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Illegal betting: Newcastle midfielder, Sandro Tonali set for 10-month ban from football

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Newcastle’s midfielder, Sandro Tonali, is on the verge of facing a 10-month football ban due to his involvement in illegal betting, as reported by the Daily Mail. Italian authorities are prepared to confirm this suspension.

Tonali’s legal team has been engaged in negotiations with prosecutors and the Italian Football Federation, and they are nearing an agreement. The alleged illegal bets were reportedly placed during his time with his former club, AC Milan.

Despite this impending suspension, the Italian football star, who transferred to Newcastle for £55 million in the summer, will still be eligible to participate in Newcastle’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday evening.

It is anticipated that this suspension will take effect starting on Thursday. If the 10-month ban commences on Thursday, it would mean that Tonali will be unable to participate in the remainder of the current 2023/24 season for Newcastle.

Furthermore, he would miss the early weeks of the 2024-2025 season and would also be disqualified from representing Italy in Euro 2024.

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However, during his suspension, it is believed that Tonali will be permitted to train with Eddie Howe’s team.

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EPL: Most arrogant player in Premier League – Piers Morgan slams Haaland

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British Broadcaster, Piers Morgan has branded Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland the most arrogant player in the Premier League.

Morgan also said that the Norway international is a ‘nasty piece of work’ as he slammed him for ‘belittling’ a 17-year-old opponent.

Recall that Haaland caused controversy during Man City’s Premier League 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday by throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head after the Cityzens scored a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser.

Haaland had dismissed the Arsenal youngster, Myles Lewis-Skelly, shouting ‘Who the f*** are you’ before he shared words with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and striker Gabriel Jesus, who used to play for Man City.

Responding to a clip showing Haaland clashing with Arteta, Morgan tweeted on Monday: “Humility lectures from the most arrogant player in the league, who nastily belittled 17-year-old Lewis-Skelly, and cowardly hurled a ball at the back of Gabriel’s head.

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“Pipe down. You nasty piece of work.”

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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Victor Boniface: Bayer Leverkusen superstar, struggling Super Eagles forward

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Nigerians were excited to see Victor Osimhen shine in the national team colors. The 23-year-old had the opportunity to showcase his talent during the Super Eagles’ first two qualifying matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

However, Osimhen, the primary striker, faced challenges at his club. Napoli had signed Romelu Lukaku, leaving him sidelined. He only arrived in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, after securing a season-long loan to Galatasaray, which happened after the regular European transfer window had closed. By then, he was jetlagged and out of form, having not played since the previous season.

Given this situation, interim coach Austin Eguavoen wisely started Boniface against Benin Republic in Uyo. However, Boniface struggled to make an impact and was substituted for Osimhen in the second half, shortly before Osimhen scored Nigeria’s second goal.

Eguavoen maintained his trust in Boniface for the match in Kigali, but he was replaced by Osimhen at halftime. This led to disappointment among fans, with some labeling Boniface a “flop.”

Sports analyst Ope Adebari disagrees, stating, “I won’t say he flopped. He put in a good effort; the main issue was the lack of goals due to him being isolated because of Eguavoen’s tactical approach used during the AFCON tournament.”

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Just days after returning from international duty, Boniface scored twice for Bayer Leverkusen in their 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim, demonstrating clinical finishing.

Adebari highlighted the difference in tactics: “Leverkusen uses a 3-4-3 formation with two attacking midfielders who support Boniface, while the Super Eagles rely on wingers. Boniface thrives on link-up play, but struggled with hold-up play for Nigeria.”

Although Boniface may get another opportunity, Osimhen is expected to be in form and ready to start. Adebari believes both forwards could play together, suggesting a front three of Boniface, Lookman, and Osimhen.

He emphasized the need for coaches to integrate the best players effectively. “This combination will only work if Wilfred Ndidi is paired with either Frank Onyeka or Raphael Onyedika instead of Alex Iwobi. The 3-4-3 system needs a holding midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder who are both technically skilled, and the mentioned players can help the front trio succeed for the Super Eagles.”

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Champions League: All eyes on Lookman as Atalanta, Arsenal clash in Bergamo

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Ademola Lookman will be the focal point when Atalanta takes on Arsenal in a UEFA Champions League match at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo today.

Lookman shone in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen last season, scoring an impressive hat-trick.

The 26-year-old made a significant impact in his first Serie A start against Fiorentina on Sunday, contributing one goal and one assist to help La Dea snap a two-game winless streak.

Previously, Lookman netted one goal in the Champions League during his time with RB Leipzig in Germany.

Another strong performance against the Gunners could bolster his chances of winning the African Player of the Year award.

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