Latest news with #Taremi
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
HT Kick Off: This time for Asia
Mehdi Taremi sticks out his right leg and finds Davide Fratessi who bends one past Wojciech Szczęsny. A small step for the Iranian, a giant leap for Inter? Because it is the goal that helps the team from Milan enter Champions League final, their second in three seasons. With Paris St-Germain taming Arsenal in the other semi-final, it means that in Munich on Saturday there will be a Champions League winner, from Asia. Like Taremi, attacking midfielder Lee Kang-in has struggled for minutes at PSG but who knows, the South Korean may well turn out for be the hero in the club's search for the holy grail. Lee, 24, has six goals and six assists in a season he has mostly been used from the bench. In 462 minute of Champions League action, Lee has no goal or assist. Taremi's numbers are better in Europe as Simone Inzaghi has used the Iranian centre-forward as impact sub. Apart from the assist in the second-leg of the semi-final, Taremi, 32, has three more in this season's Champions League and has scored one goal, against Red Star in the group stage. An Asian winning the UEFA Champions League has happened only once before when Park Ji-sung featured in the Manchester United squad that beat Chelsea in the 2007-08 final. A final, Park did not play. Alex Ferguson has said he regretted the decision to not play the hard-working South Korean midfielder for long after. Park played in the 2009 and 2011 final both of which ended in defeats to Barcelona. It takes a lot of adjustment, not the least of which is breaking the language barrier, when a player from Asia shifts to Europe. Over the years though the profile of the Asian footballer has risen, the numbers growing rapidly following Indonesia's naturalisation policy. At €50m, as per Transfermarkt, Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo is the most expensive Asian player in the Big Five. Last season, two Asian players, Lee and Kim Min-jae, were among the losing semi-finalists in the Champions League. Even off the pitch, with ownership of top clubs fetching seats at European football's high table, Asia's influence has been growing steadily. The Saudi Arabia Pro League then did what China had some years back: lure Europeans to Asia. Who would have thought Aymeric Laporte and N'Golo Kante would play in a European Championship semi-final while representing clubs in Asia. Ali Daei, Takashi Usami and Takumi Minamino have been unused subs in Champions League finals, all of them playing for teams that had lost. Daei was a Bayern Munich forward in the 'football-bloody-hell' final in Barcelona. Also with Bayern, Usami was part of the campaign in 2011-12 when they lost to Chelsea. Minamino was with Liverpool when Real beat them. None of them will be Asia's most famous footballer to have lost a Champions League final. That distinction, if we can call it that, belongs to Son Heung-min. Son, 32, played every minute of the 2018-19 final won 2-0 by Liverpool. In 10 years, Son scored 173 goals and played 451 matches for Tottenham Hotspur but it was not till his 452nd, also the Europa League final, that he could break his and the club's trophy duck. 'We've been talking about this for years. The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham was because I wanted to do something others couldn't achieve,' Son had said before the final. A season that had Asian players feature in three of Big Five league winning teams, and the Europa League winners, will end with one from the continent having his hands on the Champions League after 17 years.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Serie A Round 38 – Live Updates: Halftime – Both Favorites in Front
HALF TIME – McTominay & De Vrij Keep Standings at Square One Both title contenders are in front, meaning Napoli are still one point ahead. However, 45 minutes of unparalleled drama awaits us, with Inter heading into the break with a numerical advantage. 45′ – Reina Off in Farewell Game The legendary goalkeeper couldn't have imagined a worse way to drop the curtain on his career. Davide Massa sends him off after reviewing footage on the side-pitch monitor. It was a cynical foul on Taremi. Como are down a man. 42′ – Talisman Lits Up Maradona with Stunning Strike Scott McTomiany has been Napoli's talisman this season, but this goal could define his career in Serie A. The ex-Manchester United midfielder scores a spectacular overhead kick to fire Napoli 1-0 up. 39′ – Spinazzola Wastes Glorious Opportunity Despite having two chances in a space of two seconds, Leonardo Spinazzola couldn't beat Sherri, who seems to have spelled his net. He first denies the wingback before a defender makes a vital block at the second time of asking. 37′ – Taremi Spurns Golden Chance Mehdi Taremi's woes in front of goal continues. The Iranian breaks one-on-one with Pepe Reina, but the retiring keeper parries away his weak attempt with a superb leg save. 34′ – Sommer Saves Nerazzurri Como nearly draw level at Sinigaglia as Ivan Smolcic connects with Lucas Da Cunha's delightful cross from the resulting set-piece. However, the ball goes straight into Yann Sommer, who makes a comfortable save. 31′ – Half-hour Highlights Napoii dominated proceedings but cannot find a way past Cagliari's low defensive block. Meanwhile, Inter remain 1-0 up, even though Como are far better side. 21′ – Opener at Sinigaglia! Stefan de Vrij heads home another inch-perfect corner-kick delivery from Hakan Calhanoglu to put Inter in front! The pressure is on Napoli now as the Nerazzurri ascend the throne. 15′ – Sherri Comes Up Huge Again The Cagliari goalkeeper pulled off another masterclass to deny Amir Rrahmani's close range attempt. However, Napoli are getting closer to finding an all-important breakthrough. 10′ – Politano's Sitter Goes Bagging Matteo Politano nearly put Napoli in front after a lightning-fast counter-attack. Alen Sherri made a stunning save to thwart Billy Gilmour from point-blank. However, Politano latched onto the loose ball but couldn't hit the target despite having goal at his mercy. 3′ – What a Chance for Inter! Federico Dimarco whips the ball into the box and finds Matteo Darmian completely unmarked at the far post. However, the Italian wingback's feeble attempt allows one of the Como defenders to avert danger with a last-gasp clearance. 0′ – We're Off & Running, Vibrant Atmosphere at Sold-Out Maradona Stadium Even without Antonio Conte on the bench due to a touchline ban, the atmosphere at Stadio Diego Maradona reaches fever pitch. Let's see if Cagliari can handle the pressure. Advertisement It's crunch times in Serie A as Inter Milan and Napoli battle it out for the title in one of the most enthralling Scudetto races in recent memory. The Partenopei headed into proceedings with a one-point lead, knowing a win against Cagliari would seal the deal. On the other hand, Inter's hopes of becoming the first team other than Juventus since 2009/10 to defend the crown hinges on beating Como on the road and Cagliari upsetting the apple cart beneath Vesuvius.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘New Life' – Iran Star Finally Reveals Top Form For Inter Milan Ahead Of Crunch Lazio, Como & PSG Clashes
Mehdi Taremi is finally coming into his own at Inter Milan, and will get the start in today's Serie A clash with Lazio. This according to today's print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Advertisement It would not be unfair to say that Mehdi Taremi has failed to meet expectations in his first season at Inter Milan. The Iranian international joined the Nerazzurri last summer. He arrived on a free transfer after his contract with Porto had expired. And Inter signed Taremi with the view that he could be a starting-quality striker. Rather than just being a backup to Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, Inter wanted Taremi to provide competition. And there was a real basis for this view. Taremi had been highly prolific in his four seasons with Porto. Moreover, he had offered the team far more than just goals. Advertisement And Taremi had not only shone in the Portuguese league. The Iranian international had also impressed with his performances in the Champions League. Mehdi Taremi Finally Shines At Inter Milan – Set To Start At Inter Milan RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 06: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Italian Super Cup Final between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by) It is therefore an unpleasant surprise that Mehdi Taremi has so far just scored three goals for Inter. The 32-year-old has dealt with some injury and fitness problems. Moreover, there has appeared to be a lack of confidence when Taremi has gotten his opportunities. Apart from one or two positive moments, Taremi has underwhelmed. So much so that in the spring, it was Marko Arnautovic rather than Taremi who powered Inter's 'second string' attack. Advertisement That even led to rumours that Taremi could leave Inter after just one season. However, the Iranian has changed his fortunes in the last few weeks. The turning point looked to be Taremi's substitute appearance in the Champions League semifinal second leg against Barcelona. The 32-year-old put in an impressive showing on both sides of the ball. And he provided the assist for Davide Frattesi's stoppage time winner. Therefore, Taremi has finally started to show why Inter put their faith in him. Taremi started for Inter against Torino last weekend. Moreover, he will keep his place in this evening's must-win clash with Lazio, despite the availability of Marko Arnautovic and Joaquin Correa. Therefore, the Gazzetta argue, that is a testament to the 'new life' that Taremi has found at Inter.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
From Flop To Top – Iran Megastar Turns His Inter Milan Fortunes Around In Incredible Fashion
From Flop To Top – Iran Megastar Turns His Inter Milan Fortunes Around In Incredible Fashion Mehdi Taremi had been on the verge of rendering his first season at Inter Milan an unmitigated disaster until not long ago. However, he has miraculously turned his fortunes around. That's according to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908. Advertisement It's hardly been a satisfying campaign for Mehdi Taremi. Despite joining the club as one of Europe's elite strikers, he has never hit the ground at Stadio San Siro. Therefore, Inter had even started to consider his summer sale. However, the 32-year-old is on course to become a valuable asset for Simone Inzaghi. Inter Milan Star Mehdi Taremi Goes from Flop to Top in Ten Days LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 26: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team's fourh goal goal during the Serie A match between Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on January 26, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by) Numbers are just not there for Taremi. After smashing records at Porto, the Iran international has only netted three goals in 41 appearances for Inter this term. That's a far cry from his sterling exploits at Estadio do Dragao. When it looked like Inter would give up on Taremi, the experienced center-forward has rediscovered his form. Advertisement Indeed, his second-half entry against Barcelona made a telling impression on Inzaghi and Inter supporters. Despite failing to score, he was outstanding in hold-up play, providing a much-needed breather to his under-pressure backline. Then, he drew a crucial penalty against Torino last weekend, helping his side claim a 2-0 win on the road. As it looks like, Taremi's recent showings would be enough for a place in the starting XI against Lazio this weekend.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Resurgent Iran Superstar Set To Start In Pivotal Inter Milan Vs Lazio Serie A Game
Resurgent Iran Superstar Set To Start In Pivotal Inter Milan Vs Lazio Serie A Game Mehdi Taremi will be in the starting line-up when Inter Milan and Lazio square off at Stadio San Siro this weekend. According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, the Iranian's resurgence couldn't have come at a more opportune moment. Advertisement The 32-year-old's first season in Serie A looked destined to fail until not long ago. However, Mehdi Taremi has turned his fortunes around down the final stretch. As a result, he has won Simone Inzaghi's trust, even though he continues to struggle in front of goal. Mehdi Taremi to Start in Inter Milan Home Clash vs Lazio RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 06: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Italian Super Cup Final between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by) Despite only netting one goal in Serie A this season, Taremi's overall contribution has significantly improved lately. After an impressive showing against Barcelona in the second leg, he drew a crucial penalty against Torino last weekend. In doing so, Taremi has leapfrogged Marko Arnautovic and Joaquin Correa in the pecking order. Now that Lautaro Martinez is out of the squad, he will join forces with Marcus Thuram in attack. Indeed, they should lead the line in a must-win clash against Lazio on Sunday.
