Paul Pogba’s doping suspension has been cut to 18 months from an initial four years, the court of arbitration for sport (Cas) said on Friday. “The suspension is now 18 months, starting 11 September 2023,” the Cas director general Matthieu Reebsaid. Pogba was suspended in September 2023 after testing positive for DHEA – a banned substance that raises levels of testosterone.
Read more
Holders Italy made a limp exit from Euro 2024 as a sparkling display from Switzerland helped them set up a potential quarter-final meeting with England. The Swiss dominated from the start and took a deserved lead when the impressive Ruben Vargas crossed for Remo Freuler, who took a touch before hammering a low shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Vargas doubled the Swiss lead with a stunning effort at the beginning of the second half.
Read more
Mattia Zaccagni scored in the final minute of stoppage time as Italy broke Croatia’s hearts with a late equaliser that ensures the defending champions progress to the last 16 of Euro 2024. Luka Modric had thought he had won it for Croatia to send them through as runners-up in Group B when he slammed a shot into the roof of the net early in the second half. However Zaccagni struck with virtually the last kick of the game to change the complexion of the group.
Read more
Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal handed Spain a 1-0 victory over defending champions Italy as they booked their place in the last 16 at Euro 2024. The defender’s misfortune 10 minutes after the break ultimately settled the Group B contest in Gelsenkirchen, although had it not been for the heroics of keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made a string of fine saves the Spaniards would have prevailed in some comfort.
Read more
Holders Italy battled back for a hard-earned opening victory after Albania scored the fastest goal in a European Championship match. Nedim Bajrami made history after just 23 seconds when he thrashed a strike into the top right corner but Albania’s jubilation was not long-lasting with Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella firing Italy to victory.
Read more