Argentina’s friendly match against Italy has possibly been cancelled.
As we reported last week, there are rumors of Argentina playing two friendly matches in March. Three possible opponents have been mentioned with Italy, Morocco and Belgium popping up as possible opponents.
According to ItaSportPress, following Italy’s World Cup playoff loss to Sweden, the AFA (Argentine Football Association) contacted FIGC (Italian Football Federation) requesting the match to be called off. One of the main factors being that the AFA fear that the Italian’s would play an experimental side with an interim coach.
The match has not yet been cancelled but we will keep you informed on any new news.
As you all know by now, Sevilla coach Eduardo BERIZZO has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the club has just made official via their website. The news was made known earlier following the club’s remarkable comeback from three goals to draw 3-3 against Liverpool.
Though earlier report suggests that BERIZZO had only informed his player at halftime but it appears everyone at the club already knew the situation since Sunday.
Turns out Sevilla players, coaching staff etc knew of Berizzo’s situation since Sunday, that was when he informed them. Jesús Navas confirmed just now.
Meanwhile, worth mentioning that Barcelona has offered their assistance to BERIZZO during such important times. Sevilla’s president Jose CASTRO confirmed this after speaking to his fellow counterpart in Barcelona that their medical team will be made available to help with the treatment. Doctors at Barcelona had experience two similar cases in the past, involving Eric ABIDAL and Tito VILANOVA. This is truly a great gesture from them!
Our hopes and prayers are that will survive this fight and recover soon. Stay strong Toto, we’re all right behind you in this battle!
The Italian National Team reportedly want to call up Argentinian Sebastian DRIUSSI.
With the Italian FA looking to rebuild after failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Zenit’s Sebastian DRIUSSI is apparently in their sights. The player’s agent has come out and added fuel to the fire stating that DRIUSI would be open to a call-up for Italy should he not receive one from Argentina. Gustavo PEDROZO, Sebastian DRIUSSI’s agent, spoke to Calciomercato and had this to say:
“Having played for all their youth teams, he’s still hopeful of being called up and giving his all to Argentina. If this isn’t the case, obviously wearing Italy’s jersey would be an incredible experience for him.
“We’re sad about what’s happening to a national team (Italy) that deserves nothing but praise.
“He’s a lad who adapts quickly enough to new situations. He’s feeling very good at Zenit and for now, he’s only thinking about improving and breaking new ground.”
Dario Pipa BENEDETTO has suffered a long term injury.
Argentina and Boca Juniors forward Dario BENEDETTO has suffered an injury while playing for Boca. BENEDETTO suffered an injury during Boca’s 2-1 loss against Racing. With Racing up 1-0, Dario scored a penalty kick to draw his team level. However, BENEDETTO was substituted off in the 37th minute of the second half.
Dario Pipa BENEDETTO out for 6-8 months
Initial reports are stating that he has suffered a ruptured ligament and initial reports have him out for 6 to 8 months. Should that be the case, he would be fully discarded from World Cup contention for Argentina.
This could open the door for Gonzalo HIGUAIN to get back into the Argentina team.
A big congratulations to the Argentina U15 team for winning the South American U15 Cup!
The Argentina youth teams have undergone a new setup with Diego PLACENTE and Pablo AIMAR taking control of them. For the U15 team, Diego PLACENTE’s boys reached the final of the South American Cup and despite being 2-0 to Brazil in the final, the team fought back and scored three unanswered goals for a 3-2 final win!
Argentina’s line-up for the final of the South American U15 Cup.
The Brazilians took the lead through Kaio JORGE 33 minutes into the match. Coach PLACENTE made two substitutions at half time as Franco OROZCO came on for Exequiel ZEBALLOS. The other change being Franco BENITEZ on for Cristian BENITEZ.
Two minutes into the second half, Brazil doubled their lead as Francisco FLORES scored to give Brazil a 2-0 lead.
However, just two minutes later Matias PALACIOS scored to pull one back for the Albiceleste. PLACENTE made another substitution as Gonzalo Ruíz DIAZ came on for David AYALA.
Matias GODOY scored only two minutes after PALACIOS as Argentina drew level.
Two more substitutions followed with Juan Pablo KRILANOVICH on for Matias GODOY. The last substitution followed with Federico VERSACI coming in for Franco BENITEZ.
The comeback for Argentina was finally complete when Bruno AMIONE found the back of the net to give Argentina the 3-2 win! This tournament win marked the first time Argentina have won the South American U15 Cup!
