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Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha believes that although Viktor Gyokeres "has done well so far" since making a big-money move to Arsenal from Sporting CP over the summer, he "has had it easy in some ways." Saha has urged the Swedish international to prove his mettle "when the pressure in on", claiming that he "needs to be the final piece of the puzzle" for Mikel Arteta and co.

• Arsenal firing on all cylinders, without Gyokeres…

  Arsenal are flying high – both domestically and in Europe – as Mikel Arteta's project finally takes full shape, producing a side with the firepower and maturity to not only challenge for major honours but genuinely expect to lift silverware at the end of the season. 

  The Gunners are on a 16-game unbeaten streak, showcasing their consistency. They firmly established themselves as the team to beat right now following a 3-1 shellacking of a seemingly unbeatable and unstoppable Bayern Munich in the Champions League this week. It was a statement win that underscored Arsenal's intent to assert their authority across the continent, handing Vincent Kompany's side their first defeat of the season after they had triumphantly won 17 of their previous 18 matches.

  Arteta has done remarkably to navigate through the ongoing injury crisis, which has seen Arsenal deal with the absences of Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel, and Gyokeres.

  To make up for the Swede's unavailability – he's scored six goals in 14 games since arriving at the Emirates Stadium – Arteta has shown his profound ability to adapt and reinvent, again playing Mikel Merino in the false nine role. The move has paid dividends, proving that Arsenal can do just fine without their biggest signing of the summer. 

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  Gyokeres told to step up for Arsenal in 'tough moments'

  Speaking to Saha dissected Gyokeres' first three months as an Arsenal player. Although he wasn't too critical of the striker, he has urged him to finish his adaptation as soon as possible.

  "He's done well so far. It's a good start," Saha said. "Viktor has had it easy in some ways, because Arsenal are a team who create a lot of chances and they've been on the hunt for a No. 9 to put the ball in the net. He should be finding himself in the position to score week in, week out. But the real test will be at those tough moments, when the pressure is on.

  "I think we're going to judge Gyokeres' debut season on those moments of real pressure and importance, and we haven't seen them yet. It's only November. Those moments will define his season and his time at Arsenal. He may only need to score tap-ins, but it's when those tap-ins come that matter.

  "He's been in England before, for a few seasons, at Coventry and Brighton, so the style of football and the way of life can't be a shock to him. He needs to adapt quickly because this is a side that had its foundations made long ago. He just needs to be the final piece of the puzzle, to put away chances in big games, or when they're struggling."

• Arteta's brutal conversation with Gyokeres

  Back in October, Arteta revealed the words he told Gyokeres after he joined from Sporting CP. "I told him before the first meeting, I said, 'the nine that I want is a nine that when he doesn't score for six or eight games, he can handle that. If not, you have to go somewhere else because the expectation is going to be there'," he told reporters.

  “So, if you put on a nine shirt for Arsenal, you have to be able to say, 'OK, six games, if I don't score, I'm a different player? I start to act in a different way?'. No, I want much more of the same of what he's doing."

  Arteta is going to be a demanding coach as he guides the Gunners' title charge in the Premier League and tries to also justify their label as 'favourites' in the Champions League. He has done an excellent job at keeping the squad fresh and motivated, but Gyokeres' contributions could yet go a long way in influencing where Arsenal stand at the end of the season. 

  The Spanish gaffer, though, remains adamant that the 27-year-old will soon get the appreciation he deserves for the sacrifices he makes for the team. "The first thing is that. That's going to give you something extra. Viktor has so many things that probably are not noticeable," he added. "But as well, he creates environment and space and solutions to a lot of the players around him. And with the talent that we have in the team, I'm sure that everybody, him included, will benefit from that."

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  When will Gyokeres return to action for Arsenal?

  Gyokeres has been sidelined with a muscle injury since the start of November, his last appearance coming against Burnley on November 1. He has missed four games, but Arteta provided a fresh update on the forward ahead of Arsenal's top-of-the-table visit to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. 

  "They are getting closer and closer. We are very positive with both of them, so let's see," Arteta responded when asked about Gyokeres and Kai Havertz.

  Arteta also provided his thoughts on whether Gyokeres will slot right back into in the XI once he's fit. "Well, the good thing is that now we have found another option. We have three different options," he explained. "That's a really good learning for all of us, especially for me, to understand that with other players, with other connections, with other ways of doing things, we can still be very, very efficient."

Dodgers reliever Brock Stewart is done for the season, as he's set to undergo season ending shoulder surgery, manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Friday.

The injury news about Stewart being shut down was hardly a surprise. The righty hasn't pitched since the middle of August due to his sore shoulder.

Stewart will undergo a debridement procedure, and will be on the shelf for at least six months. L.A. general manager Brandon Gomes said that the franchise does not expect him to be ready for spring's Opening Day, but that he could return sometime in the first half of the season if all goes well.

Stewart was acquired by the Dodgers from the Twins at the trade deadline, and finishes the season with a 2.63 ERA in 37.2 innings pitched. Stewart's injury is the latest blow to a Dodgers bullpen that has been up-and-down during the second half of the season.

Sunderland have a habit of finding gems in the transfer market and could now look to sign another Moroccan star following their summer capture of Chemsdine Talbi.

The Black Cats have been the surprise package of the Premier League campaign, and the example they have set is up there with the best newly-promoted sides to enter the top-flight.

Regis Le Bris has been a breath of fresh air against the elite in English football, and his side maintained their unbeaten home record in some style on Saturday evening, claiming a dramatic last-gasp draw against Arsenal courtesy of Brian Brobbey.

Sparking scenes of jubilation at the Stadium of Light, the Frenchman’s post-match interview paid tribute to his players and supporters as they battled until the end against one of Europe’s in-form clubs.

He told Match of the Day: “The lads worked hard to the end. They believed it was possible to change the dynamic. It was a tough game, as we expected. They are probably one of the best teams in Europe. We struggled, but we still believed it was possible to score one more goal. Our fans helped a lot. We showed before that it was possible, so now we have this faith, this belief that until the final whistle, anything is possible.”

Admittedly, it would be difficult to imagine a better start for Sunderland in their long-awaited return to the Premier League. Granit Xhaka’s leadership in midfield has offered an excellent base to build from, while figures such as Dan Ballard, Wilson Isidor and Enzo Le Fee have led the charge.

Whether from the start or off the bench, the Black Cats have a healthy balance to their squad and will be keen to bolster the ranks in January, something that could see them enter an untapped market for a player who retains considerable potential.

Sunderland bid for Moroccan talent Hossam Essadak

According to AfricaFoot, Sunderland have submitted an official offer for Union Touarga Sport midfielder Hossam Essadak after his leading role in Morocco claiming glory at the recent Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

Leading his side all the way to the final and collecting the trophy from Gianni Infantino, the 20-year-old is also wanted by Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, and there could be scope for a transfer battle between two of British football’s notable clubs for his services.

Should he opt for Sunderland, Essadak may follow similar footsteps to those of compatriot Chemsdine Talbi, albeit he would likely be viewed as one for the future in the North East.

Amid growing speculation over the prodigious star, scouts from both the Black Cats and Celtic are set to watch him in action before the January window.

Either way, Essadak has two attractive options to pick from after a run of four goals and four assists in 35 appearances for Union Touarga Sport. Wydad Casablanca and RS Berkane have also expressed their interest, but he is likely to be sold to a European counterpart.

With nine games played in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, we’ve already seen the champions’ crown slip, two sackings from one club and one Manchester United fan may just be closing in on a much-needed haircut.

But there’s still plenty more to come and an AI Supercomputer has now predicted how the final table will look come May, using data from the first nine game-weeks to predict every result and the final standings.

Relegation battle

It’s been a refreshing season down at the bottom. As things stand, none of the three promoted sides sit inside the bottom three and all have reached 10 points or above already.

For context of just how important that achievement is, Southampton finished bottom with 12 points after 38 games last season, whilst it took Ipswich and Leicester City all season to reach 22 and 25 points respectively. Sunderland have particularly thrived and sit as high as fourth in the Premier League with 17 points to their name. After nine games, it’s hard to see a world in which they don’t avoid the drop.

The Supercomputer seems to agree with how impressive the promoted sides have been so far this season and believes that, for just the fifth time in Premier League history, all three will avoid the drop. That leaves West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest – the current bottom three – in the dropzone at the end of the season.

Bottom half

Away from relegation trouble, the supercomputer has predicted some comfortable campaigns for Brentford, Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace. Opinions will differ around those clubs whether a mid-table finish would be satisfactory, but Brentford should certainly take hold of that with both hands.

In their first season without Thomas Frank in the Premier League, many predicted the Bees to go down and although there’s still every chance that happens, victory over Liverpool proved just the positive direction that Keith Andrews is taking them. Not only has he steadied the ship, but he has also added his own pragmatic style in West London.

Top half

Look away now Chelsea fans, because your top four spot is up for grabs. According to the Supercomputer, the Blues are in for another frustrating campaign after spending big once more in the summer.

Despite impressing at times, Enzo Maresca’s side have largely remained inconsistent and that could leave them scrapping away to stay in the top six altogether. The same can be said for Newcastle United, who have impressed defensively but remained blunt going forward in the absence of one of the world’s best forwards in Alexander Isak.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have been on the up lately and are just two wins away from five on the bounce. After finishing in the bottom half last season, the Supercomputer believes that Ruben Amorim’s side will earn their place back inside the top six and above Chelsea.

Top four and Premier League winners

From the glory of champions, the most glaring prediction that the Supercomputer has made centres around Liverpool’s fall from grace. It does believe that the Reds will finish inside the top four, but as many as 17 points behind league leaders Arsenal in a title defence to forget for Arne Slot. Given that they’re currently winless in four league games, however, the Dutchman may just take that final table.

As for Tottenham Hotspur, from the chaos of Ange-ball, they’re expected to rise to as high as third in the league under Frank. The Lilywhites have started in excellent fashion under the Dane and could yet continue that to earn their way back into the top four.

For the Gunners, meanwhile, glory may finally be on the horizon. They’ve waited over two decades to lift the Premier League title again and have been forced to applaud both Liverpool and Manchester City in recent years. Now, at long last, it could finally be Mikel Arteta’s year. The Supercomputer has even gone as far as to predict that they’ll win it by 13 points.

Former Bayern Munich and veteran Bundesliga head coach Felix Magath has issued a warning to Die Roten boss Vincent Kompany and striker Harry Kane, claiming that Jamal Musiala's imminent return from injury could become "problematic". The 22-year-old is nearing recovery from the fractured fibula injury he suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup.

• Bayern Munich firing on all cylinders ahead of Musiala's return

  Kompany has crafted a phenomenal Bayern team. After his debut campaign in Bavaria was considered to be underwhelming by some sections of the fans and the media, his team has started the 2025-26 season all guns blazing. They created history by registering 16 straight wins to begin the season, eclipsing the 13-game record set by the dominant AC Milan outfit of the early 90s.

  Kane has exceptionally led the attack and played in major role in Bayern becoming a goal-hungry giant, keeping also in minds the valuable contributions from Luis Diaz and Michael Olise. The former Spurs marksman has netted 23 goals in 17 games already, his most recent goal a 90th-minute equaliser against Union Berlin last weekend, which drew curtains on Bayern's win streak.

  One can only imagine the havoc Bayern can wreak once Musiala returns. The Stuttgart-born youngster returned to training on the pitch three weeks ago. Not too long ago, sporting director Max Eberl indicated when we could Musiala back in action. "We think that he can rejoin the team in December and perhaps even get a taste of it, so that he will be 100 percent fit again in January," he told .

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  Musiala's return could be 'problematic' for Bayern, says Magath

  Magath recently spoke about the potential impact Musiala's return would have on the squad and Bayern's form. "I could imagine it becoming somewhat more problematic," he said. "At the moment, everything is going well for Bayern, but if everything is going well, I won't change anything. But when a player like Musiala joins, who is seen as very, very strong and is expected to play an important role in the game, then the dynamics of the game will change."

  The veteran former Bundesliga coach also explained why Kane's form could dip once Musiala regains his role in the XI. "Harry Kane would need to move further forward again, even though he currently likes to drop back, come from midfield and run all over the pitch," he said. "With his return, he might not be as involved as he is now. At the moment, it's a perfect fit."

  In recent weeks, Kane has thrived in a free-roaming No.10 role behind Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson, embracing the creative freedom to dictate play. Even when deployed as a striker, he often drops deep to orchestrate attacks, using his exceptional passing to find the diagonal runs of Diaz and Olise and to shift play effortlessly. With Musiala's return, it is obvious that the Englishman will move further up the pitch, which could restrict his influence and take away from what he does best.

• Kompany embracing 'larger' squad

  There is, however, no pressure taken by Kompany whatsoever. While he has stuck to a strong core and embarked on a 16-game winning streak by creating Bayern into a juggernaut, he is open to embracing the challenge of striking the team balance upon the return of Musiala and ensuring the team maintains the standards they set in the opening three months of the 2025-26 season. 

  Recently, he appeared to indirectly address – and dispel – the concerns Kane expressed before the season about the squad’s depth. “Large squad, small squad? Break, no break? These are the questions where, in hindsight, we all always know the right answer,” he said. “Our current advantage is that every player in this squad knows they can always play. For me, it's not a problem; I can handle a smaller or larger squad.

  "Furthermore, players like Diaz, Kane, and Olise are always fit at the moment, and it's important that this remains the case. We also knew that Musiala, Davies, and Ito would be returning. The squad ended up being a bit larger, though, due to Lennart Karl's development. Before the season, nobody would have thought he could have such an impact."

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  Musiala can't wait to return

  In an interview with Bayern Munich's official website back in October, the dazzling attacking midfielder asserted that he wants "to come back better." He also admitted to experiencing fear of missing out on all the "fun" his team-mates have been having on the pitch. “You can see how well we’re playing, how much fun everyone’s having. I want to be a part of that and back on the pitch, also with Phonzy. We want to have fun after our injuries and make sure we win a lot as a team," he added.

  Musiala has been with the Bayern first team for over five years now. Soon, he will turn 23. While Musiala is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world on his day, there is still a lingering feeling that he is yet to enter Super Saiyan mode with club and country. 

  His return poses serious questions about how healthy he can remain when he re-enters Kompany's starting lineup. While there are absolutely no qualms about the fact that Bayern are a far formidable unit on paper with Musiala, it remains to be seen how well Kompany can manage his return and eventual re-integration into the lineup while also preventing the overall level and balance from going down. 

The New York Mets lost at home to the Cleveland Guardians, 7-6, on Monday night and now sit 1.5 games back of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.

The Mets had Mark Vientos at first base against the Guardians, which was just the second time this season he has played that position. He was immediately tested in the first inning when Cleveland's Angel Martines hit a lazy foul pop up between home and first.

This looked like it should have been an easy out but Vientos overran it and could only watch as the ball fell to the ground behind him.

Mets announcer Ron Darling didn't hold back, saying: "I don't know what to say. I mean, c'mon. It's a pop up. Let's go!"

Here's how that played out:

That mistake didn't end up costing the Mets, as Martinez ended up fouling out to the catcher but it was a tough look for Vientos. And it's safe to say Darling wasn't too impressed by it.

England made 125 runs and took two wickets in the morning session at Manchester

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jul-2025

Ben Stokes brought up his century on fourth morning•AFP via Getty Images

Ben Stokes added a century to the five-for he had already taken to cement his place among the greatest allrounders in Test cricket, and after all that he just had to sit back and watch as his bowling attack laid waste to India’s top-order. England had piled up 669, their fifth-highest total in this format. They kept India on the field for 157.1 overs and the fatigue that it caused was certainly on show. India, trailing by 311 runs, lost two wickets scoring any of their own.Stokes, who retired hurt on 66 with leg cramps, seemed back to his fighting best judging by the quick single he took in the very first over of play. Anshul Kamboj had hit the stumps direct at the bowlers end and Mohammed Siraj was so certain it was out that he had his forefinger raised to various corners of the ground. Replays showed a different picture and Stokes took to Siraj in the next over, dancing down the track and clattering him through cover for four.There were a few nervy moments as he approached his century, his first in 35 innings. A neat nudge off the hips brought it up. Stokes punched the air as he ran down the pitch and brought out the folded-finger salute – a tribute to his father Ged – while the trumpeter in the crowd added to the moment by belting out the Superman theme. Stokes joined Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis as the only three allrounders with 7000 Test runs and 200 Test wickets. He became the fifth captain to score a century and pick up a five-for.India were already showing signs of wear. They gave away overthrows. They spread the field for the No. 10. In situations like this, the 15 minutes they had to endure until lunch become extremely dicey and Chris Woakes made it impossible. He started around the wicket immediately to make sure the left-handed Yashasvi Jaiwal would not have easy leaves. The angle forced the mistake as he tried to flick one off middle stump only for the ball to seam extremely sharply off the pitch to take his leading edge through to Joe Root, who fumbled initially before gathering it on the second attempt. Sai Sudharsan showed the clearest signs of fatigue among the Indian players when he was faced with a harmless short and wide delivery. He tried to play at it. Eventually he realised he didn’t need to. In the end, he was caught at second slip leaving the ball.Shubman Gill walked out to face the hat-trick delivery, surrounded by five slips and a leg slip and his team yet to score. They managed one run during the three-over barrage.

Leeds United will be aiming to stay put in the Premier League past the end of the 2025/26 season, but that will be easier said than done.

The last time the Whites managed to stay up at the first time of asking after triumphantly securing promotion to the top-flight was when the revered Marcelo Bielsa still occupied the Elland Road dug-out, with an unbelievable seventh place position somehow pulled off come the close of the memorable 2020/21 campaign.

Ever since that major high point, though, Leeds have struggled when keeping their heads above water in the elite division, having fallen back down to the Championship with a whimper in 2023.

Daniel Farke is the boss who will be aiming to rewrite the depressing script in West Yorkshire, however, with it not being all doom and gloom since the Argentine’s sombre exit, either, as several exciting stars have called Leeds home since his sacking in early 2022.

Some of Leeds' best signings since Bielsa left

Even with Championship football regularly being on the menu after the enigmatic South American’s departure, Leeds have been blessed with possessing some exceptional talents.

Georginio Rutter has to go down as one of Leeds’ best bits of business in terms of the entertainment he offered in the rebuild after Bielsa, with the £35.5m purchase from Hoffenheim tallying up a ridiculous eight goals and 18 assists for the Whites, leading to Paul Merson even comparing him to Arsenal great Dennis Bergkamp for his audacious footwork.

Amazingly, too, Wilfried Gnonto never crossed paths with Bielsa at Elland Road, with the Italian attacker a real force to be reckoned with when unleashed, as seen in him firing home 22 goals to date for the Whites.

Moving away from the attack, Ethan Ampadu has also become a mainstay in the middle of the park since joining for £7m from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, as Leeds also finally stormed back up to the Premier League.

There’s even a compelling enough argument already to suggest that Sean Longstaff joining for £12m this summer just gone is one of the best bits of business since Bielsa left the building, with five big chances created by the ex-Newcastle United man helping Leeds push up to 15th in the early league standings.

Yet, despite the Newcastle-born ace experiencing such a promising start to life in West Yorkshire, he arguably lags just behind this Farke stalwart still in this argument, who is continuing to shine very bright as one of the first names on the German’s teamsheet.

Leeds' best signing since Bielsa left

There’s no guarantee that Longstaff will be able to keep up these excellent early levels at Leeds across a full Premier League season, having been regularly injury-prone at St James’ Park.

Farke won’t have any lingering concerns about Joe Rodon pulling up with an injury anytime soon, however, with the commanding Welshman now starting a staggering 94 consecutive games for Leeds as he remains one of the vital parts of his manager’s jigsaw, even as new signings aplenty – such as Longstaff – joined this off-season.

Having also collected a mammoth 48 clean sheets across his first century of appearances for Leeds, Rodon has only cemented himself as a key Whites first-teamer during the infancy of this new season.

The Swansea-born warrior has even chipped in with two goals so far this campaign to ensure the top-flight newcomers already have three league wins under their belt, the latest of which steered his side to a valuable win over struggling West Ham United.

Yet, it’s his unwavering determination for Leeds that stretches all the way back to the 2023/24 campaign, which means he is surely their best signing since Bielsa sadly left Elland Road behind, with the £10m spent on his permanent services at the close of that promotion near-miss season continuing to look like a bargain amount.

He will only be seen in an even more glowing light if his imposing displays result in Leeds beating the drop, with Farke’s “unbelievable” assessment of the 28-year-old after his debut two years ago still ringing true today.

Farke has found a new Dallas-type player in “unbelievable” Leeds star

Daniel Farke has now stumbled upon Leeds United’s next Stuart Dallas-type figure in this unbelievable star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 27, 2025

Inter president Beppe Marotta has candidly admitted that while a return for former Manchester United and Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho was "mentioned," as the club searched for a new manager, he would have ultimately "regretted hiring him." Marotta praised the "courageous" decision to appoint Christian Chivu instead, highlighting the club's commitment to different values and a forward-thinking approach over relying on big-name managers.

• Marotta discusses Chivu appointment over Mourinho speculation

  Marotta has revealed that Mourinho's name was among those considered for the coaching role before the "courageous" decision was made to appoint Chivu. Speaking at the executive master's program in "Sports Management" organized by the RCS Academy Business School, Marotta explained why he ultimately favored Chivu, despite Mourinho's illustrious past with the Nerazzurri.

  According to Gazzetta.it, Marotta stated: "I'm surprised people were surprised by Cristian's skill. We chose him because he represents important values; he had the courage to go against the grain, even in the media. Some even mentioned Mourinho, who, with all due respect… If I hadn't had the courage, I would have regretted it."

  Mourinho, who famously led Inter to a historic treble in 2010, was reportedly a name floated by "some" stakeholders, indicating a natural inclination among some to revisit a successful past. However, Marotta's comments suggest a deliberate decision to move in a different direction, prioritizing new leadership and values.

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  Chivu's impressive start and tactical philosophy

  Chivu, who took over from Simone Inzaghi, has navigated a challenging start to his tenure at Inter, ultimately guiding the team to the top of Serie A and a perfect record in the Champions League. His initial period included three defeats in Serie A, but the team has since recovered impressively.

  Under Chivu, Inter are currently in first place in Serie A alongside Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma, demonstrating a rapid turnaround in league form. In the Champions League, their performance has been particularly strong, boasting four wins out of four matches played and conceding only one goal. This triumphant march in Europe contrasts sharply with the earlier domestic stumbles, showcasing Chivu's ability to adapt and motivate his squad.

  Marotta's praise for Chivu's "skill" and "courage" aligns with the team's visible progress. Chivu has been credited with introducing a "different football philosophy," which Marotta believes aligns with the club's evolving values. This new approach appears to be focused on developing talent and fostering a collective spirit rather than relying solely on individual star power.

• Inter's evolving philosophy: sustainability over big names

  Marotta used the platform to discuss the significant changes in modern football, particularly the shift from a "patronage model" to one demanding "sustainability" and "financial balance." He emphasised that the equation "if I spend, I win" is no longer valid, citing PSG as an example of a club that has changed its model from "huge names" to investing in "young talent."

  This philosophical shift is directly linked to the decision to back Chivu over a high-profile manager like Mourinho. Marotta highlighted the importance of "motivation multiplied by competence" as the new formula for success. His career path, starting as a "mascot" for Varese and learning to "negotiate" for a tracksuit, underscores his belief in hard work and organic growth, values he sees in Chivu.

  Marotta also touched on the increasing complexity of football management, which now involves "criminal, civil, and sports justice codes," and requires "industrial and financial expertise" alongside traditional sporting knowledge. He stressed the importance of leadership that is "courageous, persevering, and must listen," attributes he clearly sees in Chivu.

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• Marotta's personal reflections on a long career and San Siro's future and modern stadium concepts

  During his address, Marotta shared personal anecdotes from his extensive career in football. He recalled a pivotal moment in 1983 when then-Inter president Pellegrini offered him a junior manager role, an offer he declined. "If I had accepted, I wouldn't be president today," he mused, emphasising the importance of timing and managing career progression calmly.

  He also recounted a difficult decision during his time at Sampdoria where he had to fire a "very dear friend," Gianfranco Bellotto, to bring the club back to Serie A. This story illustrates the tough choices leaders often face, prioritising the club's objectives over personal relationships.

  Marotta concluded his speech by addressing the contentious issue of San Siro's future. While acknowledging the "bitterness and nostalgia" for old romantics, he stressed the necessity of a new, modern stadium for Inter's future. He entered San Siro for the first time in 1966 and described it as a "vessel of enormous emotions," but argued that innovation and modernity are paramount.

  "Renovation was unthinkable, and so it ended up being demolished. But it must be done," he asserted. Marotta highlighted the need for a stadium that prioritizes "security, which is lacking; hospitality, so you can be there all day with entertainment of all kinds; and a sense of belonging. Having your own home." He projected the financial benefits of a new stadium, contrasting Inter's current €80 million (£68m/$88m) per year from matchdays with Real Madrid's goal of exceeding half a billion.

Patriots stuttered a little bit in their small chase against Falcons, but Alick Athanaze and Jason Holder finished the job with five overs to spare

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2025CPL 2025 got off to a low-scoring start in Basseterre, where St Kitts and Nevis Patriots rode on a stellar bowling performance led by Waqar Salamkheil to run out six-wicket victors over Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.After Jason Holder opted to bowl, Kyle Mayers, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naseem Shah left Falcons at 39 for 3 inside the fifth over. Salamkheil, the Afghanistan left-arm wristspinner, came on in the eighth over and was on target off his fourth ball, pitching just outside off stump and turning it back in to hit Fabian Allen’s stumps. He went on to spin out Shakib Al Hasan, Imad Wasim and Odean Smith to end with 4 for 22 from his four overs.Fortunately for Falcons, USA batter Karima Gore was in good nick, but with no other batter making a significant contribution, he had to pretty much go it alone. Gore’s 34-ball 61 included eight fours and two sixes, and Falcons would have wanted him to bat longer than he did after having walked out in the first over itself. As it happened, Farooqi returned to get rid of Gore in the 12th over, a slower delivery sliced high for Andre Fletcher, the wicketkeeper, to take a sharp running catch.All Patriots, the CPL 2021 winners, needed to score was 122, and though they got there quite comfortably, and never really looked in danger of not being able to, there was a little stutter in between thanks to Rahkeem Cornwall.Evin Lewis took off in a flash, scoring 25 in 13, before falling to Obed McCoy in the fourth over. Patriots made it out of the powerplay with just the loss of Lewis and 55 runs on the board, but in the seventh over, Cornwall sent back both Kyle Mayers and Rilee Rossouw. And suddenly, at 56 for 3, Patriots were looking just that little bit out of sorts.But Fletcher was playing a sedate knock, and in Alick Athanaze, Patriots found just the man for the job. Fletcher fell after scoring a 26-ball 19, to Salamkheil’s compatriot AM Ghazanfar at the end of the tenth over, but Patriots had reached 76 already by then. Athanaze, with an unbeaten 28-ball 37, and Holder, with 18 in 14 balls, finished the job from there with five overs in the bank.