Alessandro Del Piero caricature

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Sandro Mazzola Caricature

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Head down, thumbs up: Sergi Roberto has been compared to one of the game's legends for his style of play.

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When anger's taking over

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Ospina in the Ballon d'Or list while Buffon is out

Gianluigi Buffon was a surprise omission from the reported Ballon d'Or longlist, though Arsenal's hapless goalkeeper David Ospina was included

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Zidane head butting Materazzi GIF

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Mario Balotelli teased reporters while in Italy watching his brother in action in an exhibition game, reponding to questions by saying "Beware, I do not speak Italian any more" - in Italian!

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Mario Balotelli has been issued a warning by his former manager Roberto Mancini: "Mario is at risk of following the same path as Adriano. I hope that he wakes up one morning and realises that he is wasting everything."

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Fireworks halt Italy-Croatia showdown - though for once Balotelli isn't to blame

Fireworks halt Italy-Croatia showdown - though for once Balotelli isn't to blame

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Chiellini scores an awkward Hat-trick

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini  helped his national side to win the game against Azerbijan in the Euro 2016 qualifications. Italy have won 2-1 with Chiellini who had scored two goals for Italy and one own goal on his team.

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Congraziano Pelle: Balotelli given the boot by Italy

Mario Balotelli has endured a miserable start to the 2014-15 season since joining Liverpool and has now been snubbed by Italy, in favour of Southampton's in-form striker Graziano Pelle.

Pelle has scored four Premier League goals for the Saints this season, while Balotelli is yet to hit his first domestic goal for the Reds.

As a result, he has lost his place in the Italy squad. "Mario has started a new path," Antonio Conte said when asked about his decision. "It's not an easy one and I believe he must be given the necessary time to adapt at Liverpool," said the former Juve boss.

"We are following him just as we monitor all Italians that play abroad. I make selections not exclusions, which is something completely different. Graziano represents what I've always said. Meritocracy leads to a place in the national team for a player who in two years has scored 50 goals.

"Today he is becoming a star in the Premier League after an adventure in Holland.I am curious to see him from close quarters in order to understand if he can help us. He deserved this call-up from all points of view."

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 11:51

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Suarez sees a psychiatrist

Just about everyone has given their opinion on Luis Suarez this summer following his ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini - even the president of Uruguay.

Jose Mujica believes the striker, now at Barcelona, needs medical help from a psychiatrist, not punishment as severe as handed out by Fifa, who have banned Suarez from so much as entering a stadium during his suspension.

Monday, 21 July 2014 12:00

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Italy 2014 Tribute

They left early but here is a tribute to their fans.

Watch Italy GoolToons episode: 

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Third time unlucky? Suarez bites again

Luis Suarez shocked the world on Tuesday by appearing to bite the shoulder of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in Uruguay's must-win clash against the Azzurri.

The 27-year-old was supported by domestic club Liverpool the last time he was involved in such an incident, with the Reds standing by the former Ajax man during a 10-game ban for delving his teeth into Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

With Fifa now investigated his latest indiscretion, Suarez could be set for another lengthy ban, which would be a major blow to both the Merseysiders and manager Brendan Rodgers.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 12:30

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Royal Rumble: Balotelli fails England

Mario Balotelli rallied English supporters on Friday, declaring on Twitter: "If we beat Costa Rica i want a kiss,obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen."

It seemed a fair trade, all told, as England's slim hopes of qualifying from Group D depended entirely on Italy winning both of their remaining group stage matches.

What a pity then - for Queen and country - that Balotelli missed a series of chances against Costa Rica as the Azzurri stumbled to a 1-0 defeat - eliminating England in the process. No royal kiss for Mario.

Saturday, June 21, 2014 11:56

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Stark reality bites in Spain's Roja wedding

It's over, it's finally over. Spain, reigning world and European champions have been dumped out of the World Cup thanks to a colossal performance from Chile.

Jorge Sampaoli's side, also nicknamed La Roja, scored twice in the first half in a frantic end-to-end game of football in Rio de Janeiro.

And for Vicente del Bosque's team it was very much a case of one tournament too far for a group of players who have defined an era. There will be casualties from this exit, not least if they fail to even take home the wooden spoon in their final game against Australia.

Thursday, 19 June 2014 12:46

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Perfect Pirlo hands out lesson to England's youngsters

England were made to pay for their missed chances as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Italy in their opening Group D fixture.

Claudio Marchisio opened the scoring in Manaus but while Daniel Sturridge was quick with England’s leveller, Mario Balotelli had the final say with his second-half header.

Andrea Pirlo put in another masterclass performance as his superb distribution was capped by a cute dummy in the build-up to Marchisio’s strike.

Sunday, June 15, 2014 12:00

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GoalToons: World Cup moments

Get animated by watching the heroes, villains and highlights of previous tournaments as you have never seen them before. Eight episodes on World Cup greatest nations. The videos are available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese and Arabic.

GoalToons: Brazil

GoalToons: Italy

GoalToons: Germany

GoalToons: Argentina

GoalToons: England

GoalToons: France

GoalToons: Spain

GoalToons: Netherlands

GoalToons credits:

Animation Director: Omar Momani

Animation: Sameer Aburezeq

Animation Assitant: Bassem Nabil

Narration on Germany, England and Netherlands: Mike V. Derderian

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World Cup party about to get started

With the dust having settled on most nation's World Cup warm-up friendlies, attentions can now be turned to the main event with the World Cup just four days away.

England concluded their preparations in a feisty encounter against Honduras and can next be seen taking on Italy in Manaus on Saturday, while hosts Brazil kick off the tournament on Thusday.

The Three Lions flew from Miami to Rio de Janeiro straight after their 0-0 draw, while plenty of other sides, including the likes of Germany, have finally touched down in Brazil.

Sunday, 8 June 2014 12:45

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Scholes orders Welbeck to shackle Pirlo

Much like Euro 2012, Andrea Pirlo could prove to be the thorn in England’s side when Roy Hodgson’s charges face Italy in their World Cup opener.

But Paul Scholes has a plan to keep the midfield maestro quiet.

"For Manaus, we need an English Park Ji-Sung - one England player designated to man-mark him. Looking at the squad,” the former Manchester United star told Paddy Power.

“Danny Welbeck (a good defender who can nick the ball well) could be an option and would be a bold decision, one which gives England a creative outlet and saddles Pirlo with defensive work."

All the best, Danny.

Friday, 6 June 2014 12:00

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