Former Man City boss Pep Guardiola had been in talks to take over the Italian national team

Italian football chiefs Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have reportedly resigned from their roles as technical director and advisor in the country’s Football Federation. It’s a surprise U-turn from the AC Milan legend Maldini, who has spent just ten days in the role.

Maldini had been keen on appointing former AC Milan teammate Andrea Pirlo as head coach of the Italian national team, a week on from talks with Manchester City icon Pep Guardiola.

The former City boss had been in talks to take over the struggling European nation, who did not qualify for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

After being turned down by Guardiola, Maldini focused on Pirlo, but Italian football president Giovanni Malago reportedly did not want to appoint the former midfielder due to his ties to Russian betting brands.

Maldini and Leonardo are said to have left their position with immediate effect, having spent just over a week in the role.

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It’s yet another blow for Italian football having been turned down by Guardiola last week. The former City manager is said to have told the Italian Football Federation: “Thank you, I’m honoured, but at this moment, I don’t feel it.”

It’s unclear what lies ahead for the legendary City boss, having already had a sabbatical from football after leaving Barcelona earlier in his managerial career.

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It was claimed that Guardiola, who reportedly agreed a deal with the English FA to take control of the Three Lions in 2024 before changing his mind, asked for £17m a-year in salary demands.

The Catalan manager currently retains a position within City Football Group in an advisory capacity for clubs including Palermo, Lommel and Troyes.

The Manchester Evening News understands that the role prevents him from accepting another managerial post, though it is thought City’s ownership would be unlikely to block his path if he wished to do so.

Speaking earlier this week, FIGC president Giovanni Malago hinted at a financial disparity in talks with Guardiola. “There are certain financial aspects to be considered, and it’s an understatement to say we’d have to grit our teeth for this,” he said in an interview with the Italian media.

“Some exceptions have been made, for example, exceptions that regard the name making such waves at the moment: Pep Guardiola.

“I don’t need to sit here and explain the obvious reasons why he’d be an exception, but that is also no guarantee that this will go through.”

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Arsenal have shown interest in signing Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, but completing a deal this summer looks very difficult.

The Brazilian winger is one of the biggest names in world football. Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, he has won 14 trophies and scored 128 goals in 375 matches. At 26, he is entering the best years of his career.

Vinicius has one year left on his current contract, and Real Madrid are still trying to agree on a new deal. Talks between both sides are continuing, but no agreement has been reached.

The contract situation has caught the attention of Arsenal, who are looking to strengthen their attack after missing out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea.

Manager Mikel Arteta is said to admire Vinicius and sees him as a top target. However, Arsenal know that signing the Brazil international will not be easy.

Real Madrid are expected to demand well over £130 million for the winger, which would break the British transfer record. Vinicius is also believed to earn more than £450,000 a week, meaning he would become Arsenal’s highest-paid player by a wide margin.

There is also the question of whether Vinicius wants to leave Madrid. For many South American players, playing for Real Madrid is a dream, and leaving the Spanish giants for another club may not appeal to him.

Reports suggest Vinicius remains open to signing a new contract because he wants to stay at Real Madrid, where new manager Jose Mourinho is keen to keep his top players.

Real Madrid also face a difficult decision. If they fail to renew his contract, Vinicius will be free to speak to other clubs about a free transfer next year, and the club could lose one of their biggest stars without receiving a transfer fee.

Although Arsenal believe they have the financial strength to make an offer, the transfer depends on more than money. Vinicius would have to decide whether he is ready to leave Real Madrid at the peak of his career.

For now, Arsenal’s interest is real, but a move remains unlikely unless contract talks between Vinicius and Real Madrid completely break down. The coming weeks are expected to decide where the Brazilian star will play next season.

Tanzania began their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 campaign with a famous 2-1 win over South Africa in their Group B match on Monday evening.

The East Africans produced a brave display at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca to defeat the former African champions and claim an important three points.

Tanzania made a bright start and nearly took the lead in the 13th minute when captain Opa Tukumbuke chased a loose ball inside the penalty area, but South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made a good save.

Two minutes later, South Africa survived another scare after a back header almost ended in an own goal, but Dlamini recovered in time to stop the ball from crossing the line.

South Africa responded with chances of their own. Hildah Magaia fired just over the crossbar before Karabo Dhlamini struck the woodwork with a powerful long-range effort.

Despite South Africa’s pressure, Tanzania went ahead in the 37th minute. Diana Msewa beat her defender before calmly finishing past Dlamini at the near post.

South Africa pushed for an equaliser and found one in first-half added time. After Tanzania goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa made a save, Bambanani Mbane reacted quickest to head the ball into the net and make it 1-1 before the break.

The defending champions almost took the lead just after the restart, but Refiloe Jane was unable to convert her chance.

With the match heading for a draw, Tanzania struck the winner in the 86th minute. Substitute Hasnath Ubamba turned her marker inside the box before firing a low shot past Dlamini to seal a memorable victory.

The win gives Tanzania a perfect start to Group B ahead of Friday’s match against Burkina Faso. South Africa will now look to bounce back when they face Côte d’Ivoire on the same day.

Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms revealed that his close friend, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, almost lost an eye during a horrible car crash he was involved in earlier this month.

Simms, who is a current NFL analyst, made an appearance on “PFT Live” where he explained pictures he received from Shanahan’s wife, Mandy, after the July 14 accident occurred.

“When you first see it, and it’s fresh, and some of the cuts are still wide open, I mean, it’s jarring,” Simms explained. “It’s jarring.

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NBC Sports Chris Simms before an AFC divisional playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs on January 21, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“He was this close to maybe losing his right eye.”

The injuries were quite significant for Shanahan, who is limited to starting training camp with the 49ers, the team announced.

Shanahan suffered a broken nose, three broken ribs and a broken hand. He also needed over 40 stitches in his face and had a severe concussion after colliding with another SUV by his home in Northern California, per ESPN.

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“San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident last week when he suffered non-life threatening injuries. Coach Shanahan will participate in team activities on a limited basis at the start of training camp while he recovers,” the team said in its statement.

“Coach Shanahan and the 49ers organization would like to sincerely thank all first responders involved for their efforts and care.”

Simms pointed to his forehead when he said, “The scar is so big right here.”

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

“So, all that stuff was just crazy to see,” he added.

While Shanahan has yet to speak on the crash, Simms did reveal some of what he is feeling at the moment.

“He was emotional about it because he realized how close it was to being just a complete, you know, utter disaster,” Simms, who mentioned the other driver was a woman, said. “Like, really, it was a disaster anyways. But, when you’re a part of that accident, like I said, he could have lost his right eye. It could have been a lot worse. You know, he’s very concerned about the woman he got in the accident with and how she is and handling that situation. So there’s just a lot there. And I think it was a lot for him to process.”

Shanahan was spotted at 49ers training camp on Sunday, where his face was masked by a baseball hat and sunglasses.

GM John Lynch also noted that, “Kyle basically is going to be like in the protocol,” in reference to his concussion. Simms said it is giving him “some issues” he must deal with through the healing process.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Florida, on Oct. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

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While Shanahan serves his team on a limited basis, Chris Foerster, the 49ers’ assistant head coach, is acting in his place.

The 49ers open the season against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 in the first-ever game played in Australia.

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French Accord has been rewarded for her consistency with a breakthrough maiden win at Sandown.

After finishing runner-up in her first two starts at Bendigo and Geelong respectively, French Accord scored with authority in taking out the Sportsbet Fast Form Plate (1200m) on Wednesday.

Under the guidance of Luke Currie, French Accord ($4.80) raced away from her opposition to record a 2-¾ length win from Brilliant Bull Ant ($26) with Luscombe ($5) a half-length away third.

With trainer Robbie Griffiths absent, stable foreman Reid Balfour said every challenge French Accord had thrown at her, the filly would rise to the occasion.

“But every time we keep raising the bar, she keeps meeting it,” Balfour said.

A $15,000 yearling purchase at the 2024 Inglis Premier Sale, high expectations were not placed on the filly early in her development.

“She was bought for $15,000 and Robbie was able to put some owners into her and she’s repaying them in spades,” Balfour added.

“She’s not fully mature yet and will keep getting better with each preparation, so there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Currie was having his second ride aboard French Accord having ridden the filly when narrowly touched out at Geelong on July 10.

He said French Accord had made good improvement from that outing.

“She travelled up really well,” Currie said.

“She’s been well educated and well worked out by Robbie and the team.”

“Last time she was a bit stiff. She raced really well and loomed like she was going to win, but got a bit lost out wide there at Geelong.”

“Today, she learnt from that and put them away quite quickly.”

Currie said French Accord has some nice attributes and should prove a nice money spinner for her trainer and connections.

“She keeps improving,” Currie said.

“She jumps well, settles, does everything you ask and she will be a nice filly going forward.”

The Griffiths stable made it a double for the day at Sandown when Saluted took out the Sportsbet Get On Extra Handicap (1000m).

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John Stones left Manchester City at the end of the season after spending a decade at the Etihad Stadium and winning everything with the club

John Stones has made a verbal agreement to join Inter Milan, according to reports in Italy. The former Manchester City defender is set to sign a two-year contract with his representatives finalising the terms of a deal.

The move will see Stones reunite with former City team-mate Manuel Akanji after the latter joined the San Siro club on a permanent basis following his season-long loan deal. England international Stones could quickly see some familiar faces too.

The parties are hopeful that the 32-year-old’s transfer will be completed by the end of the week. While he is likely to be recovering following his World Cup campaign with the Three Lions, Stones could be unveiled in time for Inter’s friendly clash with City on Saturday.

The veteran defender was also said to be contacted by Juventus over the weekend, having drawn interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Gunners have been seeking to reinforce their backline following William Saliba’s injury. Chelsea, meanwhile, are bidding to add experience to their squad this summer after also targeting striker Danny Welbeck and midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Stones’ departure from Manchester City was confirmed in April, offering him an opportunity to say goodbye to the club. The Barnsley-born star enjoyed a successful 10-year period that matched Pep Guardiola’s, but in recent seasons he has missed time through injury.

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Speaking ahead of his departure, Stones acknowledged that he wished his City stay could continue. “Everything comes to an end and I wish it’d go on forever, but I know that that’s not a possibility,” he said.

“It’s tough, but at the same time, I can look back on the 10 years and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved and what I’ve done here.

“The memories that I’ve got with absolutely everyone, not just the players, the staff, the fans, the guys that we all see on a daily basis and you’ve become friends with and have bonds with.

“It’s not sunk in yet, but when I leave I think it will and it’ll hit me.”

Terence Crawford and Floyd Mayweather are both hailed as two of boxing’s best since the turn of the millennium, but reigning WBC welterweight world champion Ryan Garcia believes that there is one former 147lber who would have been able to end each of their undefeated streaks.

Mayweather retired with a 50-0 record and was named as the Boxing Writers Association of America ‘Fighter of the Decade’ for the 2010s, although ‘TBE’ is set to risk that unbeaten streak in the near future, with a rematch against Manny Pacquiao now being touted for early 2027.

Meanwhile, like Mayweather, Crawford retired as an undefeated five-division world champion when he announced his decision to hang up the gloves in December, retiring after a historic victory over Canelo Alvarez that saw him claim the undisputed crown at a third weight.

Despite the astonishing careers and lack of frailties shown by both Mayweather and Crawford, Garcia told Daily Mail Boxing that he would favour boxing’s first five-division world champion Thomas Hearns to defeat both men if they fought in their primes.

‘The Hitman’ won his first world honours at welterweight, defeating José Cuevas in 1980. He made three successful defences of the belt before losing to Sugar Ray Leonard in ’81 – his first bout as part of The Four Kings quartet. Given Hearns would win a world title at light-heavyweight and finish his career as a cruiserweight, Garcia’s pick is not a major surprise.

Back to the present day, and Garcia remains hopeful that he could be the one to hand Crawford a first career defeat, recently revealing his intentions to tempt the 38-year-old out of retirement, if he comes through his maiden world title defence against Conor Benn in September unscathed.

Although, at present, Crawford seems unwilling to reconsider his decision to walk away from the sport, refusing to return to boxing despite having a lucrative offer on the table.

Matthew Dunn believes his lightly campaigned three-year-old, Silent Thinker, possesses the attributes for future Saturday racing success, but for the immediate future, smaller victories are the priority.

The gelding is set to participate in his third race, the Barrier Reef Pools Handicap (1350m) at Ipswich on Friday, with the aim of securing consecutive wins. He recently broke his maiden status with a dominant all-the-way victory at the same track earlier this month. This followed a debut third at the Gold Coast, and Dunn has observed further progress in the horse since his initial start.

“We had to ride him really aggressively last start from a bad barrier and it’s probably not the way to ride him. He’s drawn a bit better on Friday,” Dunn revealed. “I think he’s a decent horse. He’s got a good future, and he’ll get out over a bit further yet. If he can get up to a mile, which I think he will, he’s a Saturday horse for sure. His pedigree suggests he will.”

Silent Thinker, acquired for $50,000 from Inglis’ December online sale, is a son of the reputable sire So You Think and a mare by Fusaichi Pegasus. Ben Thompson, who rode him to victory last start, will again take the reins, and Dunn expects his charge to be the one to beat.

“He’s doing a good job, and he will be hard to beat again. He was good last start,” he commented. Also featuring in the race is Exceed Perfection, a former Sydney galloper now trained by Chris and Corey Munce. This five-year-old, in his first run for the stable, has only one win from 23 starts, but has achieved 10 placings, proving to be a consistent performer in NSW provincial racing. Despite a difficult barrier draw in 13, he carries a competitive weight thanks to apprentice Courtney Bellamy’s two-kilogram claim.

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