Latest news with #Tuscans
Yahoo
5 days ago
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Report – Ajax & Udinese Join The Race For €7M Rated Inter Milan Striker
Ajax and Udinese are ready to join the race to sign Inter Milan striker Sebastiano Esposito this summer. This according to SportItalia transfer market expert Alfredo Pedulla, via FCInter1908. The Italy Under-21 striker had spent last season on loan with Empoli. However, that loan deal came to an end, and the Tuscans did not sign him on a permanent basis. Therefore, Sebastianio Esposito travelled with the Inter squad to the United States for the Club World Cup. He appeared in all four of their matches at the tournament, starting two. Ajax & Udinese Join The Race For Sebastiano Esposito EMPOLI, ITALY – NOVEMBER 25: Sebastiano Esposito of Empoli FC greets the fans after during the Serie A match between Empoli and Udinese at Stadio Carlo Castellani on November 25, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by) It looks like virtually a foregone conclusion that Sebastiano Esposito will leave Inter this summer, however. However, what has been a mystery is where the Italy Under-21 international will go. Quite a few clubs have shown an interest in Esposito's signature. Fiorentina were sufficiently impressed by the 23-year-old's performances for derby rivals Empoli that they've been in talks with Inter. Meanwhile, Cagliari have rivalled Fiorentina for Esposito's signature. And Alfredo Pedulla notes that Parma remain alive to the situation, also considering Inter's interest in Giovanni Leoni. Nevertheless, even more clubs are joining the race according to Pedulla. Dutch giants Ajax have come forward with an interest, the SportItalia transfer expert reports. Meanwhile, from within Serie A, Udinese have joined the growing list of clubs targeting Esposito.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
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Pioli tells Fiorentina to get inspiration from Ronaldo and sends message to Allegri
New Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli won't forget that Massimiliano Allegri omitted the Tuscans among the Champions League contenders and insists his players must get inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo. Pioli has returned to the Stadio Franchi for his second stint as a coach and was unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday. Pioli explains why he returned to Fiorentina 'The experiences I've had so far have brought me to the highest point of my career,' Pioli said via TMW. 'I know there are many expectations here, but I already have a great feeling because I've found a lot of human depth in addition to one of the most beautiful training centres I've ever seen. I feel ready to do an outstanding job.' Pioli was the Fiorentina coach when Davide Astori tragically died in his sleep on March 4, 2018, aged 31, before an away Serie A match against Udinese. Fiorentina still remember their former captain before each home match by announcing their ex-No.13 in their starting XI. 'Obviously, he had a significant impact on my professional and personal life,' said Pioli. 'I still feel him, and that will never change. If we manage to take the same step forward as a team, we can even win the Scudetto.' Pioli had reached an agreement with Fiorentina at the beginning of June, but it took him over a month to terminate his contract with Al-Hilal, where he had coached Cristiano Ronaldo. 'I've always wanted to come back. One phone call was enough. It was a month of anxiety, but still very positive,' Pioli said. Pioli: coaching Cristiano Ronaldo 'an honour 'It was an honour to coach him [Cristiano Ronaldo]. He's much more than a champion,' he continued. 'You have no idea what lies behind his figure. I shared his management with him. He's an incredible professional, and he's obsessed with playing and scoring goals. He lives each day to be ready for the next game. That's the kind of determination we need to have.' Pioli will coach Moise Kean in the 2025-26 season. The Italian striker was the second-best Serie A goal scorer in 2024-25, and his €52m release clause expired yesterday, July 15, 2025. 'I've spoken with Moise during this period, but I don't know whether I had an impact on his decision to stay. He's very grateful to Florence. I've seen him calm and eager to work these days. He's a very strong player,' he said. Edin Dzeko has moved to the Franchi, while Albert Gudmundsson has made his loan move permanent. Can Fiorentina use all three of their stars simultaneously? 'We won't always be the same, but the idea is to get them playing all together,' Pioli replied. 'Much will depend on their ability to work together. I'll repeat it, the more quality players we have, the more chances we have to win. 'We should not focus on just one role or position. Gudmundsson a player with quality, great intelligence and desire to make an impact. He offers many solutions in attack, and I count on him. Fazzini has similar traits. What matters is having players with quality, pace and unpredictability. Unpredictability is the key to beating opponents.' Pioli confirmed that Luca Ranieri would be Fiorentina's captain next season and seemed confident that the Tuscans would compete for a spot in the top four next season. 'It won't be Pioli against Allegri or Conte. It will be Fiorentina against Napoli, Milan and others,' he said. 'We have fire inside. I could have stayed where I was and been one of the ten highest-paid coaches in the world. If Fiorentina wants to be top, we need to prove it. Allegri didn't put us among the Champions League contenders. I've already written that on the board.' Pioli has signed a long-term contract at the Stadio Franchi, which will run until June 2028.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
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Report – Inter Milan Striker One Step Away From Joining Fiorentina
Inter Milan striker Sebastiano Esposito is reportedly one step away from making the move to Fiorentina. This according to today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They report that the 23-year-old is ready to green light the transfer. Advertisement Sebastiano Esposito is currently part of Inter Milan's senior squad once again. The Italy Under-21 striker had spent last season on loan with Empoli. However, that loan deal came to an end, and the Tuscans did not sign him on a permanent basis. Therefore, Sebastianio Esposito travelled with the Inter squad to the United States for the Club World Cup. He appeared in all four of their matches at the tournament, starting two. Inter Striker Sebastiano Esposito One Step Away From Fiorentina EMPOLI, ITALY – AUGUST 17: Sebastiano Esposito of Empoli FC applauds the fans after during the Serie A match between Empoli and Monza at Stadio Carlo Castellani on August 17, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by) It looks like virtually a foregone conclusion that Sebastiano Esposito will leave Inter this summer, however. And there have been a few clubs to show an interest in the 23-year-old. Advertisement Widespread reports indicate that Fiorentina are the team who have moved the fastest. Therefore, La Viola are reportedly not far from signing Esposito after his campaign with their regional rivals Empoli had impressed them. Fiorentina have been pushing for the move in talks with Inter over the last couple weeks. According to the Gazzetta, Esposito himself is close to giving the decisive green light. Then, he could become a Fiorentina player.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
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Fiorentina strikers situation: Dzeko, Kean, Esposito
Fiorentina are on the verge of announcing the signing of Edin Dzeko, hope to retain Moise Kean at the Stadio Franchi, but are also following Inter's Sebastiano Esposito. Fiorentina are set to make some changes to their attacking department in 2025-26 and will soon confirm the signing of Dzeko on a free transfer. Advertisement The ex-Roma and Inter striker completed his medical on Thursday and already visited Fiorentina's training facilities. Fiorentina hope they won't need a replacement for Kean, who has a release clause that can be activated in July. For the moment, the Tuscans and their strikers have not received formal approaches. Fiorentina interested in Esposito EMPOLI, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Sebastiano Esposito of Empoli FC in action during the Serie A match between Empoli and Lecce at Stadio Carlo Castellani on January 11, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by) Even if Kean stays at the Stadio Franchi, Fiorentina would not rule out another signing in attack, sources tell me. The Tuscans, in fact, are following Inter's Sebastiano Esposito, who has one year left in his contract with the Nerazzurri. Esposito is also followed by Parma and has been mentioned for a possible player-plus-cash swap deal for Ange-Yoan Bonny.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Sport
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Empoli 0-1 Lazio: Early bird Dia enough in ill-tempered clash
Boulaye Dia's goal after 54 seconds was ultimately enough for Lazio to take three precious points from Empoli, as both teams went down to 10 men and the hosts had a goal disallowed. The Aquile hoped to take advantage of the fixture list with several head-to-head battles around this weekend, but Nuno Tavares, Manuel Lazzari and Patric were injured. The Tuscans remained in the drop zone and without a Serie A victory in 2025. Liam Henderson and Alberto Grassi sat out bans, with Christian Kouame, Tino Anjorin, Viktor Kovalenko, Youssef Maleh, Nicolas Haas, Tyronne Ebuehi, Pietro Pellegri and Szymon Zurkowski on the treatment table. Advertisement See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog. It took under 60 seconds to break the deadlock, because Mattia Viti misjudged the flight of the Elseid Hysaj ball over the top, allowing Boulaye Dia to control with his chest and drill home from 12 yards relatively undisturbed. Christos Mandas had his gloves stung by a ferocious Luca Marianucci strike from outside the area, while Taty Castellanos fired wide on the turn. EMPOLI, ITALY – MAY 04: Valentin Castellanos of SS Lazio kicks the ball during the Serie match between Empoli and Lazio at Stadio Carlo Castellani on May 04, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi –) Empoli went down to 10 men just before half-time. Lorenzo Colombo had just been booked five minutes earlier when he clumsily caught Samuel Gigot chasing down a long ball, so the referee opted for a second yellow card. Advertisement Lazio almost doubled their lead moments later, as Matteo Guendouzi's cross went past everyone, forcing Devis Vasquez to fingertip it round the far post. Adam Marusic nodded the resulting corner off target. Ill-tempered Empoli-Lazio game Nonetheless, Empoli threatened after the restart with Ola Solbakken just unable to get enough on the Giuseppe Pezzella cross. The 10 men thought they had equalised when a Junior Sambia free kick was flicked on by Solbakken, took another deflection off Alessio Romagnoli, and Mattia Viti volleyed in from eight yards. However, VAR spotted an offside position. EMPOLI, ITALY – MAY 4: Mattia Viti of Empoli FC scores a disallowed goal during the Serie A match between Empoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Carlo Castellani on May 4, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by) Castellanos fired a chest and volley off target, while Pedro drilled inches wide from the edge of the area after a Matias Vecino dummy let the Gustav Isaksen pull-back through. Advertisement However, Lazio were also reduced to 10 as Elseid Hysaj received his second yellow card for dragging back Sambia. Marianucci made a desperate tackle from behind on Pedro as he was ready to pull the trigger and Sambia fired straight at Mandas, while in stoppages Vasquez rushed off his line to prevent Isaksen scoring on the counter-attack. Empoli 0-1 Lazio Dia 1 (L) Sent off: Colombo 39 (E), Hysaj 76 (L) Post navigation Kelly called 'most disastrous signing in the history of Juventus' as 21m flop
