Down to Ten Men

Serie A side Lazio are reportedly in the running to sign Matteo Darmian from Manchester United when the transfer window reopens in the New Year. The Italy international has managed just one competitive appearance for United since the season has started and he is currently deemed to surplus to requirements.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Lazio are among the top sides looking into a move for the Italy international, who is capable of playing across the defensive positions. Despite this, the club remain reluctant to match the defender’s £20m price tag, although the sum could reduce, should there be limited competition for the Italian’s signature.

Former Italy manager Marcelo Lippi has been pleased with the progress made by Inter Milan under the guidance of head coach Luciano Spalletti. The Nerazzurri managed to qualify for the Champions League after a six-year wait during the previous campaign and they have since carried over the form to the new season where they have impressed with the start.

Speaking to reporters, Lippi highlighted that the Nerazzurri are now aware of their strengths unlike the previous campaign, he said: “Inter are aware of their strengths now. They know they can get a result at any time. Spalletti has made everyone feel involved, just like Ancelotti does. When I saw on Monday that Joao Mario, who hadn’t played since January, would be starting I knew that Inter would win the game.”

The representative and wife of Mauro Icardi has revealed that the striker is not in a hurry to discuss a new contract with Inter Milan. The 25-year-old has been with the Nerazzurri since the summer of 2013 and over the years, he has been handed the captain’s armband whilst being tasked with the role of leading the club’s attack.

Speaking to Tiki Taka, Wanda Nara stressed that the Argentine is content with his stay with the Nerazzurri after getting the chance to ply his trade in the Champions League. She added that Icard has three years remaining on the existing deal with the San Siro giants and there is no rush to get an extension done with the club.

World Cup winners France and Belgium are the first teams to share a joint top spot at the latest FIFA rankings.

In its 25 year run, two teams were yet to spare the top spot but with victories against Scotland and Iceland, Belgium joined France at the top of the ladder.

Palermo owner Maurizio Zamparini has claimed that Paulo Dybala could part ways with Juventus in the New Year after failing to secure regular gametime at the start of the current campaign. The Argentine enjoyed a strong season with the Bianconeri last term where he notched 26 goals across all competitions but he has yet to open the scoresheet this season amid his reduced playing time.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Zamparini has now revealed that Dybala may seek a move away from the Juventus Stadium in January with clubs from Spain and England seemingly interested in his signature, he said: “Every time he is left out, it makes me want to cry. He's on the bench because of Allegri. Allegri should come to Palermo and win the Scudetto.

Italy international Claudio Marchisio has made the move to Zenit St Petersburg on a free transfer. The experienced midfielder decided to revoke his contract with Juventus revoked last month and he has now taken the option to pursue a career overseas with Zenit after opting against joining a Serie A rival.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Marchisio said that he had no second thoughts over the move after being struck by the impressive facilities around the club, he said: “I had no doubt about signing for Zenit. I like the club, I like the ambition. After leaving Juventus, I promised that I would not sign for any other Italian team, but I still wanted to find a place that shares my values.