Xabi Alonso is seen as the successor of Josep Guardiola at Manchester City: El Nacional.

Lionel Messi is pushing for his ex Barça teammate Ansu Fati to join him at Inter Miami: Fichajes.

Jamie Vardy is considering retirement of going to the Saudi Pro League next summer: Fichajes.

Manchester United may loan Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus if they bring Sesko in from Leipzig next summer: Tuttomercato.

Everton are plotting a move to sign Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze ideally in January: Football Insider.

Liverpool want to try one more time to keep Trent Alexander Arnold despite interest from Real Madrid: TimesSport.

Real Madrid are monitoring the progress of Nico Paz at Como and they will consider to activate the buy back clause to bring him back in Madrid next year: Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham are among the clubs interested to sign Eberechi Eze in 2025 from Crystal Palace: Ekremkonur.

The post Transfer News LIVE October 21, 2024: Vardy in Arabia, Nico Paz back in Madrid. appeared first on Fotnet24.

“Winning teams know how to adapt—they can be tough when needed, get their hands dirty, and adjust to whatever the game throws at them. Sometimes, things don’t go your way, but it’s on those tough days that you need to handle the situation wisely. That’s why I talk about the journey—understanding when things get difficult is key. On Sunday, we need to be prepared to suffer because suffering is part of winning, and it only makes you stronger. If we lack the spirit of sacrifice, especially compared to Empoli, I won’t tolerate it.”

Conte: “Victory is Built, Not Invented”

“I take responsibility for bringing Napoli back to being a strong team, one that can compete for the title every year. I understand the pressure when people in the city say, ‘Coach, we want the Scudetto.’ My answer is always, ‘Patience.’ Success doesn’t happen overnight. Victories need to be built step by step. Sure, sometimes it can feel like it happens suddenly, but the truth is we’re working on laying solid foundations. Our goal is to build something long-lasting and make our fans proud.”

Conte: “It’s Foolish to Think Long-Term”

“Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t like looking too far ahead. I always focus on the next game, and that’s the mindset I try to instill in my team. Empoli are a tough opponent, and people from the outside may underestimate them by saying, ‘This game is winnable, and that one will be harder,’ but I believe every game is a challenge. You don’t win games on paper. We need to give everything on Sunday, and then we’ll shift our focus to the next game. Thinking long-term is a mistake—we need to go game by game.”

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Conte: “Empoli Are Strong and Well-Organized”

“Empoli are a strong and well-organized team. They only suffered their first defeat just before the break, and it came in the final minutes against Lazio. They have some talented players, and their president, Corsi, has built something sustainable that causes problems for their opponents. Historically, they’ve always been a difficult team for us, but we’re ready to write a new story on Sunday. It will be a tough match, especially with a coach like Roberto, who is not just a great professional but a good friend of mine. I’m happy to see him doing well.”

Conte: “Break? Too Much Excitement. Gilmour Steps In for Lobotka”

“How are we after the break? Honestly, there’s been a bit too much excitement, and I’m glad we’re back to playing. It’s only been 15 days, but it felt like the excitement was over the top. We’re happy with where we are, but the standings are tight, and we have to restart well. Unfortunately, the break caused some issues—Lobotka came back with a flexor problem, which isn’t too serious but needs managing. It’s a shame because he’s been in top form. However, this gives Billy Gilmour a chance to step in. I have great faith in him; he’s been waiting for his moment, and now it’s here. We’re confident he’ll deliver.”

Conte: “We Are Still a Work in Progress”

“Where is Napoli right now? We still have a ‘work in progress’ sign up. After only three months, we can’t expect things to be perfect, and it would be a mistake to overlook the amount of work that goes into rebuilding a team. There’s satisfaction in the effort we’re putting in, but we still have a journey ahead of us. The path is clear, but we need to stay on it. I’m lucky to have a dedicated group of players, but we know there will be tough moments ahead. It’s easy when things are going well, but we need to stay mentally and emotionally strong when challenges arise.”

The post Every word Antonio Conte said in the pre-match press conference Empoli-Napoli. appeared first on Fotnet24.

Available on YouTube and Spotify through Matteo Caccia’s official channels, it offers a glimpse into Barella’s life beyond football. He opens up about his deepest thoughts, sharing everything from his relationship with success and failure to his personal and professional growth. It’s an emotional journey that reveals a champion unafraid to show his vulnerabilities.

Barella on Fatherhood, Wine, and Cooking

Barella broke the ice by talking about fatherhood and what it means to him: “I love everything about it; it’s a choice I made when I was young. I grew up in a big family where everyone played a part, and I always liked that. When I met the right woman, my wife, we decided to start a family early. I hope to be a good, present father.” He also touched on his love for cooking and wine: “Do I cook? Yes, it’s something I enjoy when I have time. I’ve also developed a passion for wine and trying new restaurants. I like to experiment a bit in the kitchen too!”

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Balancing Life and Passion for Football

When talking about his day-to-day life off the pitch, Barella shared, “I can’t sleep in until 11, I’ve got kids to take to school! My day starts early, at 7:30 am, with breakfast and the school run. Then it’s off to training, lunch with the team, and by 3 pm, I’m picking the girls up again. Each of them has their own sport, and after dinner, when they’re in bed, that’s the time to sit down with my wife and just talk.”

He also reflected on his passion for football: “Football is still a game to me, even though it’s my job now. It’s given me so much, including the chance to support my family, but it also comes with its challenges—criticism and social media can take a toll on you mentally. There are days when you take the stress home with you. But no matter what, it remains something I love.”

Barella’s Beginnings and Making It Big

Looking back, Barella reminisced about his early days in football: “My parents made sacrifices for me to play, but I was lucky to have fun and build strong friendships along the way. I knew football could be my career when I got called up for the national team. Of course, it wasn’t always easy—when I moved up from Cagliari Primavera to the first team, I wasn’t quite ready, but I started believing I could do it. At that point, I didn’t think I’d ever play for Inter or the national team, but just wearing the Cagliari shirt felt amazing.”

The Tough Journey to Success

Barella touched on the difference between those who make it and those who don’t: “I’ve seen a lot of different situations, and there are many reasons why some people don’t make it. It could be sacrifices, family circumstances, or even injuries. It’s tough to leave home, especially when you’re from Sardinia, where we’re so attached to our land. You need inner strength to make those hard decisions, and not everyone has that. It’s difficult, and some people simply can’t do it.”

Proudly Sardinian and Always Honest

Barella proudly spoke about his Sardinian roots: “I’m tough and strong-willed, and I don’t pretend to be something I’m not. This is what makes me truly Sardinian. I can admit that I’m sometimes a bit difficult or even unpleasant, but that’s just who I am. I’d rather make mistakes out in the open than hide behind a facade.”

He’s also grown a lot over time: “I used to love arguing and looking for conflicts that didn’t help anyone, but now I’m much more at peace. Being with my family has taught me that there are bigger problems in life, and that football, while important, is just one part of it.”

Football Growth and Gratitude for Opponents

Barella reflected on his development on the pitch as well: “Before, I just wanted to prove myself. Now, in a game, I’m happy to help my teammates, even if it doesn’t mean scoring or getting assists. I take pride when an opponent respects me—it’s a sign that they truly think I’m a strong player. My teammates make me feel invincible, but that respect from the opposition means the world.”

Respect for Victory and Defeat

Barella also shared a personal memory of sportsmanship after winning the Scudetto with Inter: “I shook hands with the Milan players after we won. I did it because I know what it means to lose. I’ve experienced a lot of defeat—losing the U19 European final, getting knocked out of the World Cup, getting relegated with Cagliari and Como, and even losing a Champions League and Europa League final. Winning is great, but losing stays with you in a different way. It can ruin your summer, and it feels like you’ll never get another chance.”

Handling Criticism and Fans’ Expectations

Talking about fan criticism, Barella said, “Fans don’t always know what’s happening behind the scenes. Sometimes when you play badly, it’s not intentional—you could be dealing with personal issues. Fans want the team to win, but there’s so much more that goes on. Criticism is part of the game, but bringing personal life into it crosses a line. We’re all human, and everyone deserves respect, especially off the pitch.”

A Love Beyond Football

Barella revealed some of his other passions too: “I’ve gotten really into cycling, and at one point, I was obsessed with the NBA—I used to stay up late watching games! I’ve also always loved wine, not because I drank it as a kid but because my dad’s best friend had vineyards, and I used to help with the harvest. My favorite wines now are Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Barolo. It’s an expensive passion, but a beautiful one—every time I drink a glass of wine, I remember the people I shared it with.”

The post Barella talks his football, his passions and life outside football. appeared first on Fotnet24.

The latest to possibly sit out is Nicolò Fagioli, who picked up a knock during a national team training session. Although it’s not a major injury, the pain might be enough to keep him off the pitch when the Serie A resumes. His availability for the next Champions League game against Stuttgart is also uncertain and will need to be closely monitored. This potential absence leaves Juventus with limited options in midfield, meaning coach Thiago Motta may have to get creative, relying heavily on players like Locatelli, Thuram, and Douglas Luiz to cover the gaps.

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Looking ahead to Lazio
McKennie and Koopmeiners are also set to miss the upcoming league match. McKennie is hopeful to return in time for the next Champions League fixture, while Koopmeiners is targeting the Italian Derby against Inter, just like Fagioli. In light of these absences, there could be a golden opportunity for young Montenegrin talent, Adzic, born in 2006, to make his debut. Thiago Motta is said to have high regard for Adzic, although the youngster has had some fitness issues earlier in the season. During preseason, he was even tested in different attacking roles, including on the right wing, an area Juventus will need to manage carefully against Lazio. In addition to the absence of Nico Gonzalez, Conceicao is suspended, though the team can potentially count on the return of Weah to help bolster their attacking options.

Juventus will have some tactical adjustments to make, but these challenges could also open doors for fresh faces to shine!

The post Nicolo Fagioli is out for the Lazio clash, the list is growing. appeared first on Fotnet24.