SPORTS NEWS Napoli announces Conte as new manager

June 5th , 2024

SPORTS NEWS

By Adejide

US HUMBLED SOUTH KOREA AS YOHANNES SCORES ON DEBUT

It was a memorable debut for Lilly Yohannes who scored for United States after coming on as a substitute to beat South Korea 3-1 in a friendly match.

The 16-year old pounced on a team planned corner to score her first goal for United States. The teenager had turned down an invite from Netherlands and she’s showing prospects by becoming the eighth youngest player to represent the US women’s national team.

“It’s a dream come true, really! I played this scenario out of my head like how many times before this game? Just having the idea of coming on and scoring’” said Yohannes.

Her manager, Emma Hayes, remarked Yohannes doesn’t look like a 16 year old and her work rate in training justifies the success on the pitch.

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NAPOLI ANNOUNCE CONTE AS NEW MANAGER

Antonio Conte has been appointed has the new manager of Napoli for the next three years.

The former Chelsea coach has been out of job since March 2023 when he left Spurs by mutual consent after a controversial statement.

Napoli had a turbulent season after winning the Italian league in 2022/2023 season. Strange results this concluded season took them out of European slots completely.

The former Juventus manager is decorated with many trophies in his portfolio and he appears the right fit to revive the former Italian champions.

“Napoli is a place of global importance. I am happy and excited at the idea of sitting on the blue bench,” Conte said. There is speculation of Osimhen-Lukaku exchange for the Belgian to reunite with his former boss at Napoli.

New Napoli manager, Antonio Conte

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INJURY FORCED DJOKOVIC OUT OF FRENCH OPEN

Novak Djokovic has been forced to withdraw from the French Open by a knee injury.

The defending champion will not be able to play in the quarter final against Norwegian Casper Ruud.

After his victory in the fourth round on Monday, the Serbian had a scan on the injury on Tuesday. He blamed the slippery clay court of Roland Garros for aggravating the injury.

The scan revealed the 37-year old has a torn medial meniscus in his right knee. “I am really sad that I have to withdraw,” said Djokovic.

Unfortunately, the injury has ended his ambition to become an outright all time record winner on the Paris clay and he will also be stripped off his status as the world number one after the French Open.

Nova Djokovic withdraws from French Open due to knee injury

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PORTUGAL FOLD FINLAND TO CONTINUE THEIR IMPRESSIVE FORM

A rotated Portuguese team thrashed Finland 4-2 in a friendly match to prepare for UEFA European championship.

The match was one of the three matches Portugal will play before going to Germany for the anticipated football tournament. Roberto Martinez took an opportunity to rotate the team and the fielded players were able to cover themselves in glory.

Rúben Dias opened the scoring with a header and Diogo Jota scored for the spot before the half time. Bruno Fernandes curled in a spectacular goal from distance in less than ten minute he came on to make it 3 goals up. Teemu Pukki produced a double for a late scare but Fernandes slotted in the fourth to restore calm.

The game ended 4-2 but the fight back of Finland overwhelmed the result, leaving Portugal fans with little to celebrate.

Bruno Fernandes(C) celebrates his goal against Finland

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XAVI’S LACK OF TRUST IN BARCA TEAM CAUSED HIS EXIT

Barcelona President, Joan Laporta disclosed on Tuesday that Xavi was sacked due to his doubt on Barca’s squad.

Xavi Hernández took over from Ronald Koeman in 2021 and was able to win La-Liga for the Catalans during 2022/2023 season.

Barcelona sack Xavi Hernandez to put end to spell as a coach

Things became very tough for him a season after and he could not reinvent the form of the team, leading to Barca ending the season with no trophy. He promised to leave at the end of the season after so much pressure from the fans but he was convinced by the board to stay.

Shortly after reassurance, the management suddenly sacked him and football fans were wondering what could have been the cause.

The Catalan legend has thanked Barcelona fans for their unwavering support during his stay and stated he still remains a part of Barcelona family.

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