Monday's briefing: Ronaldo wins Nations League as Spalletti leaves Italy
Cristiano Ronaldo scored in normal time as Portugal went on to beat Spain on penalties and win the Nations League.
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti announced his own sacking during a press conference in the wake of the country's humbling 3-0 defeat against Norway.
Former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie died at the age of 65, while Jobe Bellingham looks set to walk in older brother Jude's footsteps after Borussia Dortmund agreed a fee with Sunderland for his services.
One more for Ronaldo
Skipper Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-2 in the 61st minute but had to leave the field through injury before the end of normal time.
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring at Allianz Arena, with Paris St Germain left-back Nuno Mendes getting Portugal back on level terms, before Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain in front once again.
Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes all slotted home their spot-kicks in the shootout, and after Alvaro Morata's nonchalant effort was stopped by goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Joao Neves' effort secured Portugal a second Nations League title following their win in 2019.
Not so lucky Luciano?
Luciano Spalletti, who took over as Italy coach in September 2023, revealed in a press conference that Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina had informed him of his departure following their heavy World Cup qualifying loss to Norway.
First-half goals from Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland dealt a blow to the Italians' hopes of participating at their first World Cup since 2014.
'Last night we were very together with president Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team,' Spalletti said ahead of Monday's clash with Moldova.
'I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I'll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we'll resolve the contract.'
A Bellingham back in yellow and black?
Jude Bellingham's younger brother Jobe is on the verge of joining Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
The 19-year-old, who has been named in Lee Carsley's England Under-21 squad for this summer's Euros in Slovakia, could yet be in contention for Dortmund in the Club World Cup in the United States should the deal be completed before June 10.
Trailblazer Uriah Rennie dies aged 65
Uriah Rennie, the Premier League's first Black referee, has sadly died aged 65.
A trailblazer who broke down barriers, faced down football's fiercest competitors and took no nonsense. Went on to ref 175 PL games, after floodlight failure forced him to abandon his first. RIP 🖤 pic.twitter.com/n8BxHMYP0q
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 8, 2025
Uriah Rennie, the first black referee in the Premier League, took charge of over 300 games across an 11-year career between 1997 and 2008, with 175 of those matches in England's top flight.
Jamaican-born Rennie, who had been suffering from a neurological condition, oversaw Derby's clash with Wimbledon in 1997 as his first match.
'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie,' said a Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association statement.
'Uriah made history as the Premier League's first black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.'
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