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Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I was idolised by Inter's ultras – they smashed fan's nose when he touched me'
The ultras in Italian football are some of the most unique supporters in the game, as one ex-Inter Milan star can attest to after his shocking first-hand experience Italy is known for romance, but a punch in the face was the Inter Milan ultras' way of expressing their love for Paul Ince. Fortunately for the ex-Manchester United and Liverpool star, he was not the one left tasting iron. In 1995, Ince departed Old Trafford and moved to the San Siro, where he shared a dressing room with the likes of Roberto Carlos, Ivan Zamorano, Nicola Berti and many others. It didn't take long for Ince to establish himself in Serie A. He dominated the midfield while wearing the No. 8 shirt of the Nerazzurri, and their iconic fan base took him in as one of their own - quite literally on one occasion. Like their most extreme supporters, who light up the stands with flares as their drums and megaphones radiate chaos around stadiums in Europe, Ince will be willing Inter on in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Italian clubs have their own unique way of showing their love for players, as Ince found out during his time in the capital. Yet, the endearment they paid to him had unfortunate and painful ramifications for one poor ultra. In an exclusive interview with Mirror Football, while speaking on behalf of bet365, Ince recalled a time he joined the ultras in the stands. As a reminiscing smile stretched across his face, Ince said: "I'll tell you a story, alright? "I got sent off against someone, unlike me. I missed a couple of games. We were playing against some team, I think it was Sampdoria or someone like that. I said to my best mate, who played for Inter, 'I'm going to spend a game upstairs with the ultras.' Watch our full Champions League final interview with Paul Ince and Claude Makelele here "I spoke to the ultras and this bossman came down with two of his sidekicks and took me all the way up to where all the ultras are. Some geezer went to grab me to say, 'Ah, Paul Ince.' "The ultra turned around and smashed him straight in the nose. This poor geezer's nose was like that (mimicking a nose that has been flattened). I thought, 'Wow.' They were like, 'Don't touch Paul Ince, nobody touches Paul Ince.'" Seeing a man take a huge hook to the nose would normally be anybody's cue to leave the area, but the blue and black lions den that is the Internazionale ultras is no normal place. Ince continued to follow the head ultra, while other fans in the area cleared a path and maybe avoided looking at the Englishman. While that supporter was left tasting their own blood, the ex-England international was hooked on the adrenaline rush of being with the fanbase - and nearly 30 years later, there's only one thing Ince wants to do. He added: "They took me right to the front, right up to the nets and they were singing and chanting, it was the best atmosphere ever. To this day, I want to do it again, I'd love to do it again. I did not get many red cards in the Premier League. But in Italy, it was different. Players were rolling over, feigning injuries. "I got sent off about three times, which was very rare for me. I was a strong tackler, but in Italy, I got sent off a lot. I think the fans loved me because of that. The fans were devastated when I left. The fans still love me and still idolise me, so it was great.' He would go on to leave Inter and return to Liverpool after two seasons, in a move that broke the hearts of the Italian giants and their ultras. Family reasons is what drove Ince back to England. Despite his exit, he is still admired by fans at the club to this day, so it's hard to imagine he'd struggle to secure another invite from the ultras.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Como 0-2 – Inter Milan INTERViews Podcast Ep. 147: 'Where The Serie A Season Went Wrong For Inter'
Como 0-2 – Inter Milan INTERViews Podcast Ep. 147: 'Where The Serie A Season Went Wrong For Inter' This is the INTERViews podcast, the official podcast, discussing all things Nerazzurri, today focusing on Como 0-2 Inter Milan as well as Serie A season. Firstly, in today's episode on Gianmarco and Alessandro discuss, analyze and debate all aspects of the 2-0 win. Advertisement Inter didn't field their strongest team. In fact only Hakan Calhanoglu and Yann Sommer from the first team started. Therefore, it was impressive when Stefan de Vrij headed a corner to break the deadlock in the 20th minute. The assist by Hakan Calhanoglu was great. The half ended with the Nerazzurri in the lead. Como 0-2 Inter Milan – INTERViews Podcast Ep. 147: 'Where The Serie A Season Went Wrong For Inter' MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 12: Stefan de Vrij of FC Internazionale acknowledges the fans during the warm up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 12, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by) However, Inter continued as they left off in the first half. Mehdi Taremi assisted Joaquin Correa to double the Nerazzurri's lead. Como barely created anything. Inter controlled the procedure and were able to win without much drama. Advertisement Therefore, the match ended with a 2-0 win away to Como. Como 0-2 Inter Milan – INTERViews Podcast Ep. 147: 'Blame Game Against Inzaghi Exaggerated' MILAN, ITALY – MAY 18: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by) In conclusion, Inter Milan finish second in the Serie A. Furthermore, the season can still become historic in the positive sense. This, given the PSG match in the Champions League final this Saturday. Topics include: BUY OR SELL the biggest talking points in the InterVerse; Did Inter throw it away more than Napoli won it? Napoli and Juve clashes decisive? Is this season a massive failure if Inter don't win the UCL against PSG? And much, much more. So sit back, relax and join the INTERViews podcast boys as they break down the Inter Milan 4-3 win at home to Barcelona.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
IN PICS: Fans flood Lungomare for Napoli's historic Scudetto parade
Image Source: Getty Napoli fans overran the city's Lungomare on Monday to celebrate the club's historic title win in Italy's Serie A. Their 2-0 win over Cagliari is Napoli's second Scudetto in three years, and the fourth ever for the club. Naples erupted into scenes of jubilation in response to the triumph, with blue littering the city as fans descended to celebrate the title based on the colours of their side. Fans turn Naples into a sea of blue Then came that famous open-top bus parade to take the Napoli squad along the picturesque Lungomare, where supporters were packed in like sardines along the road for a quick glimpse of their heroes. The celebrations started on Friday when Napoli secured the Scudetto, with fireworks and flares lighting up the city. Unlike their previous title victory two years ago, when many celebrations had to be held behind closed doors during pandemic restrictions, this title win could be celebrated in full public view. More than a million were due to participate, demonstrating the bond between the club and its fans. The supporters in the blue-and-white-clad masses sang club songs and cheered their players' names, as the bus cruised through the throng of cheering fans. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch xu hướng AUD/USD? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Murals of club legends covered the streets, while balconies were dressed in banners declaring Napoli as the kings of Italian soccer. Castel dell'Ovo and Piazza del Plebiscito were among the Napoli landmarks lit in the club's colours, a jaw-dropping setting to a celebration combining sport, culture, and civic pride. Naples is united in celebration They did not stop on the Lungomare either, as over in Piazza del Plebiscito and the Spanish Quarters, they continued right throughout Naples. The city was decorated with blue flags and banners, and fireworks filled the night sky. Also Read: 'I really think Kevin De Bruyne will join us' – Napoli president hopeful about signing Belgian midfielder Fans cheered, danced, sang, and reveled in the moment as they celebrated the accomplishment. Naples mayor Gaetano Manfredi praised fans for celebrating their victory in a passionate and orderly manner, adding that the event reflected 'the vitality of Naples.' The win for Napoli is a crown jewel for a city that takes great pride in its soccer history, and a spark of unity for Neapolitans. The celebrations still continue, though, and the people of Naples relish a moment that will never be forgotten in their lives. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Man United make contact with Rafael Leao over summer swoop
Manchester United have 'concrete interest' in signing Rafael Leao with AC Milan increasingly open to the 25-year-old winger's departure, according to a report. The Red Devils hold a long-standing interest in Leao whose unique blend of speed, strength and skill offers the quintessential prototype of a modern forward which few players in Europe can match when he's in form. Despite standing 6'2, Leao retains excellent acceleration and is an absolute nightmare for opposition defences when running with the ball at his feet at full flight, given his outrageous technical ability and powerful frame. However, he remains a player plagued by inconsistency; unable to find the next gear which will elevate his talent from prospect to premier amongst his peers. The Portuguese international finished the season with 8 goals and 8 assists in Serie A. For a winger with his talent, approaching his peak years in a league where pace and power puts you on a pedestal, he should be hitting double figures at a minimum in both. AC Milan have endured a difficult season domestically, however, potentially limiting Leao's contributions as a result. I Rossoneri finished 8th in the table, seven points off Champions League qualification and 19 points off league leaders Napoli. They lost the final of the Coppa Italia to Bologna, though did triumph in the Supercoppa Italiana over bitter rivals Inter Milan in January. But without the prospect of any European football for Milan next season, the club are believed to be 'increasingly' open to the sales of key stars – including Leao. A report by TEAMtalk reveals 'Milan's failure to qualify for European football next term has sent shockwaves through the club and opened the door for potential suitors to pounce and sign Leao. 'Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Man Utd, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all monitoring developments closely, with each side registering concrete interest in recent weeks. Arsenal and Barcelona have also touched base with Leao's representatives, we understand.' The report concludes that the 'most concrete' suitors for the 25-year-old winger are Bayern Munich, closely followed by United and Chelsea. A €100 million (£84m) price tag is mooted by TEAMtalk for Leao which would provide a significant stumbling block to the Reds' pursuit, even if the club were to sell Alejandro Garnacho to help fund a move. There is also the issue of one inside forward with excellent speed and incisive dribbling ability, who lacks the consistency or attitude to translate his talents on the pitch, having already been discarded by Ruben Amorim this season – Marcus Rashford. There are a number of parallels, both positive and negative, between Rashford and Leao. But most relevant is the fact that neither are a comfortable fit in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system, making the prospect of an £84 million raid on the San Siro this summer a hard one to envision. Follow us on Bluesky: @
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Scott McTominay's 15-word statement shows huge problem Man Utd have
Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has proven the grass can be greener with his move to Napoli, and the now-talismanic figure's comments should worry the Red Devils faithful Scott McTominay's statement concerning the "sacrifice" every Napoli player made on route to their stunning Scudetto triumph shines a light on the ongoing problems at Manchester United. Eyebrows were raised when academy graduate McTominay was sold for roughly £25million last summer, much to the frustration of then-Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag. Yet, few could have predicted the impact the Scotland international would have in Serie A. The 28-year-old's 12 goals and six assists, as well as his decisive play, have seen him become a talismanic figure through the centre for Antonio Conte's side. He topped off an already unbelievable campaign with an acrobatic strike to open the scoring in a 2-0 win at home to Cagliari that sealed them an unlikely league title in their final game. In the wake of this success, the ex-Red Devil and Serie A MVP spoke about what made his winning cohort special. His revelation about the fight and sacrifice made by each player is a far cry from anything shown by those who currently figure under United head coach Ruben Amorim, and raises deep concerns over the disaster consuming Old Trafford. "The sacrifice that every single player in the group has put forward to the cause," McTominay highlighted post-match about his Napoli team. "I'm lost for words. It's incredible. "The people deserve it because they've been behind us from day one, and for me to come and experience this is a dream." Since the midfielder departed Old Trafford, Ten Hag has been shown the exit door, and Amorim has been installed as head coach. Yet, a change of fortunes has not arrived with the Portuguese. A record-breaking dreadful league campaign means that with a single match remaining, the highest the Red Devils can possibly finish is 14th, while they could also end up in 17th just above the relegation zone. They have won just 10 top-flight matches from 37 attempts this season. The Europa League final offered the squad a chance to redeem the dismal campaign, but a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday sealed the club's fate and meant that there will be no European football at Old Trafford next season for the first time since 2014/15. Much has been made of Amorim's mediocre side and a lack of commitment and fight when faced with adversity, as they were in Bilbao, and McTominay's comments after he departed his boyhood club – only to immediately win a league title – indicate exactly what is missing in Manchester. Sacrifice in Naples earned a league title. A lack of such sacrifice under Amorim saw a European trophy slip away, and only a handful of league games have been won. McTominay's further likening the Scudetto-winning experience – alongside another former United man in Romelu Lukaku – to a "dream" is particularly indicative of just how far the 13-time Premier League winners have fallen. He also told BBC Scotland earlier in the campaign that, away from Old Trafford, the fans, coach, and cohort at Napoli provided him with an ideal opportunity, and one he'll be thankful he took up with the way things have developed under Amorim in his absence. "I saw the passionate fans, I saw the coach, I saw the players, and I saw an opportunity," admitted McTominay. "I took it, I didn't look back. It didn't take me long to make the decision because I knew that was what I wanted, and I'll never have any regrets in my life. "As soon as I put my mind to something, I want to do it, that's it. There's no holding me back. I love this place, I love the fans, I love my team-mates."
