Rugby’s leading nations have united to announce a blanket ban on playing international matches for recruits to the proposed breakaway R360 league. England, New Zealand, Ireland and France are among those who currently either favour or exclusively pick players from their domestic competitions. That meant signing up to the globe-trotting R360 itinerary was always set to put their players’ Test careers on hold.
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The iconic San Siro stadium home to both AC and Inter Milan could be demolished after the City council approved the sale of the stadium. Both clubs have expressed a desire to demolish one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums to allow for the construction of a new stadium on the site on the edge of the city.
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Italy have appointed former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their manager. The AC Milan legend replaces Luciano Spalletti, who announced his own sacking at a news conference last week. Gattuso, 47, made 73 appearances for Italy and was a member of their 2006 World Cup-winning squad, and will now lead his country into the same tournament 20 years later.
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Champions League runners-up Inter Milan have appointed Parma boss Cristian Chivu as manager. The 44-year-old, a former defender and youth team coach at Inter, leaves Parma after only 13 games in charge and replaces Simone Inzaghi. The former Romania international was appointed by Parma in February – his first senior coaching role – winning three games as he steered Parma to Serie A safety.
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AS Roma have appointed former Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini as their new manager on a three-year contract. Gasperini, who guided Atalanta to third in Italy’s Serie A and qualification for the Champions League this season, replaces Claudio Ranieri. The Italian spent nine successful years in Bergamo but opted for a “new challenge” taking up the reins at the Stadio Olimpico.
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