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Argentina’s last practice before Copa America match vs. Uruguay

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The Argentina national team trained this morning for the last time before they travel to Brasilia this evening. On Friday, Argentina will face Uruguay in Copa America´s matchday 2 of group B.

During this Thursday morning’s practice at AFA’s training facility in Ezeiza, the squad began exercising in the gym at 10:40 (local time), and then, already on the field, they did some coordination and speed exercies for around 20 minutes. For the last part, the coaching staff set an informal football practice in reduced spaces with three different teams.

According to the AFA’s official website, a press conference is planned for this evening (3:25 PM, local time), where coach Lionel Scaloni plus one Argentine player will answer questions from the media.

At 4 PM, the whole squad will be heading to Ezeiza’s airport, which is just 8 minutes away from Argentina’s training center. The estimated arrival to the city of Brasilia is 7:45 PM today, and they will all have dinner at 9 PM.

Cristian Romero to start for Argentina vs. Uruguay, Nicolás González a doubt

Cristian Romero is set to start for Argentina vs. Uruguay while Nicolas González appears to be a doubt.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni held a training session on Wednesday and once more, Cristian Romero trained alongside his team mates.

Romero missed Argentina’s opening match at the Copa America due to muscle strain but per reports by both TNT Sports and TyC Sports, he will partner Nicolas Otamendi vs. Uruguay. Per the reports, Romero has recovered and will replace Martinez Quarta.

One player who is not fully fit is Nicolas González. The soon to be Brighton man has a muscle strain and is a doubt for Argentina’s second match at the Copa America. While Gonzalez was part of the initial eleven in training, he was replaced by Angel Di Maria. Here is the rumored eleven:

Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Nicolás González or Ángel Di María.

This would mean one, possibly two changes from the team that started vs. Chile. Romero would be brought in for Martinez Quarta while Di Maria could start in place of González.

Alfio “Coco” Basile hospitalized with pneumonia due to COVID

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Alfio “Coco” Basile is reportedly in the hospital with pneumonia due to COVID.

Basile was the last person to ever coach Argentina to a senior title when the team won the 1993 Copa America. In addition to the 1993 Copa America, Basile also won the 1991 Copa America, the 1993 Artemio Franchi Trophy and the country’s only Confederations Cup back in 1992.

He would coach Argentina a second time back in 2006 when he took over the national team job after Jose Pekerman and the World Cup. He remained in charge through the 2007 Copa America and into the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. He stepped down as coach back in 2008.

Coco is also the only man to ever coach both Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. He managed Diego at the 1994 World Cup and Lionel Messi when he was in charge in his second stint as coach.

Already 77 years of age, Basile won the Copa Libertadores with Racing Club as a player and as a coach managed both Racing Club and Boca Juniors.

Rodrigo De Paul to join Atletico Madrid for €35 million from Udinese

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Rodrigo De Paul is set to join Atletico Madrid for €35 million from Udinese.

De Paul will be joining Diego Simeone’s team as the club are reportedly already planning the medicals. Per a report by Fabrizio Romano, De Paul will join the Liga champions for €35 million with just the final details remaining to be completed.

The Udinese captain managed 9 goals and 10 assists in 36 matches in the league last season.

Nicolás González to join Brighton for record £25 million from Stuttgart

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Nicolás González will reportedly join Brighton for £25 million from Stuttgart.

Per a report by The Guardian, Brighton have agreed an initial £25 million fee with Stuttgart for the 23 year old. Per the report, they have been scouting the Argentine for some time.

González joined Stuttgart from Argentinos Juniors for £7.65 million in 2018 and would now be making the jump to England. He finished last season with six goals and two assists in 15 Bundesliga match.

He is presently with the Argentina national team for the Copa America.