Antoine Semenyo returns to former club Bournemouth with Manchester City on Tuesday, with the Blues chasing a vital victory in the Premier League title race
Antoine Semenyo has been getting a bit of grief from his former teammates in the build-up to Manchester City’s trip to his former club on Tuesday.
The Blues travel to Bournemouth still chasing a domestic treble after Semenyo proved the matchwinner in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. His improvised backheel flick settled the showpiece and now Semenyo and City will head to the south coast aiming to keep up the pressure on Arsenal.
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The frontman only departed the Vitality Stadium in January, and has lifted two trophies since moving to the Etihad. City have not lost domestically since Semenyo’s Premier League debut at Old Trafford, while Bournemouth are unbeaten since his departure and chasing a European place. Something will have to give on Tuesday.
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“I was the problem,” joked Semnyo. “I am happy they are doing so well and hopefully they get into Europe too. It’s going to be tough. They’ve got something to fight for so they’re going to make it tough for us.
“It won’t be weird going back. It’ll be good to see everyone again. I still speak to them every day, to be honest, they’ve been giving me a lot of cr*p, just like they’re going to kick me and this and that but it’ll be good to see them all.
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“And obviously, it’s going to be a tough game. So I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we win.”
Semenyo has joined a City side used to winning. After a tough campaign last season, the Blues have returned two trophies this term and the new-look squad will hope to kick on and claim more silverware in the future, regardless of whether they can overhaul Arsenal over the final two matches of the campaign.
For Semenyo, it’s been a whirlwind few months.
“It’s been surreal, to be honest,” he added. “Everything’s just happened so quickly. But again, when you come to the team in January, you have to adapt as quick as you can and do the best for the team. So I’m happy I’m doing so.
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“I think the last five months have been so intense, so many games and expectations are high.
“When you’re playing around top players, you naturally have to be on your toes and on it every single day. So that’s what they give you and they make it easy for you, especially us wingers.
“They are top players getting on the ball, dictating the play, and it makes it easier for us, creates a lot of one vs one situations and that’s essentially what wingers want. We bounce off each other every day on the pitch and off the pitch.
“When you have top pros who have won it all essentially, you just learn a lot and it rubs off on you a little bit. We just have to focus on what we’re doing and see what happens by the end of next week.
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“We’ll just focus on us. We’re not focused on Arsenal and what they do. We just have to win our games and apply pressure the best way we can.”
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — As Alex Smalley walked onto the grounds of Aronimink Golf Club on Sunday, an increasingly familiar figure walked beside him:
His mother, Maria.
Increasingly familiar to the general public, I should say. Alex has obviously known Maria for all 29 years of his life, but as the World No. 78 has played his way into the 54-hole lead at this week’s PGA Championship, the rest of the world has taken notice, too.
Maria is an accomplished chemist who got her doctorate from Duke, but she’s given up her full-time gig for a combo role as Smalley’s statistician, manager and more. She can be found just ahead of Smalley as he plays, recording every swing. That’s undoubtedly a tougher proposition this weekend as he plays in front of tens of thousands rather than the relative anonymity of PGA Tour weeks.
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On the PGA Tour, it’s common for family members to be tournament attendees, and plenty of pros have family members involved with their business or even their golf swing. Two-time PGA winner Justin Thomas worked with his father Mike for much of his career, as did Xander Schauffele’s with his father, Stefan, as does Cameron Young with his father, David, to cite just three of many examples.
But you’d be hard-pressed to find a more present team member than Maria, who, having recorded every one of her son’s swings, loads the data into an app for later analysis.
An Athletic story detailed her involvement, which dates back to Smalley’s competitive rounds in high school and in college at Duke.
A 2023 PGA Tour interview with Maria further detailed her role.
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“I do his business stuff, I do his stats. That’s what I do when I’m texting all the time on the course,” she said during the 2023 John Deere Classic, where Smalley finished tied for second. “It helps to keep me focused so my head’s not racing and I’m not just going crazy. Gives me something to do.”
So on the biggest day of his professional career, holding a two-stroke lead heading to Sunday, it was no surprise to see Smalley walk side by side with his mother as he hunts his first PGA Tour victory of any kind.
After his third round, Smalley listed his on-site team this week: his caddie Michael Burns (a live wire who complements Smalley’s even demeanor) his golf coach (who was here through Thursday), his agent Chris Kosiba (who stayed at their rental before his father arrived), his physio Dr. Harry Sese, his father Terry, who flew in Saturday morning, and Maria, who has been here throughout.
“I’ll just try to treat it just like any other tournament night for a round tomorrow like I typically would,” he said.
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Asked about his mother’s role, Smalley offered further detail.
“Yeah, obviously I’m very lucky to have both of my parents be on the team with me,” he said. “My dad and I traveled quite a bit when I was younger. He would be the one that would take me to the golf tournaments, junior golf tournaments. My mom would stay back home with my sister.
“My dad still works now, so now, in the professional stage of my career, my mom has been traveling with me. We use a statistics program, and she kind of keeps tabs on that side of things. I make notes on my hole location sheet of what club I hit, how far I have to the hole, the putt distance, the break direction, all that, and she kind of plugs all that into the stat system.
“I don’t really look at it that often. I don’t know if she really does, honestly, either. I think she does it more so for the golf coach, to kind of give him highlights of, ‘Okay, he’s making a lot of his right-to-left putts, but he’s missing a lot of his left-to-right putts low,’ maybe something like that.
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“She likes to stay ahead out on the golf course. She takes videos of me when I’m out competing in a tournament. If she sees something, she might tell me later that night like, ‘Hey, your tempo seemed a little quick today. What did that feel like?’ Or she’ll send them to my golf coach as well so he can kind of see things.
“Yeah, that’s, honestly, what she does. I’m very lucky to have the team I do behind me. There’s a number of people in my team, and she’s just one of them.”
Smalley’s parents live in Greensboro, N.C. He lived with them post-college but recently bought a house nearby, allowing him to continue playing out of Sedgefield Country Club.
“I obviously dreamed of this as a kid, and it’s funny, [the PGA] is the Wanamaker trophy, and when I was in college, I stayed in the Wanamaker dorm for three years,” Smalley said. “So my parents and I have been joking that maybe this would be a tournament that I would win just because of that fact.”
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And if he can finish off the 2026 PGA Championship, they’ll be right there to see the joke become reality.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Fox Sports announcer Tom Brady on the field before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Tom Brady has a full career resume that includes listings as a seven-time Super Bowl winner, minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and top NFL analyst.
On Saturday, he added a non-football line: runway model.
Demna Gvasalia, the creative director of Italian fashion house Gucci, debuted his first “cruise” collection Saturday night in New York’s Times Square, with part of the area turned into a runway. The city was chosen for the unveiling because of its deep ties to Gucci; it was where the designer opened its first store outside of Italy in 1953, the New York Post reported.
Cruise collections aren’t just vacation wear anymore. Instead, the line is supposed to reflect the area in which the fashions are worn, reflecting the “plurality of styles that intersect like the streets of the city,” said Demna, who goes by one name.
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Brady, 48, strutted on the runway in a fitted black leather jacket with matching pants.
Others in the fashion show included heiress Paris Hilton and supermodel Cindy Crawford, who closed the show in a black evening gown.
Celebrities in the crowd included entertainers Mariah Carey and Shawn Mendes, actress Lindsay Lohan, and F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, whose reported girlfriend, Kim Kardashian, also was there.
Chelsea have officially announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager, with the Spaniard set to begin his role on July 1, 2026, after agreeing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The appointment immediately becomes one of the biggest managerial stories in European football, with Chelsea turning to one of the game’s most highly-rated young coaches in a bid to restore stability and challenge again at the top of English football.
Alonso arrives in London with a growing reputation following his historic spell at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where he guided the German side to their first-ever Bundesliga title and transformed them into one of Europe’s most tactically admired teams.
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From Real Madrid Sack to Chelsea Opportunity
Before taking the Chelsea job, Alonso endured a difficult spell at Real Madrid, where he was dismissed midway through the season following inconsistent results and mounting pressure at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Despite the setback, his reputation across Europe remained strong due to the tactical identity and success he had previously built at Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea’s decision to appoint Alonso reflects the club’s desire to build around a younger, progressive coach capable of developing talent and implementing a clear football structure.
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Alonso’s Tactical System Could Suit Chelsea’s Squad
One of the biggest reasons Chelsea supporters are excited is the possibility of finally seeing a defined football identity return to Stamford Bridge.
At Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso built one of Europe’s most tactically impressive sides, combining controlled possession, aggressive pressing, flexible back-three systems, and rapid attacking transitions.
Those ideas could fit many of Chelsea’s current players.
Footballers such as Enzo Fernandez, Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Reece James, and Levi Colwill could potentially thrive in Alonso’s structured possession-heavy system.
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His tactical flexibility may also help maximize Chelsea’s younger core, something the club has struggled to fully achieve in recent seasons.
No European Football Could Benefit Chelsea
If Chelsea fail to qualify for European competition, Alonso could actually benefit from having fewer matches during his first season.
Without Champions League or Europa League football, Chelsea would have more training time, reduced fixture congestion, and greater opportunities to fully implement Alonso’s tactical ideas.
That scenario could mirror the advantage enjoyed by clubs in previous Premier League title races when able to focus primarily on domestic football.
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Alonso’s Liverpool History Adds Another Layer
Alonso’s arrival at Chelsea also adds another interesting storyline given his history with Liverpool.
The Spaniard remains a hugely respected figure among Liverpool supporters following his successful playing spell at Anfield, where he won the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FA Community Shield.
He later enjoyed further success with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest young managers.
Now, Alonso returns to English football on the opposite side of one of the league’s biggest rivalries — a storyline certain to add intrigue whenever Chelsea face Liverpool next season.
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Football Figures Have Long Backed Alonso’s Coaching Potential
Alonso’s rise in management has been praised across European football in recent years.
Former Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge previously described Alonso as one of football’s brightest young coaches following his success at Bayer Leverkusen, while several pundits and former players have praised his tactical intelligence and calm leadership style.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had also publicly spoken highly of Alonso’s football intelligence during his playing career, with many Liverpool supporters once viewing him as a potential future manager at Anfield.
Football analysts including Gary Neville have also suggested Chelsea are bringing in a coach with a clear football identity and modern tactical approach — something the club has lacked during recent managerial instability.
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Pressure Will Still Be Massive at Stamford Bridge
Despite the excitement surrounding the appointment, Alonso will immediately face enormous pressure at Chelsea.
The club’s recent managerial instability, expensive squad rebuild, and demands for instant success mean patience may still be limited.
However, Chelsea supporters will hope Alonso can finally provide:
Tactical clarity
Squad stability
Youth development
Long-term identity
A return to consistent top-level football
After years of inconsistency, Chelsea are betting that one of Europe’s brightest young managers can finally bring direction back to Stamford Bridge.
Former Arsenal star Mikael Silvestre believes one Gunners star could leave the club at the end of the season.
Gabriel Martinelli is Arsenal’s longest-serving current player, having made almost 300 appearances for the Gunners. Despite playing over 100 games in the last 2 years, he has largely been used as a substitute. He has made only 10 starts in the Premier League this season.
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Mikael Silvestre was asked which players are likely to leave the Gunners at the end of the season. The former French international believes the Brazil winger could seek a move away from the North London club at the end of the season. Speaking to Betpack, he said (via Metro):
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“Gabriel Martinelli might be the one who wants to trigger a transfer because of the game-time, he’s a Brazil international, he wants to play, and Leandro Trossard gets more game time than him.
“So, he could be looking elsewhere because he’s been there a long time as well. Leaving after winning the league would be good timing for him, maybe a good decision, but he needs to find the right place, and then you need a replacement. Other than that, I don’t see an obvious position where there is a need to go and buy.”
When asked who they should replace Martinelli with, Silvestre named Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola as a potential option:
“If Martinelli was to make space, then Bradley Barcola could definitely be one that should compete with Trossard. If he improves his finishing, then he would become a complete player because in terms of 1v1 and creating space for himself and delivering assists and key passes, he is very impressive and very difficult to defend against.”
Arsenal are set to play Burnley on May 18 (Monday) at home in their penultimate Premier League fixture of the season. This is followed by a game away from home against Crystal Palace. If Arsenal win their remaining games, they will be crowned PL champions.
Arsenal favorites to sign Bradley Barcola ahead of Liverpool: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly the favorites to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola this summer. PSG could look to offload the French attacker to bring in a new forward.
Liverpool were also reportedly interested in the PSG winger, but are not so keen anymore due to the emergence of Rio Ngumoha. The Reds are more interested in signing a new right winger as Mo Salah is set to leave the club.
A 3-1 defeat at Newcastle kept Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the bottom three as a crucial opportunity was missed to put the pressure on Spurs.
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Roberto De Zerbi’s side now face Chelsea on Tuesday needing only a single point, realistically, to make certain that they will avert disaster and remain in the top-flight next season.
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They have a vastly superior goal difference to their relegation rivals, who looked resigned to their fate after the loss at St James’ Park.
With Wolves and Burnley both relegated, here are the permutations.
Tottenham Hotspur
Position: 17th | Played: 36 | Points: 38 | GD: -9
Remaining fixtures:
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One point would surely do for Spurs now, their goal difference 13 better than that of West Ham with two games to go. It could be done and dusted by the final day totally, of course, if a win is achieved at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, before they host an Everton side with little to play for.
De Zerbi expects the relegation battle to go down to the ‘last minute’ (Getty)
West Ham were dealt a late blow against Arsenal as an equaliser was ruled out (PA Wire)
There is just one game to come for West Ham, who could be down before they play it. If Tottenham are beaten in both of their final games, West Ham will have to win against Leeds to have any hope; if Spurs nick a point in either fixture, it will require a goal difference swing surely out of reach.
The two former world champions will square off in Australia on July 25, with Spence entering his first outing since losing to Terence Crawford in July 2023.
Back then, ‘The Truth’ was widely regarded as a slight pre-fight favourite, only to be relieved of his WBC, IBF and WBA welterweight titles via a ninth-round stoppage.
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Now gearing up to face Tszyu at a catchweight of 158lbs, the 36-year-old is bidding to join the world scene at either middle or super-welterweight.
Their first encounter, in 2024, saw the Australian lose a fiercely-contested split decision, before enduring a punishing three-round beatdown against Bakhram Murtazaliev later that year.
To his credit, though, Tszyu boasts a clear advantage over his next opponent with regards to activity, having been involved in seven fights since Spence’s one-sided defeat to Crawford.
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But regardless of his inactivity, former world champion Lopez has told Fight Hub TV that he expects to see an impressive performance from the American.
“I really wanna see [Spence] win. I think Errol Spence has been truly non-stop working out – he already looks like he’s in shape.
“With the sparring and everything, he’ll look great [against Tszyu].”
While Spence attempts to reignite his career, there is perhaps more pressure on Tszyu to produce a statement performance, with the 31-year-old planning on eventually becoming a two-time world champion at 154lbs.
Delhi Capitals’ KL Rahul celebrates his fifty (AP Photo)
KL Rahul scripted history against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, becoming the player with the most 50+ scores against RR in IPL history, after yet another composed half-century in a high-pressure chase at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.The Delhi Capitals batter now has 9 fifty-plus scores in just 19 innings against Rajasthan Royals, moving clear of some of the biggest names in IPL history. AB de Villiers follows next with 8 in 20 innings, while Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli are tied on 7 each against RR.Most 50+ scores vs RR in IPL:9 – KL Rahul (19 inns)8 – AB de Villiers (20 inns)7 – Shikhar Dhawan (24 inns)7 – Virat Kohli (33 inns)6 – Ishan Kishan (14 inns)This milestone also marked a bigger personal landmark for Rahul, as it was his 50th fifty in the IPL overall, joining an elite group of Indian batters in the tournament’s history.Most 50+ scores in IPL overall:76 – Virat Kohli66 – David Warner53 – Shikhar Dhawan51 – Rohit Sharma50 – KL RahulRahul’s innings of 56 off 42 balls looked set to anchor Delhi’s chase after Rajasthan posted 193/8, but his stay ended just as the game tightened. He was bowled by Dasun Shanaka after misjudging a pace-off delivery that clipped the stumps.The dismissal came at a crucial stage, with Rahul’s wicket giving Rajasthan Royals a vital opening after Delhi had fought their way into the chase. Despite his departure, Rahul’s consistency once again stood out in a season where he has remained one of DC’s most reliable batters.Earlier, Rajasthan had threatened to post a much bigger total after racing to 160/2, but a superb spell from Mitchell Starc triggered a collapse that brought Delhi firmly back into the contest.
Lucy is one of the upcoming characters in the Wuthering Waves x Cyberpunk: Edgerunners collab. She’ll be released in the version 3.4 update, and her upgrade materials have already been leaked, so you can pre-farm them if you’re planning to pull Lucy. That said, the info is subject to change, so a couple of materials required might be different on official release.
This article covers everything you’ll need to upgrade Lucy and her skills in Wuthering Waves.
Note: The following info is based on leaks and is to be taken with a grain of salt.
Wuthering Waves Lucy ascension and skill materials leaked
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Listed below are all the materials you’ll need to level up Lucy, as per beta leaks shared by @Jiyan0117 on X:
LF Exoswarm Core x 4
MF Exoswarm Core x 12
HF Exoswarm Core x 12
FF Exoswarm Core x 4
Shell Credits x 170000
Our Choice x 46
Forget-Me-Not x 60
Additionally, you’ll need the following to upgrade Lucy’s skills:
There are multiple ways to obtain Exoswarm Cores. First, you can get them as additional rewards for completing any Forgery Challenge in Roya-Frostlands. Alternatively, you can obtain them from in-game shops and Supply Packs.
Our Choice
Our Choice (Image via Kuro Games)
Our Choice is overworld boss material, and you can farm it by defeating Nameless Explorer at SkyArk Space Station in Roya Frostlands.
Forget-Me-Not
Forget-Me-Not (Image via Kuro Games)
Forget-Me-Not is a local specialty item that you can find in Dimmr Plains, Roya Frostlands.
Incomplete Combustor, Aftertune Combustor, Remnant Combustor, and Reverb Combustor
Incomplete Combustor (Image via Kuro Games)
You can obtain the Incomplete Combustor and its other rarities in the Lesson in Embers Forgery Challenge in Lahai-Roi. Additionally, they can be obtained from Supply Packs.
Gold in Memory
Gold in Memory (Image via Kuro Games)
Gold in Memory is a weekly boss material that can be obtained after defeating Sigillum.
Fans fill U.S. Bank Stadium during a matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles in Minneapolis on Oct. 19, 2025. The home crowd reacted emotionally throughout a tense first half shaped by momentum swings, missed opportunities, and disputed calls as Minnesota attempted to regroup against one of the NFC’s premier opponents in a high-energy atmosphere. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Sportsbooks believe the 2026 Minnesota Vikings will finish around 8-9 or 9-8 this season, a familiar win forecast that seems to follow (haunt?) Minnesota every spring. Now, we know who Minnesota will play and when, thanks to the league’s schedule release on Thursday night. This article illuminates the nasty portions.
A few trouble spots jumped off the page immediately.
Ranked in ascending order, these are those gruesome spots (No. 1 = worst schedule aspect).
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The Nasty Stretch Arrives before December
What stands out to you on the Vikings’ schedule?
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts along the sideline after a pivotal second-quarter stretch against the Cleveland Browns during NFL International Series action on Oct. 5, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Tottenham, United Kingdom. The scene captures O’Connell’s emotional response and urgency as momentum briefly shifted during the overseas matchup in front of an international crowd. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
4. The Early Bye Week
Nobody enjoys an early bye week, but some NFL teams just have to stomach them. Most believe the best byes are down the stretch of the regular season, perhaps in late November or early December, when a team ramps up to the final push for the postseason.
Instead, the Vikings will get one of the earliest byes possible. They’ll play five games and then reset just as the first chapter of the season ended.
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Thankfully, the club has a “mini-bye” after Thursday Night Football at the New England Patriots in December — 10 days of rest.
3. Two Evil — and Good — Rivals to Kick the Whole Thing Off
The Vikings have started a season against the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears in a row (or vice versa) just once in franchise history — 2003 when Minnesota won both contests.
It’s rare, but the NFL has outfitted Minnesota’s schedule with two games against its foremost foes right away. In seasons past — mainly when the Bears weren’t very good — this would be a nothingburger. Now, though, both the Packers and Bears could reasonably win the NFC North. They’re decent-to-good squads on paper.
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Minnesota could’ve eased into the 2026 regular season with a Week 1 or 2 game against the Miami Dolphins or New York Jets. Nope — it’s the in-your-face main enemies for Kyler Murray to acclimate to the franchise immediately.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) fights for extra yardage before being brought down by Chicago Bears defensive back Kevin Byard III (31) during second-quarter action on Dec. 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The NFC North rivalry matchup featured physical trench play and tough defensive stops as both teams battled in cold-weather conditions. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
SI.com‘s Jonathan Harrison on Vikings-Packers in Week 1: “The game will be the first chance for the Vikings to likely see former Cardinals QB Kyler Murray man the Vikings’ offense. Murray was signed to a one-year, veteran minimum deal in March following his release from Arizona. The Vikings’ coaching staff and front office have been adamant they see Murray in a “true competition” with J.J. McCarthy for the team’s starting quarterback role.”
“As for the Packers, they will likely be without star pass rusher Micah Parsons for the first several weeks of the 2026 season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday, Parsons is a “candidate to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform List” to start the season. Parsons tore his ACL in December and is currently recovering from the injury.”
2. Always Thursday Night Football on the Road
Once again, the NFL has lined up Minnesota to play on the road for Thursday Night Football. It’ll be the fourth straight occurrence.
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In the last three seasons, these have been the outcomes:
This needs course correction. Starting next year — and then likely spanning a few seasons — Minnesota is overdue for home primetime Thursday Night Football games. That’s all there is to it.
Daily Norseman‘s Christopher Gates noted on TNF and the weather from the schedule, “The Thursday night trip to New England in early December might be a bit tricky, as could the penultimate game of the year against the Jets. Other than that, however, Mother Nature seems like it could be on the Vikings’ side this year.”
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1. Weeks 8 thru 11
Finally, the part of the schedule where you close your eyes and pray to Norse Gods:
Week 8 — at Detroit Lions Week 9 — vs. Buffalo Bills (MNF) Week 10 — at Green Bay Packers Week 11 — at San Francisco 49ers (SNF)
Unless injuries have decimated four teams consecutively, this will be a brutal stretch for Minnesota — or any team. For example, if you asked a member of each of those teams’ fan bases if that squad can win a Super Bowl in 2026, they would reply, “Yes.”
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Minnesota Vikings cornerback Chandon Sullivan (39) wraps up Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) during first-half action on Nov. 13, 2022, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The play highlighted Minnesota’s aggressive defensive approach against Allen’s scrambling ability in one of the Vikings’ most memorable road victories of the season. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports.
On top of that, three of the four contests are on the road. Ruthless.
For the Vikings’ season to feel optimistic, Kevin O’Connell’s team probably has to have a 4-2 record entering Week 8 at Detroit, because a 2-2 split against DET, BUF, GB, and SF would be considered a favorable outcome.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Cristiano Argento has been tearing up opponents in the ring for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) as he worked his way up the ladder to get a few shots at some gold.
But the path to get to one of the most prestigious pro wrestling companies in the U.S. was long and a path that not many wrestlers have taken.
Argento was born and raised in Osimo, Italy – a town of about 35,000 people located on the east side of the country closer to the Adriatic Sea. He told Fox News Digital he started training in a ring at a boxing gym before he got started on the independent scene in Italy. He wrestled in Germany, Sweden, France and Denmark before he came to the realization that, to become a professional wrestler, he needed to make his way to the United States.
Cristiano Argento performs in the National Wrestling Alliance(Instagram)
He first worked his way to Canada to get trained by pro wrestling legend Lance Storm. He moved to Canada, leaving most of his friends and family behind and without a firm grasp on the English language.
“At the time, my English was horrible. I didn’t speak any English at all,” he said. “But I was with my friend, Stefano, he came with me and he translated everything for me. I probably missed 50% of the knowledge that Lance Storm was giving to us because I was unable to understand. I was only given a recap and everything I was able to see. I’m sure if I was doing it now with a proper knowledge of English, it would have been a different scenario.
“Eventually, I moved back to Italy after the training and I said, OK, now, I want to go to the U.S. So, I studied English more properly, and eventually I got my first work visa that was in Texas. I was in Houston for a short period of time. I trained with Booker T at Reality of Wrestling. I got on his show, which was my debut in the U.S. That was awesome. I eventually got a new work visa in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I currently live since 2017. Since then, my wrestling career, thankfully, kept growing, growing, growing and growing until now wrestling for the NWA. One of the bigger promotions in the U.S.”
Argento said that his family thought he was “nuts” for chasing his pro wrestling dream.
He said they were more concerned about his well-being given that he was half-way around the world without anyone he knew by his side in case something went sideways.
“My family, friends, everybody was like why do you want to move to the opposite side of the world not knowing the language, not knowing anybody, by yourself, to try to become a professional wrestler? And I was like, well, we have one life, I love, and that’s what I’m gonna do,” he told Fox News Digital. “Eventually, my family was really supportive. But when I first said, ‘Hey, mom and dad, I want to do that.’ They looked at me like, ‘Are you nuts? Are you drunk or something? What are you talking about?’ And I said, no that’s what I want to do. And they knew I loved this sport because in Italy I was traveling around Europe, spending time in Canada training, so they started to understand slowly that’s what I want to do with my life. They were proud of me.
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Cristiano Argento works out in the gym.(Instagram)
“They’re still proud of me. I think more like the fact that you’re gonna try that, that it’s hard than more like you’re gonna leave us. The fact like, oh, my son is gonna go on the opposite side of the world for a six-hour time difference and we’re gonna see him maybe, when, like, I don’t know. Not often. I think it was more that. And for me too, it was really hard. It was heartbreaking not being able to see my family every day or every month. Like once a year if I’m lucky. I think that was the biggest part for them because of concern or that I was here by myself and if I have any issue or any problem, I didn’t have nobody. So they were scared. Like, you get sick, if you have a problem, anything, and they’re not being able to be here next to me. But they were really supportive since day one.”
Argento is living out his dream in the U.S. He suggested that the moniker of the U.S. being the “land of opportunity” wasn’t far from what is preached in movies and literature – it was the real thing.
“I was inspired by people who came to the U.S. and made it big,” Argento told Fox News Digital. “The U.S. was always like the land of opportunity. That’s how they sell it to us and this is what it is. I feel like, in myself, that was true because anything I tried to do so far I was able to reach a lot more than if I wasn’t here. I’m not yet where I’d like to be but I see like there’s so many opportunities in this country. Not just in wrestling but like in any business to reach the goal. I’m really happy of the choices I did here.
National Wrestling Alliance star Cristiano Argento poses in Times Square in New York.(Instagram)
“But my big inspirations were big-time actors who moved to the country, who didn’t know English, with no money, no support system. I had one dream, I have to go right there to make it happen and I’m gonna go and do it and I’m gonna make it happen. So those people were always the biggest inspiration even if it wasn’t in wrestling, just how they handled their passion, how they pursued their dream without being scared of anything, how far you are, how alone by yourself … You don’t know the language, you’re like, let’s go, let’s do it.”
Outside of the NWA, Argento has performed for the International Wrestling Cartel, Enjoy Wrestling and Exodus Pro Wrestling this year.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
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