Giampiero Ventura Named Next Italy Head Coach: Latest Comments and Reaction

Italy have replaced outgoing manager Antonio Conte with veteran Torino coach Giampiero Ventura, it was confirmed on Tuesday.  The national team announced the news via social media: Ventura will succeed Conte after Euro 2016, when the former Juventus manager will take over the vacant post at Chelsea. Torino and Ventura made a mutual decision to part company at the end of the 2015-16 season after five years at the club, according to the Guardian. The role is the 21st of Ventura’s managerial career, which spans back to 1976, when he took charge of Sampdoria‘s... 

Italy Ease Past Finland in Final Friendly Test, but Questions Remain

The Italian national team took the field against Finland for their final friendly before the 2016 European Championship with questions left to answer.  There were still major doubts as to what the team’s best setup was in midfield, as well as on the forward line. When Dutch referee Bas Nijhuis blew his whistle for the final time, the Azzurri had a 2-0 victory—the first time they had won consecutive friendlies since 2014.  An excellent defensive performance and a sterling game from Antonio Candreva saw Italy walk out winners, but the uncertainties still remain for manager Antonio... 

From Finance to Football: The Long Journey of N Ireland Manager Michael O’Neill

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill doesn’t fit the mould of his UEFA European Championship rivals this summer. His nation has no professional league. At O’Neill’s disposal are just five Premier League footballers. Some aren’t even regulars. The rest of his squad is made up of players operating beneath England’s top flight and at other British and Irish outposts. O’Neill ended 30 years of hurt for the Northern Irish, securing qualification to a major tournament for the first time since 1986. His players, staff and the fans are riding on the crest of... 

Argentina Ride out Lionel Messi’s Absence for Vital Win over Chile

No Lionel Messi, no problem? Hardly. But tenacious Argentina at least proved that when Leo cannot weave his magic, they still have the ability to grind out big results.  The Albiceleste rode their luck early on Monday night, but, ultimately, a 2-1 win was more than deserved as they took some measure of revenge over Chile for the Copa America final defeat just under a year ago. In the absence of their captain and talisman, the likes of Angel Di Maria and Ever Banega stood up to be counted. Messi‘s will-he, won’t-he saga dominated headlines in the hours leading up to this Group D... 

United States vs. Costa Rica Betting Odds Preview, Copa America Prediction

The United States will be desperate for a victory to preserve their chances of advancing out of the group stage when they take on Costa Rica on Tuesday night at Soldier Field as -125 betting favorites on the Copa America Centenario lines at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark.   Match Odds: United States -125, Costa Rica +390, Draw +240 The party was spoiled for the hosts United States in the opening match of the Copa America Centenario. The Americans surrendered a goal just eight minutes in and were unable to rebound against a highly skilled Colombia side, falling 2-0 while pegged as slim... 

A 5-Point Plan to Take France to Euro 2016 Glory

The 2016 UEFA European Championship gets underway on Friday when hosts France take on Romania at Stade de France in Paris in the opening Group A clash. Didier Deschamps’ men are among the favourites to win the tournament and ultimately a third continental crown. With Switzerland and Albania as their two other group opponents, they have been gifted a favourable draw. Once into the latter stages, the French will have to face a big European rival at some point. However, that may well only happen in the semi-finals—assuming the hosts make it that far. Les Bleus have a proud history on home... 

Why England Boss Roy Hodgson Must Show Faith in Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane

One of the disappointments of the 2015-16 Premier League season’s evolving title race was that its key runners did not get to face off in the final stretch. Champions Leicester City will not mind they did not have to face their nearest challenger, Tottenham Hotspur, in the spring. They beat them in January, and the eventual 11-point gap more than proved their superiority. Still, for dramatic purposes, it is a shame such a clash did not occur in the campaign’s closing months—not least because it would have also given us England internationals Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane... 

Aggressive Start Imperative for USMNT in Must-Win Game Against Costa Rica

The United States men’s national team enter Tuesday’s clash with Costa Rica in last place of Group A at the Copa America Centenario.  Despite the doom and gloom surrounding Friday’s 2-0 loss to Colombia, Jurgen Klinsmann’s men still have a chance to make a statement and set themselves up for a spot in the knockout round. In order to do that, the USMNT must display an aggressive brand of soccer against a familiar foe. Tuesday’s match should contain the feel of a home World Cup qualifier, and it should be considered a must-win game for the Yanks since Costa Rica... 

Is Bastian Schweinsteiger a Help or Hindrance to Germany?

Bastian Schweinsteiger looked exhausted on Saturday as he spoke to broadcaster ZDF after Germany’s 2-0 win over Hungary, in which he returned to action after the knee injury he suffered ahead of a friendly against England back in March. “Twenty-five to 30 minutes has done me good,” the 31-year-old said, per the German football association (DFB) official website. “But 90 minutes is too much for the first game. I am fitter going into the Euros than I was two years ago going into the [2014 FIFA] World Cup.” That’s hard to believe, seeing as Schweinsteiger... 

Dunga and Brazil Must Take off Shackles at Copa America in Bid for Identity

While Wednesday’s Copa America group-stage clash with Haiti does not represent a “must-win” fixture in terms of elimination for Brazil, following the Selecao‘s slumbering goalless opener against Ecuador, the pressure only continues to mount on boss Dunga. This is quickly becoming far more critical than simply a series of disappointments. Reaction to Saturday night’s game in the Brazilian press is firmly pointing the blame for Brazil’s lack of verve firmly at their beleaguered boss, with former player Roger Flores claiming the manager took too long to change... 

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