Home Blog Page 973

Argentina look for dream start at 2020 Olympics vs. Australia, stadium history

Roy Nemer
-
29

Argentina will look for a dream start at the football tournament at the 2020 Olympic games.

Fernando Batista’s team will look to put the less than impressive 2016 showing behind them in their opening match on Thursday. The two time gold medal champions at the Olympic games were eliminated in the group stages five years ago as they will want to try and make the knockout stages this time around.

Batista’s team are in Group C alongside Egypt, Spain and Australia. While Spain are seen as one of the favorites to win the gold medal, Argentina have enough talent win it themselves.

It wouldn’t be the first time Argentina play Australia in the group stages as both teams clashed in 2008 when Argentina went on to win the tournament. It was a goal by Ezequiel Lavezzi who gave Argentina the 1-0 win that night in Shanghai.

The stadium for Thursday’s match could bring back some bad memories for long time Argentina fans. The match will be played at the Sapporo Dome in Sapporo which was also the venue for Argentina’s infamous 1-0 loss vs. England at the 2002 World Cup.

Per a report by TyC Sports, Batista is rumored to go with the following XI:

Jeremías Ledesma; Hernán De La Fuente, Nehuén Pérez, Facundo Medina, Francisco Ortega; Fausto Vera, Santiago Colombatto; Martín Payero, Alexis Mac Allister, Esequiel Barco; Adolfo Gaich

FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly interested in Cristian Romero of Atalanta

-
56

According to the Spanish and the English media, FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Cristian Romero of Atalanta.

Per reports by Mundo Deportivo in Spain, FC Barcelona is looking to reinforce their defensive line this summer, and Romero would be one of the candidates.

Per reports by London Football in England, Tottenham Hotspurs’ Managing Director, Fabio Paratici, had already started conversations with Atalanta to sign Romero.

Atalanta CEO, Luca Percassi, spoke today with the press and acknowledged that many clubs expressed their desire in signing the Argentine defender during this transfer market. On the other hand, Percassi settled his aspiration to retain Romero at Atalanta:

“It is obvious that Cristian had an extraordinary season; he was awarded as the best defender of Serie A. The interest is normal. The principle we have followed in recent years is that transfers should strengthen us, not weaken us. This is our idea.”

Although the tough stance of the Atalanta CEO may be a negotiation strategy, the truth is that the club from Bergamo is willing to sell the 23-year-old for a high price.

Cristian Romero was signed on loan last year from Juventus. Recently, Atalanta exercised his definitive purchase option for an amount close to €20 million. Even though his market value is €35 million according to the specialized portal “Transfermarkt”, it is estimated that Atalanta will not let him out for less than €60 million.

The national team’s defender had an amazing season with Atalanta, playing 38 matches and being a key player in the team’s defensive structure. In addition, he won the Copa America with Argentina, playing at a great level, and being a starter in the final vs. Brazil.

Erik Lamela to reportedly join Sevilla from Tottenham

Roy Nemer
-
67

Erik Lamela is reportedly close to joining Sevilla from Tottenham in a swap deal.

Per a tweet by transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham and Sevilla are finalizing a deal which would see Lamela join Sevilla in exchange for Bryan Gil. In addition, Sevilla would receive 25 million plus add ons.

Already 29 years of age, should Lamela join Sevilla, he would play alongside Argentina Copa America winners Marcos Acuña and Alejandro “Papu” Gómez in addition to Lucas Ocampos.

Lamela joined Tottenham back in 2013 from Roma and has taken part in over 150 league matches while also winning last season’s Premier League Goal of the Season with a rabona vs. Arsenal.

Leandro Paredes on Argentina winning the Copa America: “We took a weight off for Qatar”

Roy Nemer
-
15

Leandro Paredes was an integral part in Argentina’s Copa America winning tournament in Brazil and the Argentine spoke to the Super Mitre about what it meant to lift the trophy.

Part of the dynamic midfield three for Argentina alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Gio Lo Celso, Paredes has become an important figure in the national team. Speaking to Super Mitre, here is what he had to say about winning the Copa America:

“Bringing joy to people during a difficult time in the country, it’s gratifying. I’m happy that we were able to achieve what we dreamed of.

“We took a weight off for Qatar but the best will be there. We want to get there in the best way possible.”

Paredes also commented on Lionel Messi winning a trophy with Argentina:

“We wanted Messi to have a title with the Argentina national team. I have never seen him look so happy after lifting a trophy. We took a weight off for Qatar but the best will be there. We want to get there in the best way possible.”

In addition, Paredes gave his thoughts on Lionel Scaloni:

“Hopefully Scaloni continues to be the coach of the Argentina national team.”

While the Argentina national team was celebrating their Copa America win at the Maracana, Neymar was seen hugging several Argentine players and was even captured sitting alongside Lionel Messi and team mate Leandro Paredes after the match. Paredes commented on the situation:

“If we did what Neymar did after the match, they would have killed us. We would have had to have gone straight to Paris.”

Argentine 16 year old Luka Romero signs with Lazio

Roy Nemer
-
21

Luka Romero has signed with Lazio.

As we reported a few days ago, Luka Romero, who’s contract expired with Mallorca, was a free agent. After being linked with a move to Italy with Lazio and he is presently in Rome underdoing his medical.

Still only 16 years old, Romero made his debut in La Liga back in 2020 where he became the youngest player ever to play in the league at the age of 15 and seven months. Now out of Mallorca, per a report by Corriere, he has signed a three year deal worth 400,000 a season.

Born in Mexico, Romero has already represented Argentina at both the U15 and U17 level.

The official Lazio Instagram account put out an image of Romero undergoing his medical with the club.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by S.S. Lazio (@official_sslazio)

1...972973974...1,664Page 973 of 1,664