Somerset 433 and 99 (Thomas 39, Porter 4-18) lead Essex 438 (Walter 158, Elgar 118, Overton 6-88) by 94 runsJamie Porter ripped through some fragile batting with four wickets to help skittle Somerset for 99 and put Essex on course for only their second home Rothesay County Championship victory of the season.Ably supported by debutant seamer Charlie Bennett, and latterly spinner Simon Harmer, Porter took his season’s tally to 49 wickets with figures of 4 for 18 from a dozen overs. It left Essex requiring 95 to win before bad light ended play on day three 17 overs early.At one stage, when Dean Elgar and Paul Walter were putting on 277 for the first wicket the day before, it had looked as if Essex would gain a sizeable first-innings advantage. In reality, that lead turned out to be just five runs as they lost all 10 wickets for an additional 161 runs inside 45 overs. But that was before Somerset went in for a second time.Much of the damage in Essex’s first-innings 438 was down to some naggingly accurate bowling from Craig Overton, who passed 500 first-class career wickets while posting figures of 6 for 88. What had been a docile, one-paced wicket suddenly turned into a seamer’s dream and Overton capitalised with his second six-wicket haul of the season.Essex’s seamers were also quickly among the wickets in Somerset’s second innings. Porter beat Archie Vaughan for pace and then Bennett had Tom Lammonby lbw to 1 that stayed low.James Rew appeared to be repairing the initial damage, harvesting four boundaries in his run-a-ball 19, until he skied a leading edge to midwicket off Bennett.Then in the next over, Tom Kohler-Cadmore may have lost the ball in the gathering gloom as Doug Bracewell bent back his off-stump. The floodlights came on soon after.Josh Thomas had been immune to the carnage around him, hitting seven fours in his 39 from 65 balls, but he became Porter’s 550th first-class wicket for Essex when one kept low and trapped him lbw. In the same over, Kasey Aldridge tickled one through to substitute wicketkeeper Simon Fernandes.With Somerset disappearing down a rabbit hole at 89 for 6, Essex announced free admission for all spectators on the final day. Overton then made a swift exit, playing all around one from Porter. And it became worse when Jack Leach set off for a run, pushing Porter into the covers, but could not recover his ground before Charlie Allison’s throw enabled Fernandes to whip off the bails.Lewis Goldsworthy dug in for 58 balls, but he was undone by a spectacular delivery from Harmer that pitched well outside off-stump and turned square to bowl him. And Jake Ball followed to one from the spinner that went straight on and disturbed his stumps, Somerset all out inside 34 overs.Under dirty grey clouds in the morning, things had looked brighter for Somerset when Overton claimed a second wicket in 10 balls, separated by overnight rest and recuperation. He dug in a short delivery and Tom Westley hooked obligingly to deep square leg.Elgar lasted just another half-an-hour. He added just seven runs to his day-two total before he was lbw for 118 playing all around the second ball of an Aldridge spell.Overton, returning for another spell with the second new-ball already four overs old, struck with his 13th delivery, slanting one in at pace and flattening Allison’s middle stump.Lewis Gregory had looked the most lively of the Somerset attack, beating the bat on a number of occasions, and finally received some reward, Matt Critchley lbw playing down the wrong line.On the stroke of lunch, Michael Pepper became Overton’s fifth victim when he was lbw trying to force the ball through midwicket.Gregory lasted eight deliveries in the afternoon session before pulling up injured and briefly leaving the pitch. He, therefore, missed Overton’s sixth wicket when Bracewell looked to swing lustily to leg but ended up dollying a catch to wide mid-off.Bennett produced some aggressive hitting with five fours in a 26-ball 22 before he gave a tame return catch to Leach. Porter smashed his first ball straight for six to take Essex into the lead but perished when he skied Leach into the covers.

Visitors tighten grip on second place after batting out final day at Wantage Road

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Sep-2025

Colin Ingram passed 1000 runs for the second successive season during a sparkling half-century on the final day of this drawn Rothesay County Championship match against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.Despite Northamptonshire declaring 54 runs behind overnight, Glamorgan ran out of time to force a result after most of day three was lost to rain. However, with Derbyshire and Middlesex also drawing at Lord’s, Glamorgan stole a march by earning three more bonus points than both their promotion rivals, further boosting their promotion hopes.It allowed the Welsh County to further cement second position in Division Two. Third-placed Derbyshire now lie 27 points behind, while Middlesex sit in fourth, 30 points back.Former South African international Ingram reached the 1000-run milestone in 10 games after missing two matches in May during Australian Marnus Labuschagne’s stint at Sophia Gardens. His 55, off 85 balls with 11 fours, was his seventh Championship half-century this season to go with three tons.Ingram was joined by Kiran Carlson in a fourth-wicket partnership of 88 in almost 23 overs, while Calvin Harrison took 3 for 46 to take his tally in nine loan games for Northamptonshire this summer to 35. Justin Broad claimed 2 for 18 in five pacy overs.With Chris Cooke making an unbeaten 40, Glamorgan declared on 241 for 7, 295 runs ahead, when the players shook hands on the draw at 4.20pm.Earlier Northamptonshire declared at their overnight total of 413 for 9, 54 behind. Luke Procter found significant movement in his opening spell. After leaving one which jagged back, Zain-ul-Hassan failed to learn his lesson and was bowled in the Northamptonshire captain’s next over, shouldering arms to a similar delivery. Procter almost picked up a second wicket when Sam Northeast edged low to the slips, a diving Broad only able to get his fingers to it.First-innings double-centurion Asa Tribe made 24 before he was caught behind down the leg side off Broad, who then found some sharp bounce to surprise Northeast, keeper Lewis McManus taking the catch above his head.Carlson got off the mark pulling a short delivery from Broad for four, but he got into a tangle against a well-directed bouncer from the allrounder which he could only glove safely over the keeper and slips. Ingram was harsh on anything wide from the seamers and swept and cut the spinners as he moved through the twenties, Glamorgan going into lunch on 95 for 3.After lunch Ingram brought up Glamorgan’s 100 with a thick edge through gully off Ben Whitehouse for four. The debutant almost picked up Ingram’s wicket when he hooked him to fine leg, but Nirvan Ramesh injured himself when he fell attempting the catch, the ball running away for four. After a delay, Ingram dispatched the next two Whitehouse deliveries for four, a dismissive pull shot and a punch through cover, while Carlson pulled a full toss from Saif Zaib for six.Ingram duly passed 1000 runs for the season by swinging Zaib through midwicket before a reverse sweep off Harrison took him to his half-century off 66 balls.Harrison then made a triple breakthrough in the space of 32 deliveries, turning one past Carlson’s bat as he edged through to the keeper. Ingram’s innings ended in bizarre fashion when he miscued an attempted sweep off Harrison onto his foot, the ball looping up to slip where Ricardo Vasconcelos took the catch.Batting with a runner due to a calf injury, Ben Kellaway made 18, but Harrison bowled him around his legs for the second time in the match as he attempted to sweep.After tea, Cooke and Timm van der Gugten played some lusty blows in a partnership of exactly 50 off 141 balls, before Whitehouse claimed his maiden first-class wicket when van der Gugten cut straight to Harrison at point.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has a chance to recalibrate now that the Premier League has put the brakes on for the November international break.

It has not been good enough this season. Ahead of the latest pause, Newcastle needed to get something from their trip to the Gtech. It didn’t happen, and Keith Andrews’ side emerged 3-1 victors and with Dan Burn sent off to boot.

The truth is that the Magpies need a reset. It was always going to be tough to match the form of last season, with Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak charging an incredible winter winning run that led to triumph in the Carabao Cup. Isak has been sold, and the summer transfer window was a turbulent one.

Everton

13th

28.0

Aston Villa

6th

27.9

Newcastle

14th

27.6

Fulham

15th

27.6

Burnley

17th

27.1

But United are getting old. Too many starters this season ripened some time ago, and in this, Howe must work toward developing further the younger members of his squad.

Newcastle must promote their future

Newcastle might have a somewhat elderly Premier League squad, but that’s not to say they lack up-and-coming stars.

For example, injuries have kept Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall on the sidelines for much of the campaign. 22 and 21 respectively, the dynamic full-backs will be integral to the rekindling of Howe’s system. Last season, Alice Talks Footy hailed Hall as “the best left-back in the league”, and his fellow Cobham graduate as a “super impressive” up-and-comer.

Likewise, Lewis Miley has shown signs of development this season, growing into his skin in central midfield. The Geordie talent has impressed alongside Tonali and the all-action skipper, Bruno Guimaraes, and he could end up replacing a teammate in Joelinton, who has flattered to deceive at times this term.

Has the 29-year-old Joelinton exhausted his physicality? Undoubtedly, the Brazilian is missing some of his usual sharpness and intelligence in the middle of the park.

25/26

1.4

4.2

24/25

2.0

5.7

23/24

2.0

4.9

22/23

2.2

7.0

21/22

2.1

6.9

20/21

1.1

6.0

19/20

0.9

7.5

Joelinton has played so much football at Newcastle, no holds barred, that it’s understandable he might be slowly winding down.

However, there’s another Toon star whose form this season has been more concerning, for they have yet to reach their prime, and there is a worry that so many injuries have knocked this talent too far out of kilter.

"The future of this club" is now struggling

Newcastle have always been resilient and organised under Howe’s wing, and even amid the frustration of wretched away form this term, Newcastle’s xGA (expected goals against) total stands at just 11.1 in the Premier League, a more impressive figure than all in the division save for Manchester City and Arsenal.

But, even so, improvements need to be made in central defence, and the form of Sven Botman is admittedly becoming a concern for Howe as he waits for his star man at the rear to click into gear.

Sports writer Joel Bland actually commented on Botman’s “embarrassing” effort to clear one of Brentford’s notorious long throws at the weekend. The ball was cannoned in after the interval, Newcastle one goal to the good after Harvey Barnes’ first-half finish, but Botman’s tame clearance allowed Kevin Schade to nod home from close range.

You might call it a schoolboy error. When dealing with aerial danger, it is well-known to sweep the ball away, not divert it cross-box and into the melee.

In this, Botman failed in his duties, and newspaper Chronicle Live saw it fit to brand the centre-half with a 3/10 match rating, having been ragdolled by Igor Thiago all afternoon besides.

Botman needs to recover his former level of security and completeness at the back. He was redoubtable in front of Nick Pope in 2022/23, his debut year in England, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding only 33 goals all season, the joint-best record, shared with champions Manchester City.

It was only at the start of the current campaign that Bruno described the Netherlands star as being “the future of this club”, along with Malick Thiaw, who swapped AC Milan for St. James’ Park in a package worth around £35m this summer.

But Thiaw has outperformed his counterpart this season, and that having suffered regular injury issues of his own in Italy over the past several years. With Botman having spent plenty of time in the thick of the Premier League action this term, having started seven matches in a row, he should be sharper and more commanding at this point.

The fact that this is not the case is bound to be on Howe’s mind, though the manager may feel that the reintegration of Hall on the left side of the backline could smooth out some creases and allow Botman to connect with a more natural wide fit that Burn, whose industriousness can only stretch so far.

This all comes with the addendum that Botman has indeed been ravaged by injuries in recent years, stripped bare by setbacks after that tremendous debut campaign in England’s north east.

It is only natural he would take some time to rebuild himself to that one-time level, but Newcastle need quick results if they are to shape this campaign, and the £90k-per-week defender has entered the penultimate year of his contract, and he will need to convince PIF that they would be foolish not to extend his career on Tyneside.

But the Dutchman needs to improve – fast. His form has slumped in recent weeks, and he is paling in comparison to Thiaw beside him, the summer recruit very quickly establishing himself as the cream of Newcastle’s defensive crop.

As bad as Botman: Howe must drop Newcastle dud who lost the ball 20x v Bees

Newcastle United had another away day to forget in the Premier League when losing 3-1 versus Brentford.

2 ByKelan Sarson Nov 10, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Nicolás Larcamón concedeu entrevista coletiva – em uma espécie de zona mista improvisada da Arena MRV – após a vitória do Cruzeiro sobre o Atlético-MG por 2 a 0, neste sábado (3). O técnico argentino elogiou a atuação do time e o triunfo sobre o rival, mas mantém os pés no chão.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

– Da maneira que se ganhou, sendo parte da construção como time, o time jogou muito pelo jogo, com consistência, mas é parte do processo. Temos que sustentar a humildade principalmente. Agora não é positivo se tomar atitude de perder humildade. É só um grande triunfo. Para a torcida é importante, mas para a gente é só um grande passo – afirmou Larcamón.

– A humildade, a convicção. O time jogou bem no segundo tempo, foi dominante, em campo foi o que vimos trabalhando. Um jogo com tudo contra. Tudo era para o rival. Minha equipe principalmente teve humildade e muita convicção do que sabe fazer – completou o treinador do Cruzeiro.

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Foi um jogo que foi muito consistente na performance, contra um grande rival, tem grandes jogadores, um excelente treinador. Mas foi um jogo inteligente, consistente. Soubemos dar os golpes nos momentos importantes do jogo. Não perdemos o controle do jogo. Isso é importante pra gente – finalizou, em conversa breve com a imprensa após a vitória do Cruzeiro sobre o Atlético-MG neste sábado (3)

Tudo sobre

Atlético-MGCampeonato MineiroCruzeiroNicolás Larcamón

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has revealed how close Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk came to leaving Anfield as free agents in the summer of 2025. Two talismanic figures on Merseyside entered the final year of their respective contracts before eventually agreeing fresh terms. The Reds were prepared to walk away from discussions there if the numbers did not make sense.

Exit fear: Van Dijk & Salah entered final year of deals

Van Dijk has been an on-field leader throughout his time with Liverpool and now fills the captain’s armband. He hoisted the Premier League title aloft last season and has passed 330 appearances for the Reds having joined them from Southampton for £75 million ($98m) in January 2018. He is now tied to a deal through to 2027.

Salah’s contract has been extended to the same point, with the Egyptian superstar being talked into a prolonged stay with the Reds. After being heavily linked with teams in the Saudi Pro League, the prolific forward is looking to complete a decade of service at Anfield. He has plundered 250 goals through 417 appearances.

There was the threat at one stage of both Van Dijk and Salah moving on, leaving Liverpool with sizeable holes to fill in their squad. Protracted discussions ultimately delivered agreements that everybody is happy with.

AdvertisementGettyContract talks: How Liverpool get Salah & Van Dijk to stay

Discussing that process, Werner has told of how sporting director Richard Hughes helped to avoid any drama on the exit front for John W Henry and Fenway Sports Group: "My impatience is balanced by his patience. I'd call him frequently and say, ‘Richard, how are things going with Mo Salah and his contract?’, and he would say, ‘Tom, it will all be good in the end’. I think all the agents who deal with him would say that he conducts business in a very respectful way. He has a plan and he executes it.

"We were delighted that the new contracts for Mo and Virgil were sorted. But you know what? If Richard had called and said, ‘The chasm is too big’, I would have respected that too. John, Mike and I try to find people who are excellent at their jobs and let them do their jobs. We don't meddle, we just provide support and advice from our point of view. There's a lot of trust. I can't say enough wonderful things about Richard."

Could Salah leave? Transfer admission

While Liverpool fans were delighted to see Van Dijk and Salah stay, both have seen their performances in 2025-26 called into question. Wayne Rooney is among those to have demanded more from the Reds’ skipper when it comes to maintaining high standards.

It has been suggested that Salah may yet be moved on, while Liverpool can demand a fee, with ex-Reds goalkeeper David James telling GOAL recently: "You could envisage a situation where Mo's numbers aren't what Liverpool need. And if there were a potential suitor somewhere else, then I'm sure with conversation, because Mo does have a say in it, that Liverpool would be willing to let him go.

"Under contract, I don't think I could see a situation where Mo's going to hang around just to get paid. I think there would be a situation where, through conversation because I know the dialogue with Liverpool is always really good, that the two parties would sit down and discuss the future.

"However, if Mo starts doing what Liverpool would like him to do and Mo I'm sure would like to do and starts scoring loads of goals, then their hand could be forced by a potential suitor, because whatever club is interested, Saudi logically as they're the ones with the money, they may make an offer that Liverpool can't refuse."

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Getty Images SportLiverpool fixtures: Next up for the Reds

Defending Premier League champions Liverpool, who have slipped to eighth in the table through 11 games this season – suffering five defeats and conceding 17 goals – will be back in action after the November international break on Saturday when playing host to Nottingham Forest, who sit inside the relegation zone.

تذكر مارك كوكوريلا، نجم تشيلسي، رحيله عن صفوف نادي برشلونة، وذلك قبل مواجهة الفريق الإسباني يوم غدًا الثلاثاء ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

تشيلسي سوف يستضيف نظيره برشلونة يوم غدًا الثلاثاء، ضمن دوري أبطال أوروبا لحساب الجولة الخامسة من مرحلة الدوري.

ويسعى تشيلسي للفوز على برشلونة، من أجل الاستمرار في نتائجه الإيجابية والتي يعيشها رفاق كوكوريلا خلال الفترة الأخيرة.

كوكوريلا خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص باللقاء، أكد أن مواجهة الغد خاصة له للغاية ولعائلته، خصوصًا وأنه لاعب سابق في برشلونة.

ويعرف كوكوريلا برشلونة جيدًا، حيث شارك الظهير الأيسر مع البلوجرانا في الفئات السنية قبل الرحيل بعد ذلك إلى خيتافي ومنه إلى برايتون وأخيرًا تشيلسي.

وقال كوكوريلا في تصريحات نقلتها إيفننج ستاندرد: ”إنها مباراة مميزة جدًا لي ولعائلتي، لدينا فرصة للعب في دوري أبطال أوروبا وهي ليلة مميزة، إنها دائمًا مباراة جيدة بين الفريقين ونأمل أن نقدم غدًا مباراة جيدة ونحصد الثلاث نقاط”.

وأضاف كوكوريلا في حديثه: “مغادرة برشلونة؟ لكل شئ سبب، أنا سعيد جدًا بمسيرتي وبلعبي الآن مع تشيلسي”.

وأوضح: “إنه أسبوع مهم، جميع اللاعبين يرغبون في خوض هذه المباريات لما فيها من شعور خاص، الجميع مركزون ويبذلون قصارى جهدهم ولدينا فرصة جيدة وعلينا أن ندرك أن برشلونة وآرسنال مباراتان كبيرتان، لكنهما لا تتجاوزان حاجز الثلاث نقاط”.

وأردف كوكوريلا: “صحيح أننا نريد الفوز بجميع الألقاب، قبل أسبوعين عندما خسرنا أمام برايتون على أرضنا، قال الجميع إننا فريق صغير وغير مستعدين، الآن فزنا والآن يقول الناس إننا قادرون على المنافسة على الألقاب”.

اقرأ أيضًا .. ماريسكا مشيدًا ببرشلونة: فريق مذهل وعلينا اللعب بتوازن غدًا

وعن كول بالمر تابع الدولي الإسباني: ”بالتأكيد، نفتقد كول لبضع مباريات وقد لعب الفريق بمستوى جيد وفاز بمباريات مهمة، كول مهم جدًا لنا ونفتقده، نحن تشيلسي ولدينا العديد من اللاعبين ذوي الجودة وعلينا أن نؤدي بشكل جيد والأهم هو الفريق”.

وعن تعرض بالمر لكسر في إصبعه واصل كوكوريلا: “بصراحة، لا أصدق [يضحك] وهذه الأمور يمكن أن تحدث، إنها مفاجأة كبيرة لنا لأنه على وشك اللعب والتدريب معنا والآن يحتاج إلى الراحة، إنها جزء من كرة القدم”.

وقال: “ليس كافيًا الفوز بمباراتين ثم التراجع قليلًا، علينا أن نحافظ دائمًا على أفضل مستوياتنا إذا أردنا المنافسة على الألقاب الكبيرة”.

وعن مدرب تشيلسي، إنزو ماريسكا أضاف كوكوريلا: “هذا المدرب يحبذ الأفكار المختلفة، لدينا تشكيلات مختلفة ويجب علينا التكيف، أعتقد أن مركزي المفضل هو الظهير الأيسر لكنني سعيد باللعب في مركز متقدم والوصول إلى منطقة الجزاء، أنا سعيد بهذا، فالأداء يختلف من أسبوع لآخر”.

وعن موهبة تشيلسي، إستيفاو ويليان أوضح كوكوريلا في حديثه: “بالنسبة له لم تكن مباراة بالميراس ضد تشيلسي في كأس العالم للأندية سهلة، لأنه كان بحاجة إلى الركض كثيرًا وكنا نضغط عليهم، كان دائمًا يطلب الكرة وأتيحت له فرصة التسجيل، هو يلعب بابتسامة ويتمتع بطاقة منتعشة”.

وعن مواجهة نجم برشلونة، لامين يامال، اختتم كوكوريلا: ”من الصعب اللعب ضد مثل هؤلاء اللاعبين، لأنهم يمتلكون موهبة خاصة وجودة عالية، إنها ليست مباراة لامين يامال ضد كوكوريلا، إنها مباراة كبيرة ونحتاج لخوض مباراة كبيرة”.

Notts on verge of Championship as hosts do their utmost to stay in Division One

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay24-Sep-2025Hampshire 154 for 3 (Albert 37*) lead Surrey 147 (Sundar 3-5, Abbott 3-27, Fuller 3-46) by seven runsSurrey were rolled out for 147 to all but snuff out their Rothesay County Championship title-winning hopes, as Hampshire boosted their chance of remaining in Division One.The defending champions went into the last round 14 points behind Nottinghamshire – whom they lost to last week – but after they collapsed, their hopes of a fourth successive crown dwindled further.Kyle Abbott led the rout with three for 27 – taking his 50th Championship scalp of the season in the process – with James Fuller and Washington Sundar also picking up three-wicket hauls.Hampshire had eased themselves into a first-innings lead, picking up three vital bonus points in their fight for safety.Surrey chose to bat first and gave 17-year-old Ralphie Albert his first-class debut. The all-rounder wasn’t even born when Hampshire’s Liam Dawson made his professional bow.Surrey were massively depleted with Gus Atkinson, Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Tom Curran, Jordan Clark and Cam Steel all unavailable, but even still their display was surprising.Dom Sibley had already been dropped at second slip before he was lbw to Abbott, before the South African drew a loose drive out of Ryan Patel to celebrate his 50th wicket of the season.It is the sixth Championship campaign that Abbott has reached the landmark, and he would later add No. 51 when he bowled Albert.Fuller also grabbed three wickets to gut the rest of the top order, as Rory Burns wafted to a juggling Sundar at first slip before Ben Foakes was bowled by a nip backer and Dan Lawrence skied an attempted pull – the latter walked before the ball was caught having scrapped hard for his innings-high 36.The back end of the innings saw wickets fall to spin. Indian international Sundar was particularly wily in his 20 balls, in which he only conceded five runs while taking three wickets.Ollie Sykes went back to one that skidded into his stumps, Matt Fisher was undone by a stunner that ripped across him and into off stump, while compatriot Rahul Chahar guided to first slip. In the middle of it, Tom Lawes was caught and bowled by Dawson.Surrey were bowled out for 147 inside 44 overs – their lowest total of the season at the least opportune moment as the title slipped away from them.The pitch had offered a fair amount of movement, but not excessive, and wickets were mostly down to batting errors and high-quality bowling rather than the elements.Hampshire further suggested a poor pitch wasn’t to blame as Ali Orr glided through the opening overs.He smashed 18 of the second over of the innings and by the fifth over had already secured a partnership higher than anything Surrey had managed in their innings – their best being the 32 between Lawrence and Sykes.Orr’s fast start was undone by a careless swing down leg side but Fletcha Middleton and Nick Gubbins put on 50 to set the sort of foundation that the visitors couldn’t lay.Both the bowled Gubbins and leg-before Middleton fell to Lawrence – who ended the day with two for 12 after an exceptional nine-over spell of off-spin.But Hampshire avoided any serious wobble as Toby Albert and Ben Brown stayed cautiously positive to take them to close with a lead – despite 13 wickets falling on the opening day.

Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool stint appears to be approaching a breaking point as Serie A giants Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma circle ahead of a possible January move, with the winger still struggling for minutes under Arne Slot. Despite Liverpool’s inconsistent form and growing fan pressure, the Italian has yet to start a league game, fuelling rumours of a swift escape back to Italy.

• Chiesa courted by three Serie A giants

  Chiesa’s Liverpool career has taken another difficult turn after the winger was once again limited to a brief cameo in a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend. The Italian played just 22 minutes, continuing a pattern that has defined his frustrating campaign under Slot. The match was his ninth Premier League appearance of the season, yet not a single one has come from the start, with his only 90-minute outings arriving in the Carabao Cup.

  Despite Liverpool’s struggles and clear inconsistency in wide areas, Slot has shown no indication that Chiesa is part of his preferred rotation. The manager has consistently turned to Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo ahead of him, with even Hugo Ekitike getting time on the wings, leaving the 28-year-old unable to build rhythm or match fitness. This limited involvement has been heavily scrutinised in Italy, where analysts and supporters believe Chiesa should be given far more responsibility.

  According to reports from TuttoJuve, multiple Serie A clubs have already approached his entourage and Liverpool ahead of the January window. Inter Milan and AC Milan are understood to be the two leading candidates, with both clubs viewing Chiesa as a player who could immediately elevate their attacking depth. Roma have also registered interest, widening the list of potential destinations as the winger searches for a situation that offers minutes and a clear role.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Chiesa needs regular minutes for Italy recall

  Chiesa joined Liverpool in the summer of 2024 in what was widely hailed as a “smart gamble” for a fairly low fee, given his pedigree and the upside he possessed. However, his move to England quickly became overshadowed by recurring fitness issues, and his inability to withstand the physical demands of the Premier League has limited his contribution. Without regular playing time, his confidence and sharpness have steadily eroded, prompting debate over whether a move back to Italy is the only way to relaunch his career.

  Slot’s tactical structure has also compounded the problem. The Dutchman’s system relies heavily on high-intensity pressing and constant off-the-ball running, something Chiesa has struggled to maintain due to repeated muscular setbacks. While his per-minute productivity remains respectable, the lack of sustained involvement has left him unable to meaningfully challenge Liverpool’s established attackers. As the season progresses, it has become increasingly clear that Chiesa is not central to Slot’s long-term plans.

  This situation is drawing concern from the Italian national team setup, with regular minutes viewed as essential ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs. A January transfer, especially back to Serie A, is seen as the best possible scenario for Chiesa to reclaim a starring role and rebuild his standing with the Azzurri.

• Chiesa's injury crises over the years

  Chiesa’s Liverpool difficulties have highlighted deeper issues that predate his Premier League move. Since suffering a major ACL injury in 2022, the winger has been unable to maintain the explosive consistency that once made him one of Europe’s most feared wide forwards. His time at Juventus was similarly disrupted by stop-start spells of form, and his move to England was meant to offer a clean slate that has ultimately not materialised as hoped.

  Injuries remain central to the story. Chiesa has already missed extended periods since joining Liverpool, including over two months across 14 games in the 2024/25 season due to muscle problems. Even when fit, he has yet to start a league match this campaign, making just eight Premier League appearances from the bench and accumulating just over 100 minutes. Despite scoring twice, he has not done so with the regularity required to break into Slot’s preferred XI.

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  Chiesa likely to leave Liverpool in January?

  This lack of stability has fueled mounting speculation regarding a mid-season exit. Inter Milan are said to view him as an ideal depth option who can bring unpredictability to Simone Inzaghi’s forward line, while AC Milan consider him a player capable of complementing Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. Roma are also monitoring the situation, emphasising that Chiesa’s stock in Italy remains high despite his struggles in England.

  Liverpool’s stance ahead of January will likely hinge on whether Slot sees any future role for Chiesa beyond rotation cameos. If his limited involvement continues, the club may be open to approving a loan with an option or obligation to buy, especially with multiple Serie A sides ready to negotiate. With Chiesa eager for minutes and Italy’s coaching staff pushing for a move that guarantees playing time, all signs point toward an exit gaining momentum.

The Atlanta Braves beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 7-6, on Monday night in the most dramatic of fashions.

The Braves looked like they were going to cruise to an easy win thanks to homers from Sean Murphy and Austin Riley, but the Cards stormed back into the game with three runs in the ninth inning against Atlanta closer Raisel Iglesias.

At the top of the ninth, Cardinals slugger Nolan Arenado stepped up to the plate with two outs and the opportunity for a go-ahead run—little did he know he would soon be thwarted by a flukey check swing roller.

Arenado started his swinging motion on the first pitch by Iglesias before changing his mind at the last second. Unfortunately, he didn't pull back in time, and his bat ended up making contact with the ball, which stayed fair and dropped just inches in front of the plate. Arenado was easily tagged out by the Braves catcher, thus ending the game—and the Cardinals' valiant comeback attempt—on one of the shortest groundouts you'll ever see.

Check out that very anticlimactic moment below:

Monday's defeat against the Braves marked the Cardinals' fifth straight loss this season, and what a way it was to go out.

The Philadelphia Phillies lost to the San Francisco Giants, 10-4, at home on Monday night and one bad call by the home plate umpire in a key moment had everyone, including the announcers of both teams, in utter disbelief.

Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto had a full count with two outs and two runners on in a four-run game in the bottom of the seventh. He thought he had drawn a walk on a pitch that was well outside the zone but was then stunned to hear Tony Randazzo ring him up with a called third strike.

The Phillies' announcers did not hold back on Randazzo:

"Oh my goodness, that's an awful call," Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "That is not a good call."

"That is way off the plate…That was as egregious a miss as you will see from a home plate umpire," Tom McCarthy added.

This call was so bad even the Giants' announcers were shocked:

Not great!

The Phillies fell to 9-7 on the season while the red-hot Giants improved to 12-4.