Are we witnessing the resurgence of the Italian Serie A?

Gianluigi Buffon (L) and Matthijs de Ligt (R) of Juventus are seen on arrival at the stadium prior to the International Champions Cup match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at the Nanjing Olympic Center Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Nanjing, China.

(July 23, 2019 - Source: Getty Images AsiaPac)

Can the Serie A really become more competitive?

Often considered to be one of the top five leagues in the world, conversations about the Serie A have continued to escalate in recent times. The attention towards the league has been vastly heightened by the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at the start of the 2018/2019 season. Ronaldo’s arrival has somewhat caused some more traction and attracted more players to come to Italy to compete. Now, with another Serie A season already here, one can’t help but wonder whether the upcoming season will be a matter of same champions, just a different season, or will the other teams step up to finally dethrone Juventus off their title. Furthermore, much will be expected from the Italian teams, particularly those participating in the UEFA Champions League, as they will be looking to bring home the trophy which has remained elusive for Italian teams for the past nine seasons. Below we have a look at the evolution of the league and possible outcomes from the new season.

One player can make all the difference

It is without a doubt that the Serie A has been gradually developing. One might be fooled to think that the league is not growing as Juventus continue to be the favorites to win every title on offer. However, that aside, one can argue that the league is growing for a number of different reasons. It is easy to underplay the effect that Ronaldo’s signing has had on Juventus and even the league. The best players are attracted to other top players, it makes the league better and more competitive. Firstly, the arrival of one of the top two best players in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo shows the progressive nature of the league, as well as its ability to attract high quality players to the top flight. Undoubtedly, Ronaldo’s arrival in Italy has had many ripple effects for the league, many of which are positive. His arrival has further attracted more big name players with the likes of Matthijs De Ligt, Romelu Lukaku, Aaron Ramsey, Danilo, Diego Godin and even the veteran Franck Ribery, just to name a few. The presence of more quality players in the league will improve the competition for the league title amongst the teams, bring in more merchandise and TV money as well as provide fans with high quality football entertainment. Therefore, reasons or factors such as the above are proof of the league’s growth.

Juan Cuadrado (L) of Juventus is challenged by Marten De Roon of Atalanta during the Serie A match between Juventus and Atalanta BC on May 19, 2019 in Turin, Italy.

(May 18, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

How ready are the Serie A’s top sides in challenging for the Champions League?

Juventus

​Many expected that the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus would help the team finally bring the Champions League title back to Turin, but the Old Lady’s misfortunes in the tournament continued as they were put to the sword by Ajax Amsterdam in the quarterfinals of the tournament last season. Nevertheless, the main agenda for the new season is no different for this Juventus side as the UEFA Champions League title remains the ultimate goal for them. To this end, the team has made a number of changes in a bid to ready the squad for the new Champions League season. In a move that is surely to change the team’s style of play, Juventus brought in Maurizio Sarri to replace Massimiliano Allegri who left at the end of last season. The team has further been quite busy in the transfer market, signing Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot to beef up the midfield and improve the creativity in the belly of the park. Furthermore, Juve has also strengthened the team’s defence with the capture of one of the most sought after signings of the summer in Matthijs De Ligt, as well as the swap deal involving the signing of Danilo who came in place of Joao Cancelo. Combine that with the experience of Gianluiggi Buffon, as well as the presence of seasoned players like Ronaldo, Higuain and Mario Mandzukic, Juve surely have the ammunition to go all the way and win this season’s Champions League. But team depth is not the only puzzle to glory. The arrival of Maurizio Sarri is an interesting factor that can have an upside and downside. Others are worried that Sarri could take some time to settle in at Juve, and his new players may initially have problems adapting to his methods. The 60-year-old has no experience of winning top-flight titles, although he did lead Chelsea to Europa League glory last term. It therefore remains to be seen whether Sarriball will provide the right tonic and help finally bring the Champions League title to Turin for the first time in 23 years.

Rodrigo Bentancur (L) of Juventus and Nicolo Zaniolo of Roma compete for the ball during the Serie A match between Juventus and AS Roma on December 22, 2018 in Turin, Italy.

(Dec. 21, 2018 - Source: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images Europe)

AS Roma

AS Roma are in another period of transition under new manager Paulo Fonseca and the Portuguese boss is imprinting a new style upon them. The Giallorossi did poorly for their standards last season and finished sixth. Furthermore, the team waved goodbye to one of its greatest legends in Daniel De Rossi, leaving the team with a huge void to fill in terms of leadership and overall quality in the team. This season, Roma bolstered its defense with the acquisition of Leonardo Spinazzola and Gianluca Mancini. In addition, Bryan Cristante, who enjoyed success at Atalanta is expected to spearhead the midfield. Having had one of the most porous back-lines in Serie A last season, the team has also brought in a centre back, Gianluca Mancini from Atalanta who has big shoes to fill following the departure of Manolas. Moreover, the team should be pleased by the news that Edin Dzeko’s future is now sorted and the player is staying put for another season. AS Roma also received a further boost last week when Italian midfield sensation Nicolò Zaniolo penned a new five-year deal with the club. All in all, Roma’s primary focus will be fighting for a top four position and perhaps a round of sixteen qualification in the Champions League in the season following the current one.

“Juventus hired Sarri to guide them to Champions League glory, while Inter brought in the services of another former Chelsea coach in Antonio Conte. AS Roma captured the services of former Shakhtar Donetsk coach Paulo Fonseca. Only Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli and the highly impressive Gian Piero Gasperini, who led Atalanta to third position, remain unchanged.”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

Supporters of Inter Milan during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg match between Inter Milan and Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 20, 2010 in Milan, Italy.

(April 19, 2010 - Source: Claudio Villa/Getty Images Europe)

Inter Milan

Inter seem to have taken serious measures to help the team get back to challenging for league honours. Firstly, the appointment of former Chelsea coach in Antonio Conte to replace Luciano Spalletti by the board is a statement of inten. Next to this, Inter snatched the signing of former Man United forward, Romelu Lukaku, beating rivals Juventus to his signature. Furthermore, the Nerazurri have also been able to add some experience defensively by signing former Atletico Madrid defender in Diego Godin who boasts loads of years of Champions League experience. The team further acquired the services of Nicolo Barella, Valentino Lazaro, Stefano Sensi and now imminently Alexis Sanchez, all who are expected to play a big part in this reinvented Inter squad this season. With Conte at the helm, this Inter team will most certainly be challenging for league honours and they seem to be one of the sides that can push Juventus all the way for the title.

Napoli

Napoli’s defence looks solid as a rock after their summer capture of Kostas Manolas from Roma. The Greek international will form a formidable centre-half partnership with the dependable Kalidou Koulibaly as coach Carlo Ancelotti plots to bring the league title to the city for the first time in 29 years. Napoli’s transfer window has been the quietest of the big teams in Serie A, but that doesn’t mean they were unsuccessful. The signing of Kostas Manolas gives them one of the world’s most formidable center back pairing. The rest of the world already had to deal with Napoli’s elite attack, but now they’ll also have to find ways to score against a defence that features Manolas and Kalidou Koulibaly. That will be an unbelievably difficult task for any team. That move, coupled with the continued development of young talents like Fabian Ruiz, Alex Meret, and Arkadiusz Milik should make them a formidable opponent for anybody next season. Should we even mention the arrival of the dynamic Hirving Lozano?

Atalanta

The undisputed surprise packages of the 2018/2019 Serie A season. Atalanta finished third last season, the best ever in the club’s history. The pessimist out there would argue that the only place to go for them this season is down. Contrary to this, the optimists see an opportunity for more success. Most attribute the club’s success in recent times is to the team’s ability to produce youth players in abundance. Atalanta, however, have also gotten older and more experienced. In addition to striker Duvan Zapata, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men feature several newcomers in strikers Luis Muriel and midfielder Rusian Malinovskyi. This will allow the team to remain competitive both in the league and the Champions League group stages that begins next month. With their attack stronger than ever, there’s no limit to this team’s potential as they continue to shock teams across Italy. Many believe that the departure of young central defender Gianluca Mancini left a huge vacuum in their back-line that hasn’t been properly filled as of yet. Though Atalanta have been almost inactive in this transfer window, the fact that they kept a talented core together should be enough for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men to have a decent run in their maiden appearance in Europe’s biggest tournament.

Atalanta BC coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on October 7, 2018 in Bergamo, Italy.

(Oct. 6, 2018 - Source: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images Europe)

Luring in the best gaffers

There has been a considerable number of coaching changes in the Serie A this off season. Interestingly, four of the teams that finished in the top six last year appointed new managers. Juventus hired Sarri to guide them to Champions League glory, while Inter brought in the services of another former Chelsea coach in Antonio Conte. AS Roma captured the services of former Shakhtar Donetsk coach Paulo Fonseca. Only Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli and the highly impressive Gian Piero Gasperini, who led Atalanta to third position, remain unchanged. These factors are likely to be key and become a determining factor regarding who walks away with the Serie A title come May 2020.

On paper, it looks likely to be a three-horse race for the honours this season with perennial runners-up Napoli as well as Inter, likely to push Juventus all the way. With more world class players being drawn to the league each passing season, the attractiveness of this league is moving at lighting speed. Now with all said and done, this Serie A campaign might just be one of the most exciting in years and better still, the only way for this league seems to be all the way up! Who’re you’re vouching for?

Are Juventus Serie A Favorites?

Matthijs de Ligt of Juventus and Marcelo Brozovic of FC Internazionale talk prior to the International Champions Cup match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at the Nanjing Olympic Center Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Nanjing, China.

(July 23, 2019 - Source: Getty Images AsiaPac)

Forza Juve

They have had a great run, haven’t they? Eight Scudettos on the spin, one of which was won in that impressive 2011/12 campaign where they finished the entire season unbeaten. More profoundly, they have done it with three different managers in those 8 years, meaning it’s not just a result of one gaffer’s magic but perhaps the ageless spirit and wisdom of the Old Lady of Turin. Come to think of it, why were they nicknamed the Old Lady? Legend says it’s an ironic joke for their name Juventus, which means youth in Latin and also for notably sticking to some old players even up to date. Lady comes from how their fans love Juve as they would their better halves. Well, without turning this into an Italian history lesson, let’s chew the meat at hand. Yes, they have been dominant but rendered the Serie A less interesting to watch in that space of time.

Everyone wants some, “I didn’t see that coming” moments, for instance Leicester City’s historic 2014/15 Premier League title win. Fortunate enough for us lovers of the thrills and spills of the game, taking into account the events that have transpired over the summer, there seems to be a more realistic prospect of the Italian Serie A title changing hands, after close to a decade.

I hope I have piqued your interest because am going to get straight into it.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the International Champions Cup match between Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur at the Singapore National Stadium on July 21, 2019 in Singapore.

(July 20, 2019 - Source: Getty Images AsiaPac)

Addio (Goodbye) Allegri

The first fortunate factor that could favor the other bold Italian giants in their quest for a rare Serie A title, is actually self-inflicted by Juve. Them, parting ways with manager Massimiliano Allegri at the beginning of the summer hinted on what their priorities are at this point in time. It’s clearly not to win another Scudetto. The Italian had been a real clutch, taking over from Conte in 2014 and doing just enough to continue that impressive title winning run coupled with leading them to two Champions League finals in a space of three years. But the writing is on the wall, they are pricing another piece of silverware above the honor of becoming Italian champions, a UEFA Champions League crown they last laid their hands on, 23 years before today. No wonder they have had the privilege to pick and drop most of the finest rising and established Italian gaffers to do try and do that job in recent years with no success.

More evidence to support this cause states that the big money acquisitions of five time Balon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo (Mr. Champions League) from Real Madrid, suiting up Aaron Ramsey with hefty wages, the capture of Mathijs de Ligt for the third most expensive fee for a defender and recently the charge to try and prize Romelu Lukaku away from Manchester United amongst others. They had been winning Scudettos without spending a lot but specialising in signing some of Europe’s top talent on free transfers. All of sudden, they feel the need to. More concretely, Juve know that it could probably take a century to have another Ronaldo in world football and the need to utilise this unique opportunity before the soon 35-year-old can hang up his boots. They’ve had the first strike at the UEFA crown and the second one called 2019/20 could be the last. In short, they really like Italian but need some more European flavour which could loosen their hold on the domestic title and give room for the likes of Napoli and Inter Milan to pounce. What else has happened over the summer?

“They came, went abroad, saw and conquered, now the three Italian stallions in Sarri, Conte and Ancelotti have returned to headline a looming war for supremacy on home soil. With the silent and potentially dangerous stakeholders that also include the fast-rising Atalanta, AC Milan and AS Roma, the 2019/20 Italian Serie A season could be the best we have seen in quite a long time.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

The Italian Job

So their new gaffer is Maurizio Sarri, a highly rated manager who has just won his first ever title with Chelsea in the recent 2018/19 season. A European crown, not the one Juve are craving but the sister, the UEFA Europa League title. Meaning the 60-year-old has bare minimum experience but less likely enough to help them maintain their foothold in Italy, as well as conquer Europe. Sarri’s “stubborn methods” came under a lot of fire in England as they seemed to suggest he needed more time to properly mold Chelsea to his vision, though doing considerably well in the end. Securing a champions league qualification for the Blues and winning some silverware. Now, that could be the same scenario at Juve, but does he have enough time? Considering the conversation we have just had, probably not.

But let’s look at how he could possibly set-up his team.

Juve’s predicted line-up

No doubt it’s a pretty strong 4-3-3 outfit (Sarri’s favorite formation), with the vastly experienced Buffon and long-time servant of the club returning from Paris to gang up with Ronaldo and company, there is hardly no better option in goal than the 41-year-old, who seemingly has the UEFA crown standing between him and retirement. With Mathijs De Ligt who captained Ajax to a Champions League semi-final in the previous campaign and meticulous Chiellini forming a centre-back pairing, they have the right mix of youth and experience. Alex Sandro and possibly Danilo on the left and right-back positions, provide some decent cover for the flanks and it’s in the midfield where it gets more interesting. Pjanic who has similar qualities as Sarri’s beloved Jorginho could retain his role alongside the dynamic Aaron Ramsey and the towering Adrien Rabiot who arrived from Paris St Germain in the summer. Up front, Gonzalo Higuain who just returned from a loan move at Chelsea, coincidentally with Maurizio whom he will work with for the third time dating back to their first meeting at Napoli; could finally get his chance to properly thrive at Juve. He would undoubtedly be flanked by the legendary Ronaldo and Bernardeschi. Another option would be the fluid Dybala but options is what they have in abundance with Matuidi, Samir Khedira, Douglas Costa and many more also looking to break into Sarri’s side.

It’s clear that this unit would be among Europe’s top 0.01%. But with the challenge of also managing egos of highly prized individuals falling onto Sarri’s plate, that won’t be any consolation for the Old Lady faithful who witnessed his fall out with Kepa Arrizabalaga in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final defeat against Manchester City in February 2019. One consolation however is that the Italian is unproven on home soil and could be on a personal mission to edge his name among the best by winning the domestic title and the much need Champions League in one swoop.

But still, it’s not all that happened over the summer. The next factors have nothing to do with Juve but everything to do with the threats that are gunning for their domestic throne.

Antonio Conte and Inter Milan

No one knows Conte better than Juve themselves. During his 3 years at Turin, the 50-year-old impressively won three Serie A titles and two Suppercopa Italiana. Aside from the Old Lady, we all know him as the highly tactical serial winner who always has something up his sleeve. Here’s a history lesson for you. In his first season at Chelsea, up against inarguably Europe’s best gaffers that included Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger, he came out on top to win the 2016/17 English Premier League title. He didn’t have the best of squads as compared to his foes but after three consecutive defeats in the opening stages of the season, Conte employed some tactical tweaks that saw him and the Blues win 13 games on the bounce and race to the finish line. His methods led to the 3-5-2 formation craze and variation that we have seen in recent years. Even when he came under scrutiny for his dealings with Chelsea players off the pitch and the supposed “boring style” of play, the Italian still got results. He wrapped up his disputed final season in England with an FA Cup win in the 2017/18 season, beating the Special One, Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United in the final.

In light of Conte’s brief bio above, its apparent what kind challenge Juve will get from Inter Milan. He is arguably the most experienced and highly proven gaffer in the league right now. Even more, he doesn’t have a bad squad to transmit his ideas through.

Let us also do justice and briefly look at how Inter could line up and cause Juve and everyone else some problems.

Inter’s predicted line-up

They are clearly not void of talent and experience as well. The possible defensive line up that would have Skriniar, de Vrij and Ghana’s Kwado Asamoah looks quite decent and arguably far even better than the Victor Moses, Gary Cahill, Azplicuetta unit he used to do the Chelsea job excellently. With the warrior and come-back kid, Brozovic, likely to play a key role in midfield and Politano or Ivan Perisic on either wings, they won’t be short of offensive options. Even better, there is mooted interest and likelihood of the Belgian, Romelu Lukaku joining the side from Manchester United which would also bolster the attack.

The transfer window is still open for Inter and the rest of Europe for at least 20 more days and some possible additions could make them even more interesting. For now, one thing is sure, Inter have good squad to try and match Juve and under the guidance of Conte who’s proved to be highly versatile when it comes to tactics, frustrating and annihilating opposition’s strengths; there’s a realistic chance of beating Juve to the 2019/20 Scudetto.

It’s not just the blue and black stripped warriors, there’s one more.

Carlo Ancelotti and Napoli

Kalidou Koulibaly of SSC Napoli vies Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus at Stadio San Paolo on March 3, 2019 in Naples, Italy.

(March 2, 2019 - Source: Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images Europe)

For the Naples citizens, it surely must be now personal for them. That thing of Juve winning consecutive Serie A titles. Napoli last won a Serie A title in the 1989/90 season. What’s even worse is that they have come so near yet so far on many occasions, starting ever so well and the Old Lady snatching the trophy in the closing stages. In the previous two seasons under Maurizio Sarri and former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich manager in Ancelotti, they have finished second. They are clearly looking up to what’s beyond that ceiling and very much eager to achieve something tangible with the excellent crop of players they currently have at their disposal. Napoli might have narrowly missed out on Nicolas Pepe who moved to Arsenal in a record-breaking deal but still have an awful lot of quality to get the job done. With additions coming in the form of the Greek defender, Manolas who will partner Koulibaly. It’s a nightmare defense. One that’s foundation to winning titles.

With that in mind, let’s actually organize them and predict how Ancelotti might organize his charges to challenge both Inter Milan, Juve or any other underdogs we could be sleeping on.

Napoli’s predicted line-up

They have real quality players in perhaps not all but the most essential areas. With the best defender in the world in my humble opinion, Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly leading from the back, they still retain one of division’s top defences. Fabian Ruiz who emerged as one of the top players as he and Spain clinched the 2019 UEFA U-21 European Championship will undoubtedly be back for business and eager replicate that form, supported by the once Manchester City linked, Allan in midfield. The quick and diminutive cutting edge duo of Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne and Milik need no introduction and will no doubt return to terrorise defences.

Apart from new signings that could still be added to the team, Napoli finished trophy-less last season but very much showed they possess the pedigree to beat anyone or achieve anything on their day. It’s just the need to do it on a more consistent basis. For instance, after upsetting PSG and eventual champions Liverpool in the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League group stages, Napoli were unlucky to miss out on the round-of-16 spots. Only the goal difference separated them and Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Final note

They came, went abroad, saw and conquered, now the three Italian stallions in Sarri, Conte and Ancelotti have returned to headline a looming war for supremacy on home soil. With the silent and potentially dangerous stakeholders that also include the fast rising Atalanta, AC Milan and AS Roma, the 2019/20 Italian Serie A season could be the best we have seen in quite a long time.

Who are you rooting for? Tell us in the comment section below and share with your friends on social media to get the conversation going.

Eto’o visits South Africa to grace the second edition of Castle Lager's tourney

“I’m very happy and excited that the South African women qualified for the World Cup. I’m happy about the girls joining these games because they have a place in a competition like this. It’s women’s time all around the world and so it’s exciting to see this.”

— Samuel Eto'o, Cameroonian Football Legend

Almost every football fan in South Africa was quite curious as to why one of Africa’s greatest footballers was in town. And rightly so. He wouldn’t be coming to ply his trade in the ABSA premier league, would he? Well, fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you see it) the four-time African footballer of the year, Samuel Eto’o, was in the country for the promotion of the Africa 5s tournament.

Having been successful last year (2018) during its inauguration, Castle Lager’s inaugural Africa 5s social football league competition made a return this year and further widened its reach to new markets. This year’s addition to the initial group of five countries (Eswatini, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) will see the inclusion of new markets namely, Ghana, Uganda and Nigeria. In terms of how the tournament will unfold, each participating country will hold competitions at national level and the champions will go on to play in the continental tournament, which will take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Introduction of Women’s competition adds a twist

Samuel Eto'o leaves his footprints during the Golden Foot award ceremony at Fairmont Hotel on September 21, 2015 in Monaco, Monaco.

(Sept. 20, 2015 - Source: Claudio Villa/Getty Images Europe)

More interesting is the fact that Castle Lager has further diversified by introducing a women’s league. Such a move is considered as being the brand’s efforts to align its values of inclusivity as well as social belonging. Castle Lager Brand Director, Vaughan Croeser spoke on the occasion saying, “the inclusion of women is not only integral in sustaining societal interactions but an emphasis on Castle Lager’s position of being at the forefront of fortifying bonds and friendships. We are excited about the inclusion of Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda as that will expand our footprint across the African continent and cement Castle Lager’s role of creating and sustaining friendships beyond borders.” Similarly, Eto’o was also delighted at the inclusion of the women’s league. He commented that “I’m very happy and excited that the South African women qualified for the World Cup. I’m happy about the girls joining these games because they have a place in a competition like this. It’s women’s time all around the world and so it’s exciting to see this.”

What’s even more interesting are the people spearheading this campaign. These are Eto’o himself, former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Matthew Booth, Tanzania’s Ivan Mapunda, Zimbabwean legend Tinashe Nengomasha, former Jomo Cosmos marksman Christopher Katongo, Eswatini’s Siza Dlamini and lastly Amanda Dlamini from the South African Women’s league who will be the first women ambassador of the competition.

That said, the ultimate winners will walk-away with an all-expenses-paid trip to a Serie A match in Milan, where they will have a chance of hanging out with the former Barcelona and Inter Milan forward.

The pursuit of justice for racial abuse on Kalidou Koulibaly continues

We cannot not deny the impact of the efforts that have been made by the responsible authorities over the years to curb racism but still, players of color often receive this kind of abuse on and off the pitch. On the 26th of December 2018, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was a subject of racial abuse in a match with local rivals, Inter Milan. We have been made to believe that the due process to deal with such issues is to report it to the FIFPro and UEFA who will launch a probe on the matter before making a decision. However, no action has been taken so far against the disrespectful fans. Here’s a recap.

The incident

Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between SSC Napoli and Liverpool at Stadio San Paolo on October 3, 2018 in Naples, Italy.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

The Senegalese defender was at his job on a typical matchday Sunday in the Italian Serie A before the unfortunate incident took place. Some of the Inter Milan fans started making monkey noises directed at Kalidou Koulibaly in the match. The player was then sent off after picking up 2 yellow cards. He was suspended for two matches as punishment for sarcastically clapping off the referee after receiving marching orders. In the aftermath, Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti came out to say that they made calls to end the match after hearing the abuse but it fell on deaf ears. He was not pleased with the way the officials handled the matter in the game.

Koulibaly’s support system

Not so long after, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba wore an armband in support of Kalidou Koulibaly after the incident. The player’s message was clear and directed to the perpetrators who are fighting against the game’s values of honor, tolerance and respect. He was not the only one to show much needed support to the player. Even the Inter Milan coach, Luciano Spalletti was quoted to having said, “We were with Koulibaly, as we are at the side of all those who are targeted during the games.”

Also, fellow African Faouzi Ghoulam of Napoli wore Koulibaly’s No 26 shirt in the warm up for the game against Bologna in which the defender was suspended. He was joined by the fans who held up anti-racism banners and photos of Koulibaly.  

Ancelotti’s threat

Carlo Ancelotti has since threatened to lead his team off the pitch if there is a repeat of such an incident. There is no place for racism in the game of football and everywhere else. He said, “The boy was on edge, he's an educated footballer who was targeted. What happened today was bad, not only for us but also for Italian football.”

The authorities’ actions

The Italian League judge gave the verdict that Inter Milan would play the next two home matches behind closed doors. This means that their supporters would not be allowed to populate the stadiums and support their club. Also, the verdict included a partial closure for the club’s third home game.

However, the culprits who led the chants have not been punished. The Italian FA should do more and make sure that these fans are banned from the stadium for life.

Bouna Sarr refuses to represent Senegal at the FIFA World Cup 2018

Bouna Sarr is a defender who plays for Marseille in the French Ligue 1. He is a son of a Senegalese father and a Guinea mother who was born in France in 1992. The player has never represented a national team in his whole career, and is now 26 years of age. He got an opportunity of a lifetime to go and play at the FIFA World Cup this year in Russia, an opportunity that some of the greatest legends in football like Ryan Giggs never got until they retired. However, this did not prevent him for declining the chance to represent Senegal. He said, “It’s France and nothing else, nothing else is a big word, but I always dreamed of playing for the French team.”

This is not the first time that the player has declined the opportunity to play for an African team. He once also rejected to play for Guinea in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations saying that, “I’m French, I was born here I only have an attraction for the Blues.” Current Arsenal player, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang was also born in Laval, France but chose to represent the nation of his parents in Gabon. How odd is that?

Bouna Sarr is not the first player to reject the chance to represent African teams. In fact, there are so many other players in the past, some are even football legends, who chose to play for other nations like France, Italy and Portugal, even though they either were of African descent or they were born in the motherland. Let’s take a look at some of these players.

Firstly, the English Premier League was graced with a fantastic player in Patrick Vieira who played and captained Arsenal for many years. He was part of the famous ‘Invincible’ squad that went the whole season without losing a single match. He is also a World Cup winner with France having lifted the trophy in 1998. But did you know that he was born in Dakar, Senegal? Patrick began his career at Cannes in 1994 after his family moved from Dreux when he was eight years old. His surname, Vieira, is Portuguese and is the maiden name of his mother who also hails from Cape Verde. African blood in his veins and also born in Africa, but he chose to represent France because of reasons unknown. What we appreciate is his contribution to the game and creating a legacy where new players who play in a similar position are dubbed ‘the new Patrick Vieira’. Imagine what could have been had he represented the Senegalese nation?

Cristiano Ronaldo is the face of the Portuguese nation. Hold your horses there! We are not saying he is African, but…he shares the dressing room with someone from Africa. There was once a time when Manchester United produced a talent that looked like he was capable of equaling the player’s greatness. Louis Nani is the name of the player in question who was a promise but eventually failed to leave up to the hype. He, much like Ronaldo, represents the Portuguese nation and was part of the squad that lifted Portugal’s first major title in the UEFA Euro 2016. What most people might not know is the fact that the player is descendent from a small but beautiful island in Africa. Cape Verde is one of the tourist destinations in the continent with numerous beaches and has traditional morna music that Nani is familiar with because of his parents. There are some reports that he was born in Praia, Cape Verde but chose to represent Portugal and his decision is arguably justified after playing a part in the history-making Euros 2016.

Also, Super Mario is another player of African descent who chose to represent Italy instead of Ghana. Of course, we do not mean the game. Mario Balotelli, a striker that has represented clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Nice, is a son of Ghanaian parents. He was approached by the African team to represent them in 2008, but he refused because he was waiting for Italy to give him the nod. It is entirely a surprise why he is someone of questionable behaviour considering the way African parents discipline their kids. Mario is a wild card that has given headaches to his managers, Mourinho and Mancini because of his unpredictable behaviour. He is capable of skipping practice sessions without any reason, start a fight with teammates or even try some of the silliest things on the football pitch like doing a 360 turn alone when he is through on goal. The player is currently on a forced sabbatical from the national team after being exiled by the former Italy boss, Ventura who thought the player disrupted the camp.

Some so many players represented European sides. Some names worth mentioning include Zinedine Zidane (the current Real Madrid coach) of Algerian descent, Makelele born in Congo, N’golo Kante from Mali etc. Who else can you think of that we could have mentioned?

Abroad: Inter Milan chase Ghanaian midfielder, Kwadwo Asamoah

The 29-year-old’s contract will come to a close as at the end of the season and a host of Italian football giants have not been shy to honeypot him to their clubs. Inter Milan is reported to be offering the Ghanaian international, €3 million to draw him away from the Old Lady. Galatasaray and Napoli are understood to be also vying for the veteran midfielder. Kwadwo joined the Italian side, Juventus in 2012 and has won the five Serie A titles with the club.