Latest news with #ItalianSuperCup
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Holmberg receives support from Ibrahimovic after spot-kick miss
Soccer Football - Italian Super Cup - Final - Inter Milan v AC Milan - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - January 6, 2025 AC Milan senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic is seen before the match REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini/File Photo BERN (Reuters) -Zlatan Ibrahimovic offered some words of support to teenaged defender Smilla Holmberg after her miss in Thursday's penalty shootout ended Sweden's Euro 2025 campaign in the quarter-finals following an astonishing defeat by England. Sweden were beaten 3-2 on penalties after 18-year-old Holmberg fired her effort high over the bar in an incredible shootout that featured 14 players taking spot kicks. Holmberg burst into tears after her miss as she headed back towards her crestfallen teammates but Swedish hero Ibrahimovic reached out to offer some comfort. "It was a sad daughter I held in my arms about an hour after the game," Holmberg's father Ola Persson told Swedish radio on Friday. "She is strong and she has received a lot of support from both the team, supporters, friends and relatives, she even got a text message from Zlatan here this morning." Sweden's record goal-scorer for the men's team is part-owner of Holmberg's Stockholm club Hammarby and the 43-year-old messaged the young defender to tell her to take the next penalty, and the next one, and to keep believingin herself. "The most important thing is that no-one defines a career by those misses; in fact, it's the opposite, you have to grow in those situations," Persson said. (Reporting by Philip O'Connor, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Mint
5 days ago
- Sport
- Mint
Who is Christian Pulisic? USMNT star beats Lamine Yamal to win 2025 ESPYS best soccer player award
Christian Pulisic, the captain of the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT), has added another accolade to his growing resume by winning the Best Soccer Player award at the 2025 ESPYS. Pulisic outshone a formidable trio from Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, Aitana Bonmatí, and Alexia Putellas, to claim the award, determined by public vote. This victory also highlights his remarkable 2024-25 season with AC Milan. Christian Pulisic delivered his best professional campaign yet, tallying an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances for AC Milan. His contributions were instrumental in securing the Italian Super Cup for the Rossoneri, their first since 2016. A standout moment came in a dramatic 3–2 comeback win against rivals Inter Milan, where Pulisic scored a crucial goal. 'That goal against Inter was one of those moments you dream about as a kid,' Pulisic said in a post-match interview, reflecting his passion for big stages. Despite his individual brilliance, AC Milan struggled in Serie A, finishing eighth and missing out on European competitions. However, Pulisic's performances earned him widespread admiration. Pulisic's ESPYS win is particularly significant given the caliber of his competitors. Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old sensation and a frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, recorded 18 goals and 21 assists while helping Barcelona secure a domestic treble. Aitana Bonmati, the 2024 Women's Ballon d'Or winner, and Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or recipient, led Barcelona to another Liga F title, a fifth Spanish Super Cup, and an 11th Copa de la Reina. However, Pulisic's strong fanbase and exceptional season made him claim the win. By claiming the Best Soccer Player award, Pulisic has joined an exclusive list of soccer icons, including Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Ronaldinho, and Mia Hamm. The ESPYS, an annual ESPN-produced ceremony, celebrate athletic excellence, and Pulisic's victory underscores his growing influence. From his early days in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to starring for top clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and now AC Milan, Pulisic has amassed 56 goals and 41 assists in 258 appearances, including a hat trick. His 2025 ESPYS win is a testament to his talent and a sign of even greater achievements to come.
eNCA
11-07-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
Hernandez fires parting shot at AC Milan
French international Theo Hernandez, who has joined Saudi club Al-Hilal, took a swing at AC Milan's leadership as he bid farewell to the club and its fans on social media. Milan finished eighth in Serie A last season amid vociferous protests from supporters against the club's American owners RedBird. In a farewell post on Instagram, Hernandez, a left back who can play in midfield, echoed that criticism. "Milan has always been my priority," he wrote. "But, unfortunately, not everything depends on one person. The direction the club has taken and some recent decisions do not reflect the values or ambition that brought me here." Hernandez, 27, joined Milan in 2019 from Real Madrid. He made 262 appearances for the club scoring 34 goals. "I am leaving after experiencing unforgettable moments, such as winning Serie A and the Italian Super Cup, and especially after sharing the changing room with extraordinary people," he wrote. The club went through three coaches last season and has just appointed a fourth, Massimiliano Allegri. Hernandez thanked "every coach who believed in me", singling out Paolo Maldini, the club's technical director until June 2023, "for his closeness, vision and leadership". He also thanked the fans. "Feeling your support was a privilege that I will never forget and will carry in my heart forever," he said. "I am leaving with my head held high," he wrote. "I leave with a full heart, and with the hope that very soon Milan will return to the place it deserves. Milan will always be a part of me."
Morocco World
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Saudi Arabia Hosts the Italian Super Cup for Fourth Time
The 2025 Italian Super Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia next December, rather than January as initially expected It will mark the fourth time the tournament is hosted in the Kingdom. Serie A president Ezio Simonelli said the semi-finals will take place on December 18 and 19, with the final scheduled on the 22nd. The city where the matches will be hosted has not yet been determined, as the decision rests with the host country. The four teams taking part are Napoli who won the scudetto, Bologna who lifted the Coppa Italia, and runners-up Inter Milan and AC Milan. The tournament was expanded in 2023 to include four clubs. AC Milan won the most recent edition, beating Inter 3-2 to lift their first Super Cup since 2022. In another statement, the President of the Italian League, explained that the league contacted the Italian Football Federation, the European Union (UEFA), and the International Federation (FIFA) to submit an official request, to move next February's match between Milan and Como to Australia, as a result from the closure of the San Siro stadium during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, as it will be used for the opening ceremony, scheduled for February 6-22. Simonelli said the aim is to draw attention to the league's interest in turning this edition into an opportunity to strengthen the International presence of the Italian League. Despite these ambitions, the decision to host the competition has not gone down well with many Italian fans. 'A country's Super Cup should never be played abroad,' one vented online. 'They sold their soul to the highest bidder,' said another. 'Football used to be about fans who turn up in stadiums' And a third was more blunt: 'Nice image of Italian football. All for two Arab pennies. And the fans have to watch it from home. But then the Super League is evil…'
CairoScene
02-07-2025
- Sport
- CairoScene
Italian Super Cup to Take Place in Saudi Arabia on December 22nd
The Italian Super Cup returns to Saudi Arabia this December with a revamped four-team format, bringing Serie A's top contenders to the Kingdom for the ultimate football showdown. Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2025 Italian Super Cup on December 22nd, marking the latest move in the Kingdom's ongoing bid to become a global sports hub. The competition will take place in either Riyadh or Jeddah. This year's edition will follow the 'Final Four' format for the second time, featuring the winners and runners-up of both Serie A and the Coppa Italia. That means Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta will face off in knockout-style matches to claim the coveted trophy. Organised in collaboration with Serie A and Saudi sports authorities, the tournament reflects a growing partnership between Italian football and the Gulf region. Riyadh previously hosted editions of the Supercoppa Italiana in 2018 and 2022.
