Francesco Acerbi has left the Italy national squad ahead of upcoming friendlies in the United States after he was alleged to have racially abused Napoli defender Juan Jesus.

The Inter Milan defender is alleged to have racially abused Brazil international Jesus in Sunday’s 1-1 draw in Serie A, something Acerbi has denied.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said Acerbi has explained his version of events to Italy coach Luciano Spalletti and his team-mates and it has been agreed he will take no part in games against Venezuela and Ecuador.

Official statement from FC Internazionale Milano

— Inter (@Inter_en)

A statement on the FIGC website read: “Francesco Acerbi, who arrived at the national team camp in Rome this morning, explained to head…

Jordi Alba felt Spain deserved to beat Poland and remains confident they will qualify for the round of 16 after a 1-1 Euro 2020 draw at La Cartuja Stadium.

Alvaro Morata put La Roja in front from close range in the first half to end a run of four international games without a goal, silencing his critics after he was whistled off during the goalless draw with Sweden.

Spain were unable to secure their first win of the tournament, though, as Robert Lewandowski s second-half header kept Poland s qualification hopes alive.

Gerard Moreno struck the post with a penalty just after Lewandowski levelled and Morata wasted a great chance to spare his blushes when he put the rebound wide.

Spain are third heading into a must-win final Group E clash with Slovakia…

Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing star Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri.

City are also believed to be close to agreeing a fee with the Gunners for left-back Gael Clichy, while La Liga champions Barcelona have been continually linked with a swoop for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

Nasri has been the subject of interest from a number of clubs over the past few weeks, including City s closest rivals Manchester United.

The Frenchman signed for Arsenal from Marseille in 2008 and has been one of Wenger s most impressive players over the last few seasons.

He s made 126 appearances for the Londoners, scoring 27 goals.

City could well hit Arsenal with a double blow as they are reportedly close to signing Clichy for a deal believed to be…

Sven-Goran Eriksson says it is “like a dream” to be taking charge of Liverpool for their ‘Legends’ charity match at Anfield this weekend.

The 76-year-old former England boss, who revealed in January he had been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, will be part of the management team as the Reds play Ajax Legends in Saturday’s LFC Foundation fundraiser.

During interviews when he revealed his health issues, Eriksson said he had always been a Liverpool supporter and wanted to manage the club.

And on Friday the Swede told a press conference ahead of the charity game: “It’s like a dream.

“When I was a manager I always dreamt about Liverpool, but that never happened. It was close once, it was some discussion once, many years ago…it nev…

Francisco Silva believes Chile have earned the right to be considered a threat to Brazil at the FIFA World Cup.

Jorge Sampaoli s men could meet the World Cup hosts in the last 16, depending on how the teams finish in their respective pools.

Thus far Chile have lived up to their pre-tournament billing as dark horses, following up their opening victory against Australia with a superb 2-0 triumph over Spain, a result that signalled the end of the European s dismal World Cup defence.

Chile have one last group-stage game to come versus the Netherlands, and though they have already qualified Silva is refusing to rest on his laurels and has targeted top spot in Group B, while insisting he would not shy away from the challenge of facing Brazil, who knocked Chile out in t…

Julio Cesar basked in his redemption after helping host nation Brazil to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup.

Goalkeeper Cesar famously made a crucial error as his side crashed out of the showpiece in South Africa four years ago against Netherlands.

But he atoned for that disappointment somewhat with two saves as Brazil beat Chile 3-2 on penalties at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.

That was enough to give Luiz Felipe Scolari s men a place in the last eight, Neymar s spot-kick proving the winning one following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.

For Cesar, the result represented a complete turnaround from the emotions he felt in 2010.

He said: Four years ago, I took one, upset, sad emotional interview. And now I am repeating (it) …

Club Brugge boss Michel Preud homme has ruled out taking over from Marc Wilmots as the head coach of Belgium.

Wilmots was relieved of his duties on Friday in the wake of a disappointing 3-1 Euro 2016 quarter-final defeat at the hands of Wales.

Preud homme, who won 58 caps as a player, had emerged as one of the favourites for the role, along with former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

But the 57-year-old says he has made a commitment to Club Brugge that he does not intend to break.

I promised to stay with Club Brugge and I m going to keep my word, he told Sporza. I m staying at Club Brugge. Full stop.

It s not the first time I ve been linked with the national team, but I m not a free coach.

Preud homme, who took charge at Jan B…

Alexandre Pato has agreed a four-year deal with Villarreal, joining the Spanish side from Corinthians for an undisclosed fee.

Pato returned to Corinthians in July following an unsuccessful loan spell at Chelsea which saw him make just two Premier League appearances for the Blues having joined them in January.

The 26-year-old striker s contract with the Brazilian club was due to expire at the end of 2016, but he will now represent Villarreal until 2020.

In an Instagram post, Pato wrote: I am very happy about this new challenge in my career with Villarreal! I arrive with a lot of desire and excitement!

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