.
43' PENALTY! Roma have a spot-kick! Calafiori has been involved in everything! A couple of poor early errors included a foul in the build-up to the Juve goal, but now he is tripped by Danilo to win a penalty.
42' Juve stay patient as they build their latest attack, but Higuain then turns and carries the ball forward, only to overhit the pass in behind to Bernardeschi. Roma regroup.
39' Disappointment for Roma. Perotti gets into a good position down the left and has men forward in support but sends a cross behind for a goal-kick.
37' NO GOAL! Calafiori lashes in a stunning strike from the edge of the area after Szczesny flaps at a corner, but the whistle quickly goes. There is some confusion initially. However, it appears the ball swings out of play from the corner before Szczesny touches it.
35' Ibanez is slightly fortunate to avoid a booking for a fairly needless lunge on Bernardeschi, but that intervention at least halts Juve's momentum. Roma win the ball back following the free-kick and go on the attack.
32' Juve are moving the ball with greater fluency in recent minutes, but Fuzato has had nothing to do besides pick the ball out of his own net for the early opener.
30' WIDE! Great hit! Frabotta fancies a debut goal! A nicely worked move frees the full-back, who marches forward and lashes a low, powerful effort just past the post.
29' Ibanez slips when attempting to clear and gets Roma into a spot of bother. Juve win the ball back by the corner flag on the right, although they are then forced to go backwards.
27' The game gets back under way with a full complement of players. Matuidi, like Rabiot earlier, is fit to continue.
25' Matuidi goes down heavily in a challenge, before the game is paused for a cooling break. The Juve midfielder has the opportunity to lift himself and receive treatment.
22' This is a much better break from Roma! Kalinic controls on halfway and has both Zaniolo and Zappacosta up in support. The former is in a better position but the ball finds the latter, who cuts inside and sees a shot deflected wide.
20' Zaniolo is still struggling to find that final ball. He lifts a pass over the top for Kalinic, but Rugani gets across to play the ball off the striker and behind.
19' After a brief stoppage, the game restarts and Rabiot is able to return.
18' Concern for Juve as Rabiot requires treatment. He appears to be stepped on by Ibanez.
17' Disappointing from Zaniolo! The Roma man, a wonderful runner, drives forward and has the Juve defence back-pedalling, but his pass to Kalinic is poor and he commits a foul attempting to win the ball back.
16' This is better from Roma. Zappacosta continues to get forward well against a rookie opponent, but his latest foray results in a wayward cross.
15' Zappacosta does well to keep the ball for Roma as he marauds down the right, then cutting inside for Zaniolo to shoot. Juve block.
13' The hosts are pressing hard. Roma win the ball back and briefly look to have an opportunity to counter, yet they are instead forced back the other way by the black and white shirts.
11' Juve are attempting to turn the screw. A wonderful passing move sees the ball ping around the Roma half before Rabiot creates space for Danilo to cross from the right, but he cannot find a team-mate.
9' Roma have had plenty of the ball - 68 per cent - but have done precious little with it so far. A long ball towards Zaniolo is grasped by former Giallorossi man Szczesny.
8' There are young left-backs on either side. Calafiori has already endured a tough time and now Frabotta lunges in late. He is warned.
5' Corner to Juve. Bernardeschi delivers a wonderful set-piece, but a Roma defender gets up highest to flick the ball behind.
4' Now Calafiori comes out second best going back the other way with a rash shove on Bernardeschi. Juve get a free-kick in a dangerous position on the right.
2' Danilo makes a well-timed tackle on Calafiori after a poor Perotti pass, with the ball bouncing behind off the teenage wing-back.
2' Against a makeshift Juve side, it is Roma who are taking control of the possession in the opening stages.
1' Both teams are turning out in their new 2020-21 kits, with Juve returning to stripes for the coming campaign.
1' KICK-OFF: Juve get us up and running!
The past four meetings between these two sides in Turin have ended in 1-0 Juventus wins. The Bianconeri have come out on top in their most recent eight home games against Roma.
Cristiano Ronaldo's absence was confirmed earlier on Saturday, with Juve's top scorer left out of the squad - presumably with one eye on the upcoming Lyon game. Paulo Dybala is missing with a thigh injury, too, meaning Zanimacchia gets a full debut. Left-back Frabotta is making his first appearance for the Bianconeri.
Subs: Pau Lopez, Juan Jesus, Edin Dzeko, Aleksandar Kolarov, Yildirim Mert Cetin, Cengiz Under, Davide Santon, Carles Perez, Bruno Peres, Amadou Diawara, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Justin Kluivert.
Roma (3-4-3): Daniel Fuzato; Ibanez, Chris Smalling, Federico Fazio; Davide Zappacosta, Bryan Cristante, Gonzalo Villar, Riccardo Calafiori; Nicolo Zaniolo, Nikola Kalinic, Diego Perotti.
Subs: Carlo Pinsoglio, Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Sandro, Juan Cuadrado, Merih Demiral, Rodrigo Bentancur, Marco Olivieri, Wesley, Daouda Peeters, Giacomi Vrioni.
Juventus (4-3-3): Wojciech Szczesny; Danilo, Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, Gianluca Frabotta; Simone Muratore, Blaise Matuidi, Adrien Rabiot; Federico Bernardeschi, Gonzalo Higuain, Luca Zanimacchia.
Let's get the team news from Turin...
Sarri will be keen to ensure Juve get back on track following a midweek defeat to Cagliari, however. After today's match, the Italian champions have just six days before they host Lyon in their Champions League last-16 second leg. Juve trail 1-0 at the midway stage in that tie.
Juve have not been wholly convincing since the season resumed amid the coronavirus pandemic, but Maurizio Sarri's side have done enough to claim a ninth straight Scudetto. Like opponents Roma - confirmed to finish fifth - the Bianconeri have nothing riding on this fixture.
Hello and welcome to our live text commentary of Juventus versus Roma on the final day of the Serie A season!
The Mexico international continues to spark plenty of transfer talk on the back of a prolific 2019-20 campaign, but he has been urged to stay put
Raul Jimenez may be generating talk of interest from the likes of Manchester United and Juventus, but Wolves legend Steve Bull sees no reason for the Mexican to push for a move.
The 29-year-old has been enjoying the most productive season of his career to date, with 26 goals recorded across the 2019-20 campaign.
Those efforts have attracted admiring glances from afar, with Jimenez embracing the speculation he has been generating.
He considers the links to United and Juve, along with Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, to be “cool” and has been doing little to douse the transfer flames.
Bull, though, believes that Molineux is the best place for Jimenez at this stage of his career – with Europa League football already being taken in – and hopes a prolific frontman will stay put.
The Wolves icon told the Express and Star: “The Mexican striker continues to be the subject of lots of speculation, linking him with sides such as Manchester United and Juventus.
“It would take something special for him to leave, but why go when Jimenez has everything at Molineux?
“This is a great set-up, a great club, a great manager, and he does not need to go.
“Of course, he wants to win medals, but he can do that at Wolves. Sooner rather than later, too.
“At his age, you could look at it as a chance to earn a big move on big money, but I think we can match his ambitions, and finances are not a problem either.
“Having been involved with Wolves for 34 years, I can safely say the ambition of the club is huge. And it is not just Premier League football. It is Europe as well.
“We have not been in this situation for a long time, and Jimenez has started something, so why not finish it here?
“I think Wolves have the fire-power to keep players like that now. They can pull the stops out to keep him.”
Wolves have Jimenez tied a four-year contract, so are under no pressure to sell, having made the Mexico ace their £30 million ($39m) club record signing in April 2019 after initially seeing him catch the eye in England during a loan spell from Benfica.
The United States international was forced from the field early in the second half having previously opened the scoring against Arsenal
Christian Pulisic was forced to hobble out of the FA Cup final on Saturday, with the Chelsea forward suffering a hamstring injury during a meeting with Arsenal.
The United States international, who had been carefully nursed through a slight knock prior to an outing at Wembley Stadium, broke down early in the second half.
He had opened the scoring inside five minutes, becoming the first American to net in the showpiece event.
The 21-year-old looked lively once again for the Blues, with his quick feet allowing him to find the target early on.
Pulisic was looking to edge Chelsea back in front, after seeing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang restore parity from the spot, within minutes of the restart.
He was sent scampering through on goal after finding space down the Blues’ left, but crumpled to the deck moments after forcing a save from Emiliano Martinez.
There were no Arsenal defenders near him at the time, with a muscle problem leaving Pulisic on the turf.
He did get a shot away, which slipped wide of the post, but could be seen screaming in agony before making contact with the ball.
It was clear from the moment he went down that the youngster was in a lot of pain and treatment was given to him by Chelsea’s medical staff, but he was in no position to continue.
Pulisic had to be helped from the field, with anguish etched all over his face, with the biggest occasion in his debut campaign with the Blues brought to a premature conclusion.
Frank Lampard opted to introduce World Cup winner Pedro off the bench as cover for his stricken star.
It was Chelsea's second forced substitution of the encounter, having also lost Cesar Azpilicueta to a suspected muscular issue prior to half time, with Pedro then suffering a dislocated shoulder late on - with the Spaniard due to link up with Roma nursing a knock.
Lampard's side now face a nervous wait to find out the full extent of the injuries as they return to Champions League action against Bayern Munich on August 8.
"I don’t even know, I am afraid," said Lampard when asked how serious the injuries are. "I know that they are hamstring injuries with Christian and Azpi.
"They have to be scanned and assessed over the next few days and they clearly won’t be fit for next week.
"Pedro, I believe, could be a dislocated shoulder but don’t go too soon on that because I am not sure. I have not seen him as he was whisked away so it is really a disappointing end for him because it was probably his last game for Chelsea."
The Blues trail the tie against Bayern 3-0 and may bring the curtain down on their 2019-20 campaign at the Allianz Arena.
That appears to have already happened for Pulisic, with Chelsea hoping that he is not sidelined for long as the 2020-21 Premier League season is scheduled to begin on September 12.
The defender is expected to be in the Wekundu wa Msimbazi team to play Namungo in the FA Cup final on Sunday
Simba SC defender Erasto Nyoni has bought young fan Jumanne Ulimwengu a bicycle, fulfilling a promise he made to the supporter.
The Tanzania international delivered a jersey printed with his name and number on the back to the young boy for his loyalty, and after getting the jersey, Ulimwengu went on to request the Taifa Stars defender buy him a bicycle to use when going to school.
"Erasto Nyoni has awarded his fan Jumanne Ulimwengu with a jersey," Simba SC confirmed on Friday. "A couple of weeks ago, the youngster was shown by Azam TV with a t-shirt which had the player's name and number on the back.
"After rewarding him with the jersey, Jumanne requested Nyoni to also buy him a bicycle to help him get to school, and the defender promised to buy him that as well."
On Saturday, the 32-year-old delivered on his promise by buying and presenting the bicycle to his new friend.
"Erasto Nyoni has honoured his promise of buying Jumanne Ulimwengu a bicycle to be used for school," Simba confirmed on Saturday through their social media accounts. "Nyoni had made that promise on Friday when awarding the boy a jersey."
The defender is expected to be in the team to play Namungo on Sunday in the final of the FA Cup.
The Wekundu wa Msimbazi will be keen to seal a treble this season, having won the Mainland Premier League title and the Charity Shield Cup, as they come up against a Namungo side who finished fourth on the league table, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Sumbawanga, Rukwa.
Coach Sven Vandenbroeck told Goal he will not underrate their opponents and will, instead, pick his best squad for the final.
"It will be our final match of the season and we will, therefore, field our best squad to finish the job,” Vandenbroeck told Goal on Saturday. "I will not underrate [Namungo], they are not a team to look down upon and therefore, I have told my players what to do and what to expect in such a final.
"It will be difficult because they can also spring a surprise, so we must be ready to deal with them," he concluded. "I am happy we have been training for the last few days since we ended the league and all the players are fit to play.
"I will go for my best squad, to finish the job and give us another trophy."
Along with the Indian Prime Minister, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too conveyed her best wishes for the Kolkata side…
India’s honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Indian football and Kolkata giants East Bengal on their centenary on Saturday.
Modi took Twitter to convey his best wishes for the Red and Golds who were formed on August 1 1920. The Prime Minister’s Tweet read, “Best wishes to generations of footballers, members and of course supporters on the centenary of East Bengal. This is a milestone for Indian sport, and for the football traditions and sports-loving culture of West Bengal. May the East Bengal Mashal forever illuminate the Maidan!”
Other than the Prime Minister, West Bengal’s honourable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too wished the Kolkata giants on completing 100 years.
Banerjee’s Tweet read, “Congratulations to East Bengal & its fans for completing 100 years today. Your glorious legacy is an envy for football clubs around the world.”
August 1 is a milestone day in Indian football as one of the biggest clubs in the country and in West Bengal were born on this day.
The origin story encapsulates what the club stands for – a club with a unique identity born out of resilience against discrimination.
On July 28th Mohun Bagan was to face Jora Bagan in Coochbehar Cup and star halfback Sailesh Bose and Nasha Singh were excluded from the latter’s side. Jora Bagan’s vice-president and chairman Suresh Chandra Chaudhari requested for their inclusion but his request fell on deaf ears and so, he severed all his connections with the club.
Both these players were from the eastern part of Bengal and Suresh was also from the same region. It did not take him much time to connect the dots and he parted ways with the club immediately.
He went on to form a new club alongside Sailesh, Nasha, Shri Tait Bhusan Roy, Manmatha Nath Roy Chaudhari and Aurobindo Ghosh. Thus, on August 1, 1920, East Bengal was born.
The Indomitable Lionesses star got the scoring started for the visitors with a double in their latest away triumph
Cameroon international Ajara Nchout bagged her first brace of the season as Valerenga claimed a 3-0 win against Arna-Bjornar in Saturday’s Norwegian Toppserien game at Arna Idrettspark.
The Indomitable Lionesses star made her fourth start of the season in five appearances for her side, and starred in the opening matches, scoring crucial goals on her last three successive outings.
Arna, who had Nigeria's Ngozi Ebere on their books were seeking to end their losing streak since opening day's triumph at Roa, while Valerenga targeted their fourth win on the bounce this season.
With three goals in the last three matches, Nchout almost fired Valerenga in front with just two minutes into the match but her brilliant attempt was denied by the woodwork.
The visitors found the breakthrough when Marie Madsen raced down the right side to lay up free-running Nchout, who made no mistake to open the scoring, coolly slotting home in the 11th minute.
After the restart, Arna missed the services of defender Ebere as a defensive blunder saw Andrine Tomter set up Nchout to bag her brace with her 18-metre strike in the 74th minute.
Four minutes from time, Sherida Spitse provided a superb cross for Madsen, who got behind the hosts' backline to seal the fourth win of the season and Valerenga's impressive start to the campaign.
Nchout, who played from the start to the finish, has now scored five goals in five appearances this season for Valerenga.
Ebere was overlooked again as her side suffered their fourth successive defeat of the season.
The result means Valerenga moved to second on the log with 12 points from five matches, while Arna dropped to the eighth position on the 10-team table with just three points from five outings.
In next fixtures, Velerenga welcome ninth-placed Kolbotn on August 7, while Arna will travel to face leaders Lillestrom two days later.
Frank Lampard matches Arsenal by fielding a 3-4-3 formation of sorts, which has been the case for Chelsea's last three matches, including the semi-final win over Manchester United. The Blues are unchanged from their 2-0 win over Wolves last weekend, meaning Caballero is preferred to Kepa in goal. There is no Willian in the matchday squad.
Arsenal have had good success with a three-man defence and Mikel Arteta sticks with that formation today. There is one change from the 3-2 win over Watford on the final day of the Premier League season - Bellerin returns at right wing-back in place of the benched Willock. Aubameyang scored both semi-final goals and starts alongside Lacazette and Pepe.
Subs: Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi, N'Golo Kante, Fikayo Tomori, Emerson Palmieri, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ross Barkley, Pedro, Andreas Christensen.
CHELSEA XI (3-4-3): Willy Caballero; Cesar Azpilicueta (c), Kurt Zouma, Antonio Rudiger; Reece James, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Marcos Alonso; Mason Mount, Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic.
Subs: Bukayo Saka, Matt Macey, Eddie Nketiah, Sokratis, Joseph Willock, Sead Kolasinac, Matthew Smith, Lucas Torreira, Reiss Nelson.
ARSENAL XI (3-4-3): Emiliano Martinez, Rob Holding, David Luiz, Kieran Tierney; Hector Bellerin, Dani Ceballos, Granit Xhaka, Ainsley Maitland-Niles; Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (c).
Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League - therefore securing a place in next season's Champions League - while opponents Arsenal were 10 points worse off in eighth, so they need to win today if they are to qualify for the Europa League.
Arsenal beat holders Manchester City 2-0 in the semi-finals and are looking to win the competition for a record-extending 14th time. Chelsea saw off Manchester United 3-1 in the last round, meanwhile, and have lifted the famous cup five times in the last 13 years.
Hello and welcome to our live text coverage of the 2019-20 FA Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley. This is the third time these sides have met in the showpiece fixture, with Arsenal coming out on top in 2002 and 2017.
The ‘Ice Cream Makers’ have unveiled their second signing as they strive to beef up the squad in readiness for new season
Azam FC have continued with their transfer activities after signing Ally Niyonzima from Rayon Sports.
The ‘Ice Cream Makers’ have confirmed the arrival of the Rwanda international who has signed a two-year contract that will see him stay at the Chamazi-based club until 2023.
The club have confirmed the signing in their social media pages by stating: “Azam is proud to confirm the signing of Ally [Niyonzima] on a two-year contract.
“Niyonzima, who was playing for Rayon Sports of Rwanda, comes in as a recommendation from our head coach Aristica Cioaba and will join the team in pre-season training ahead of the new season.”
Speaking after sealing the latest signing, Azam CEO Abdulkarim ‘Popat’ Amin welcomed Niyonzima, who also features for the national team Amavubi, to the Azam family and wished him well.
Niyonzima becomes the second signing for Azam, who have already brought on board winger Awesu Awesu from Kagera Sugar.
Earlier on Saturday, the team also confirmed they had released three foreign players led by goalkeeper Razak Abalora, winger Emmanuel Mvuyekure, and striker Donald Ngoma, who the club had loaned to KMC FC.
According to Amin, the club reached an agreement to release the trio after they ran down their respective contracts.
"We have decided to release the three players because they have run down their contract and we are not keen to renew them, both parties have agreed that we part ways,” Amin told Goal.
“We released [Ngoma] whom we had taken on loan to KMC, and Razak, whose contract ended last Sunday, same as Mvuyekure, we don’t have them now in our squad, they have all left and we wish them well in their future engagements.”
Azam did not enjoy as good a season as they had anticipated at the beginning of the campaign, as they managed to finish third in the league with 70 points, 18 fewer than winners Simba SC, and two behind second-placed Yanga SC. They managed to get 20 wins, 10 draws and eight defeats.
The team also failed to retain their FA Cup title to stand a chance of representing the country in the Caf Confederation Cup. They were paired with Wekundu wa Msimbazi in the quarter-finals and fell 2-0.
The Nigeria and the Cameroon forwards scored for their respective clubs as the Blue and White shared the spoils with Franck Haise’s men
Cyriel Dessers and Ignatius Ganago found the back of the net as Genk held Lens to a 1-1 draw in a pre-season game on Saturday.
Nigerian forward Dessers joined the Blue and White in June from Dutch side Heracles Almelo, where he shone during his one-year stay with the club.
The 25-year-old won the 2019–20 Eredivisie joint-top scorer award along with Steven Berghuis with 15 goals apiece and had 18 strikes in 29 appearances across all competitions for the club before his departure.
Dessers has been in fine form since his arrival at Luminus Arena, scoring in their victories over AZ Alkmaar and Excelsior.
Cameroon international Ganago is also a summer arrival at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, joining the newly-promoted Ligue 1 side from OGC Nice.
The African stars made key contributions in the encounter, with Dessers opening the scoring in the 44th minute from the penalty spot.
Ganago then levelled for Franck Haise’s men at the hour mark to ensure the Blood and Gold avoided defeat in the match.
The African players will hope to continue their fine performances in front of goal in their next pre-season games.
Dessers was handed his Super Eagles first call-up against Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game in March but the outbreak of the coronavirus forced the match to be postponed indefinitely.
The 25-year-old started his career with OH Leuven’s youth team and was promoted to the senior side in 2013.
The forward made only one league appearance for Leuven before teaming up with Lokeren in April 2014 and featured in 32 league games for the Belgian club.
The striker also played for NAC Breda and Utrecht before moving to Heracles Almelo in the summer of 2019.
Ganago, meanwhile, made his debut for Cameroon in a friendly against Tunisia in October 2019 and will hope to deliver impressive performances for Lens in the 2020-21 season to boost his chances of playing regularly for the West Africans.
The Premier League title winner suffered a tough start to his time at Anfield, leading to links with Fulham, but he came through that stronger
Jordan Henderson claims leaving Liverpool never crossed his mind during a testing start to his spell at Anfield, with the Premier League title winner always determined to “prove people wrong”.
The England international was snapped up by the Reds in the summer of 2011, with his potential prised away from Sunderland.
Forming part of a star-studded squad on Merseyside looked to be a step too far for Henderson, as he was quickly linked with another switch to Fulham.
No deal was done and the 30-year-old has gone on to become a worthy successor to Steven Gerrard as Liverpool captain.
Henderson has got his hands on Champions League and Premier League trophies, while also being named FWA Football of the Year for 2020.
He has silenced his critics in style, and the hard-working midfielder says that was always his intention after seeing many write him off.
Henderson told the Liverpool Echo: “There have been ups and downs over the last few years and throughout my career. There are always going to be tough times in your career and your life.
“It’s about how you deal and react to those setbacks. You can use them as motivation to push yourself forward and want to improve. You need those setbacks in your career to become stronger as a player and a person also.
“Obviously, it wasn’t always easy at the start of my Liverpool career and although a lot’s been made of it, it was never really an option for me to leave. I knew that wasn’t what I wanted, and it gave me even more motivation to prove people wrong.
“Brendan Rodgers was very good in that regard – he said he would help me improve and learn the things I needed to learn to get into the team more regularly. Tactically I became more aware and had a better understanding of the game, and going into the finer details really helped.
“When you go through tough periods, it’s about finding a way to deal with it. Your family helps, but sometimes you don’t want to bring that back into your home life.
“I’ve dealt with a lot on my own, but I’ve had great people around me as well such as my team-mates, managers and staff. I’ve been lucky enough to have so many good people at Liverpool Football Club that have helped me on my journey.”
One of those to have helped Henderson reach the very top of the game is current Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, with the German tactician continuing to be showered with praise on the back of his efforts at Anfield.
Henderson said of his charismatic coach: “Jurgen has a good relationship with all the players. But he has a great balance in terms of the respect he has for them, knowing when to put an arm around them and knowing when they need a kick up the backside. You can see the players respond to him.
“The manager deserves a huge amount of credit for what he has done since coming to Liverpool, not only the team but the whole club top to bottom and also the fans as well. He has brought everybody closer together and what he has created is so special.”
The Racing Club legend considers a modern-day superstar to sit at the very top of the list when it comes to all-time greats
Lionel Messi is the finest talent to have ever graced a football field, says Humberto Maschio, with the Argentine ranking the Barcelona superstar above Pele, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff and Alfredo Di Stefano.
A Racing Club icon has witnessed all of the aforementioned all-time greats in action, so is in a strong position to offer an opinion on who should sit at the top of the pile.
For Maschio, Messi is the obvious choice as the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has raised his game above the standard set by those who went before him.
Maschio told Clarin: “I've seen Di Stefano, Pele, Maradona, Cruyff - I've seen them all. But Messi is the best.
“I've faced some of those myself but I repeat, again, Messi is the best.”
Maschio acknowledges that the likes of Pele and Maradona were sporting geniuses, but he still considers them to sit in the shadow of a modern-day superstar.
He added: “They were great players in their time but the pace of the modern game is so different. Just look at the goals Messi has scored.
“Leo doesn't run around much on the pitch but when he needs to, it's as if the ball is stuck to his feet.
“I've seen players with unbelievable pace but when they have the ball, they slow down. Yet with Leo it's the opposite and he does it in such a fantastic way.”
Messi has raised the bar of individual excellence over the course of his stunning career.
Along with his enviable collection of Golden Balls, the 33-year-old also has 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns to his name.
He has been able to maintain remarkable standards since bursting onto the scene as a precociously-gifted teenager and now has 633 goals for Barcelona through 729 appearances.
Messi has also registered 70 efforts through 138 outings for Argentina, but is still waiting on a first piece of senior silverware at international level.
That is often used as an argument against him being the best of all-time, with the likes of Pele and Maradona having World Cup wins on their respective CVs, but it could be that Messi ends that debate when going in search of more honours over the coming years.
