Record-breakers Atalanta maintain Serie A lead as Napoli lurk

Record-breakers Atalanta maintain Serie A lead as Napoli lurk
Atalanta’s streaker Nicola Zaniolo celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during their Serie A match against Cagliari Calcio at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari, Dec. 14, 2024. (AP)
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Updated 14 December 2024

Record-breakers Atalanta maintain Serie A lead as Napoli lurk

Record-breakers Atalanta maintain Serie A lead as Napoli lurk
  • Nicolo Zaniolo made sure Atalanta stayed top of Serie A this weekend with the goal which decided a hard-fought encounter in Sardinia
  • Atalanta, guided by veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, have emerged as genuine Scudetto challengers for the first time in their history

MILAN: Atalanta’s bid for a first Serie A title continued on Saturday with a club-record 10th straight league win, 1-0 at Cagliari, which was followed by closest challengers Napoli staying on their heels with a 3-1 win at Udinese.
Nicolo Zaniolo made sure Atalanta stayed top of Serie A this weekend with the goal which decided a hard-fought encounter in Sardinia, the Italy international forward stroking home the winner from Raoul Bellanova’s cut-back in the 66th minute.
Atalanta, guided by veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, have emerged as genuine Scudetto challengers for the first time in their history and stay two points clear at the top of the league.
However, Gasperini was not happy with his players’ performances as, after impressing in Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid, they struggled against Cagliari who are 15th and only two points above the relegation zone.
Atalanta, who also struck the post through Ademola Lookman almost straight after Zaniolo’s winner, only came away with all three points thanks to a brilliant performance between the sticks from Marco Carnesecchi.
Goalkeeper Carnesecchi pulled off three sensational stops in the six minutes before the break and saved the win in stoppage time by keeping out Leonardo Pavoletti’s header.
“A good chunk of this team, not everyone, needs to grow up a bit and get the same mentality as the core group of the squad,” said Gasperini. whose decision to make three substitutions at half-time was a sign of his dissatisfaction.
“We’re up there, but winning 10 matches in a row doesn’t really mean anything.”
Zaniolo’s strike was his third of the season and a further sign of new life after a difficult last few years.
The 25-year-old was once the rising star of Italian football after coming to prominence at Roma, where two serious knee injuries in 2020 stymied his development as a creative playmaker.
He won the inaugural Europa Conference League with Roma in 2022 under Jose Mourinho, but fell out with the Portuguese coach and last year was packed off to Galatasaray, from where he was loaned to Atalanta in July.
Gasperini later criticized Zaniolo for being booked while celebrating his goal, calling “intolerable” him whipping his shirt as it fired up the home crowd.
Zaniolo did the same thing when netting against Roma earlier this month, enraging his former supporters with his behavior.
“We cannot afford that every time he scores a goal he fires up the crows and turns our advantage into a disadvantage,” Gasperini told reporters.
“Cagliari were stunned and we managed to create a situation where the crowd fired them up again... it’s already the second time that he’s done it.”
Napoli, missing injured star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, came back from a goal down to secure the three points at the Bluenergy Stadium where they sealed a historic third league crown last year.
Trailing at the break after Florian Thauvin netted on the rebound from his own saved 22nd-minute penalty, Napoli roared back in the second half to delight their large and loud traveling support.
Romelu Lukaku levelled five minutes after half-time, bursting through to collect Scott McTominay’s pass, holding off Lautaro Giannetti and firing in his sixth Napoli goal.
The unfortunate Giannetti inadvertently put Napoli ahead in the 76th minute when he shinned in David Neres’ miscued shot and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa sealed the points by coolly finishing off a fine team move.
“I said after we lost to Lazio (last weekend) that we’re on the right track,” said Conte to DAZN.
“The team needs to keep playing this kind of football, dictate the game, keep the ball and press when we don’t have it.”
Napoli are four points ahead of Lazio and third-placed Inter, who face off in Rome on Monday night, and Fiorentina with the Viola at Bologna on Saturday.
Juventus are 10 points behind Atalanta ahead of their home clash with bottom club Venezia, Sunday’s late fixture.


HM Alchahine storms to victory at the UAE President’s Cup in Hamburg

HM Alchahine storms to victory at the UAE President’s Cup in Hamburg
Updated 41 sec ago

HM Alchahine storms to victory at the UAE President’s Cup in Hamburg

HM Alchahine storms to victory at the UAE President’s Cup in Hamburg
  • Race marks leg 7 of the prestigious UAE President’s Cup series, now in its 32nd edition

ABU DHABI: HM Alchahine (France), a 4-year-old Purebred Arabian gelding owned by Helal Alalawi (France), stormed to victory in The UAE President’s Cup over 1,600 meters at Hamburg’s Horner Rennbahn on Sunday.

The race marked the seventh leg of the prestigious UAE President’s Cup series, now in its 32nd edition.

It was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, vice president of the UAE, deputy prime minister, and chairman of the presidential court.

The series highlights the UAE’s continued commitment to preserving and promoting the global stature of Purebred Arabian horses, a key pillar of Emirati heritage, the Emirates News Agency reported.

Staged in conjunction with the 156th edition of the historic German Derby, the UAE President’s Cup drew a crowd of nearly 30,000 spectators and featured a record prize purse of almost $293,500, making it the richest Arabian race in German history.

Trained by Jean-Francois Bernard and brilliantly ridden by Cristian Demuro, HM Alchahine powered home to claim his second UAE President’s Cup win, following his earlier triumph in the Italian leg.

He crossed the finish line decisively, clocking a winning time of 1 minute, 45.42 seconds, further cementing his reputation on the European circuit.

Finishing second was Al-Wakrah (France), owned by Al-Shaqab Racing, trained by Jean-Loup de Mieulle and ridden by Olivier d’Andigne. Al-Zeer (France), owned by Mohamed Fahad A.H. Al-Attiyah, finished third under trainer Francois Rohaut and jockey Adrie de Vries.

Also in the field were Papillion T (Holland), representing the Netherlands and trained and owned by Gerard Th. Zoetelief; Al-Zwair (France), also owned by Al-Shaqab Racing; and Djafar (France), owned by Abubaker S.A. Kadoura, with both horses showcasing competitive spirit.

The race and prize ceremony were attended by Dr. Peter Tschentscher, first mayor of Hamburg, Ahmed Al-Attar, UAE ambassador to Germany, Faisal Al-Rahmani, general secretary of the Higher Organizing Committee for the UAE President’s Cup, and Ahmed Al-Samarrai, president of the German Arabian Horse Association.

The winning trophy was presented to Nasser Hilal Al-Alawi, a representative of the owner, in the presence of the trainer and jockey, amid a celebratory crowd.

Speaking on the occasion, Al-Rahmani congratulated the winning team and said they were “extremely proud of the success achieved in Hamburg.

“The outstanding organization, strong participation, and warm reception all reflect the UAE’s growing impact on the global Arabian horse racing scene, a vision driven forward by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed.”

He added: “These results reaffirm the strength of UAE-owned horses in international racing.

“The UAE President’s Cup continues to act as a cultural bridge, introducing European and global audiences to the history, values, and noble legacy of Purebred Arabian horses.”


Paolini parts ways with coach after early Wimbledon exit

Paolini parts ways with coach after early Wimbledon exit
Updated 08 July 2025

Paolini parts ways with coach after early Wimbledon exit

Paolini parts ways with coach after early Wimbledon exit
  • Jasmine Paolini last year became the first Italian woman in the Open era to reach the Wimbledon final
  • Paolini won her second WTA 1000-level crown at the Italian Open under coach Marc Lopez

World number four Jasmine Paolini has parted company with coach Marc Lopez just days after her second-round exit from Wimbledon, the Italian said.

Paolini, who last year became the first Italian woman in the Open era to reach the Wimbledon final, lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to Russian Kamilla Rakhimova last week.

The 29-year-old began working with Lopez in April after ending a decade-long partnership with Renzo Furlan.

Under the guidance of Lopez, a former doubles world number three who was once part of Rafa Nadal’s coaching team, Paolini won her second WTA 1000-level crown at the Italian Open and also lifted the women’s doubles title at the French Open.

“We had some great results together. Especially in Rome and Paris,” Paolini wrote on social media on Monday. “I appreciate all the hard work and energy Marc gave every day.

“Now that this part of the season is over, I’ve decided to make a change. “I’ve learned a lot and made good progress. And now I’m taking the time to reflect on what the next step will be. Thank you again, Marc, for everything.”


Spain sweep aside Belgium 6-2 at Women’s Euros

Spain sweep aside Belgium 6-2 at Women’s Euros
Updated 08 July 2025

Spain sweep aside Belgium 6-2 at Women’s Euros

Spain sweep aside Belgium 6-2 at Women’s Euros
  • On a chilly, windswept evening far removed from the recent Swiss heatwave, Putellas blasted Spain into the lead

THUN, Switzerland: Striker Alexia Putellas scored twice for world champions Spain as they shook off a slow start to beat Belgium 6-2 in their Women’s Euros Group B clash on Monday, a result that will guarantee the Spaniards’ progress to the knockout stage if Portugal fail to beat Italy later in the day.
On a chilly, windswept evening far removed from the recent Swiss heatwave, Putellas blasted Spain into the lead, picking up the ball after some deft one-touch passing and lashing it into the net in the 22nd minute with a characteristically powerful left-foot shot.
The lead lasted only a couple of minutes as the Belgians went up the field and won a corner, which Justine Vanhaevermaet headed home at the near post but, despite struggling to maintain a consistent rhythm, Spain managed to take a lead into the break after Irene Paredes scored with a towering header from a corner in the 39th minute.
Recently returned from a health scare, Aitana Bonmati came on for Vicky Lopez at halftime and almost scored four minutes later but instead Belgium levelled again in the 50th minute, with Hannah Eurlings running on to a long ball and slotting home.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside but after a lengthy VAR review Eurlings was found to have been onside when the ball was played.
Belgium’s joy was short-lived as Esther Gonzalez restored Spain’s lead a minute later, with Spain finally beginning to show their class.
Mariona Caldentey’s fourth goal for Spain in the 61st minute put them at ease and they began to toy with the Belgians, with a brilliant curled effort from Claudia Pina in the 81st minute effectively ending the contest.
There was still time for Putellas to net her second goal four minutes from time to put Spain top of the group on six points and leave the Belgians, who lost their opening game against Italy 1-0, on the brink of elimination.
“I’m happy because the important thing is to win. We don’t like conceding goals. If you concede two goals, that’s something we need to correct,” Spain captain Paredes said.
“We’ve been good, we struggled to find our rhythm, we were imprecise at the start. Once we got into the rhythm, we were at our best.”
Despite the sluggish start and the concession of two goals, Spain coach Montserrat Tome was pleased with how her players managed to solve the problems posed by the Belgians, especially the substitutes who were brought on in the second half.
“We have a luxury of having so many options, because this allows us to create solutions depending on the moment,” she told reporters.
“As for goals, I believe the activity is very high, we are generating chances, we are scoring goals which is very good, this gives us confidence.”
Tome said playmaker Bonmati had fully recovered and could have started but that the team were going to take it slowly with her.
“We must be patient to see the progression. According to the medical team she’s fine but we don’t want to risk it. She’s a key player,” she said.


Jannik Sinner reaches the Wimbledon quarterfinals despite a bad elbow when an injured Dimitrov stops

Jannik Sinner reaches the Wimbledon quarterfinals despite a bad elbow when an injured Dimitrov stops
Updated 07 July 2025

Jannik Sinner reaches the Wimbledon quarterfinals despite a bad elbow when an injured Dimitrov stops

Jannik Sinner reaches the Wimbledon quarterfinals despite a bad elbow when an injured Dimitrov stops
  • Sinner entered Monday having lost a total of just 17 games in the tournament

LONDON: Jannik Sinner advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals despite hurting his right elbow in a fall and dropping the first two sets Monday night, because his opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, had to quit with an injured pectoral muscle.
The No. 1-seeded Sinner hadn’t dropped a set in the tournament until falling behind No. 19 Dimitrov 6-3, 7-5. But at 2-all in the third set, Dimitrov stopped playing.
It’s the fifth consecutive Grand Slam tournament where the 34-year-old Dimitrov failed to complete a match. He also did it at the Australian Open in January and the French Open in May, plus last year’s Wimbledon and US Open.
“He’s been so unlucky in the past couple of years. An incredible player. A good friend of mine, also. We understand each other very well, off the court, too,” Sinner said. “I hope he has a speedy recovery.”
On the last point against Sinner, Dimitrov served and immediately clutched his chest with his left hand. He took a few steps and crouched, before sitting on the grass. Sinner walked over to that side of the court to check on him.
“My pec,” Dimitrov told Sinner.
Dimitrov — a three-time major semifinalist, including at Wimbledon in 2014 — then went to the sideline, sat in his chair and was checked by a trainer and doctor. As Dimitrov talked with them, Sinner knelt nearby. After a delay of a few minutes, Dimitrov walked toward the locker room with the medical personnel.
Soon, he reemerged and said he couldn’t continue.
“I don’t take this as a win, at all,” Sinner said. “This is just a very unfortunate moment to witness for all of us.”
Two hours earlier, it was Sinner down on the ground and seemingly in trouble. He was hurt in the opening game, when his foot gave out from under him and he slipped and fell behind a baseline, bracing his fall with his right hand while still holding his racket.
During a medical timeout while trailing 3-2 in the second set, Sinner winced as a trainer massaged the elbow. Sinner’s coaches, Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, looked on from their box with concern.
Sinner was given a pill to take and play resumed. He frequently shook his right arm or rubbed his elbow between points.
The 23-year-old Italian is a three-time Grand Slam champion who will play No. 10 Ben Shelton of the United States for a berth in the semifinals. Sinner leads the head-to-head series 5-1 and has won their past five matches, all in straight sets, including at Wimbledon last year and the Australian Open this year.
Sinner entered Monday having lost a total of just 17 games in the tournament, tying the record for the fewest in the Open era by man at Wimbledon through three completed matches.
Right after he fell behind by two sets against Dimitrov, the match was paused so the stadium’s retractable roof could be closed because of fading sunlight.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray was not a fan of that decision, writing on social media: “So ridiculous to close the roof at this stage of the match. At least an hour of light left….well over a set of tennis can still be played..its an outdoor tournament!”
About a half-hour later, the match was over.
 


Bencic downs Alexandrova to break Wimbledon 4th-round barrier

Bencic downs Alexandrova to break Wimbledon 4th-round barrier
Updated 07 July 2025

Bencic downs Alexandrova to break Wimbledon 4th-round barrier

Bencic downs Alexandrova to break Wimbledon 4th-round barrier
  • Bencic, who has been knocked out in the fourth round here three times before, said she turned the tide by being more courageous

LONDON: Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic reached her first Wimbledon quarterfinal in nine attempts on Monday, dismissing 18th-seeded Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(4) 6-4 in just under two hours on a breezy Court One.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, 28, shed tears after she finally broke the fourth-round barrier 15 months after giving birth to her daughter Bella and said she felt very proud of herself.

But she needed six match points to down 30-year-old Alexandrova, who just last month beat Bencic with the loss of only three games at the Den Bosch grasscourt tournament in the Netherlands.

Bencic, who has been knocked out in the fourth round here three times before, said she turned the tide by being more courageous.

“I think I tried to be more brave. I had more matches under my belt and it turned out better than the last time I played her,” she said.

“I always got stuck in the fourth round. It was so important for me to break through to the quarterfinals,” she added.

Alexandrova, who has also never passed the fourth round at the All England Club, blew hot and cold in the first set, dropping two service games before turning on the aggression, improving her second serve and fighting back to force a tiebreak.

But Bencic, calm and businesslike, won four points in a row in the tiebreak and sealed the set after an hour and one minute when Alexandrova sent a backhand long.

Bencic broke Alexandrova’s serve in the eighth game of the second set but was unable to capitalize when serving for the match in a mammoth eight-deuce game that lasted some 15 minutes and during which the Russian saved five match points.

But Bencic came fighting back on the Russian’s serve with a forehand winner for a sixth match point, converting it when Alexandrova put a forehand long.

The Swiss, ranked 35 but a former world number four, was one of nine mothers in the draw, but the only one to reach the fourth round. She gave birth in April last year and was back playing competitively within six months even reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open in January 2025.

“I’m really proud of myself and the whole team. We did an amazing job coming back,” she said.

“It’s amazing to share the memories together as a family. I’m enjoying it more. I juggle it like every mum does.”