🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Roma eyes Champions League return as Juventus and AC Milan falter
via The Namibian3 min read
Roma is closing in on a return to the Champions League, with their hopes reignited after a strong run of form. Following a significant loss to Inter Milan a month ago, Roma has secured 10 points from their last four matches, placing them just one point behind fourth-placed Juventus and three points behind third-placed AC Milan. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini emphasized the need for continued focus, stating that the team cannot afford mistakes in their remaining three matches. Gasperini's position has been solidified after a public disagreement with Claudio Ranieri, who was subsequently dismissed from his role as senior advisor to Roma's American owners, the Friedkin family. Roma has not participated in Europe's top club competition since being eliminated in the last 16 seven years ago. AC Milan's recent struggles, including only seven points from their last two months and the absence of midfielder Luka Modric due to injury, have further boosted Roma's prospects. Roma's upcoming fixtures include matches against Parma and Verona, with a crucial Rome derby against Lazio sandwiched in between. Donyell Malen, on loan from Aston Villa, has been a key player for Roma, scoring 12 goals since January.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadA letter from president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo cites the State House naked man incident as the reason for his removal. Nandi-Ndaitwah announced on Tuesday night that she had replaced Shikongo with deputy inspector general for administration, major general Anne-Marie Nainda. The announcement came days after a naked man was found inside the presidential residence. A senior government official familiar with the letter confirmed that the security breach was specifically named as the grounds for removal. The letter was dispatched late on Tuesday after meetings of the country’s top security and political decision-makers. Another reason cited for Shikongo's removal is his alleged refusal to fire ex-presidential security chief commissioner Andreas Nelumbu and head of the VIP Protection Unit at State House Michael Abraham, with Shikongo reportedly insisting that labor laws did not allow arbitrary action without cause. Namrights executive director Phil ya Nangoloh suggests Shikongo is a sacrificial lamb, arguing that no one can enter State House without security clearance and passing through multiple security layers. However, Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani stated that the president has the constitutional authority to appoint and dismiss senior officials at her discretion and is not required to explain her decision. Affirmative Repositing leader Job Amupanda suggests the decision is not valid, claiming the security
Jannik Sinner has urged Grand Slam tournaments to show tennis players more respect regarding prize money, though he stopped short of advocating a boycott. Last year, most top players sent letters to the four Grand Slam organizers, demanding increased prize money, contributions to a player welfare fund for retirement and maternity benefits, and involvement in decision-making. They aimed for a 22-percent share of tournament revenue, aligning with ATP and WTA 1000-level events. Sinner stated at the Italian Open that players are no closer to an agreement with Wimbledon, French, US, and Australian Open organizers. He emphasized that the issue is about respect, feeling players contribute more than they receive, and expressed disappointment that no resolution has been reached after a year. His comments follow women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka's readiness to boycott Grand Slams to pressure organizers. Players also criticized the French Open's 9.5-percent prize money increase, noting a 14-percent revenue rise only led to a 5.4-percent increase in the total prize purse, reducing the players' share to 14.3 percent. Sinner indicated he understands discussions about boycotts, acknowledging it might be a necessary step given the prolonged lack of progress.
Jonas Vingegaard is set to make his Giro d’Italia debut on Friday, aiming to win both the Italian Grand Tour and the Tour de France in the same year, a feat previously achieved by his rival Tadej Pogacar. Vingegaard, a two-time Tour winner, is considered the favorite for the Giro, with Pogacar not participating this year. The 29-year-old, riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, has had a strong season, winning stage races in Paris-Nice and the Tour of Catalonia. His climbing abilities are well-suited for the challenging three-week route. Vingegaard also seeks to become the eighth man to complete the triple crown of the Giro, Tour, and Vuelta a Espana, a goal he stated would "make a little bit of history." The field for the Giro is strong, though it will be missing last year's podium finishers and other notable riders like Richard Carapaz and Joao Alemeida. The race will feature seven summit finishes and a crucial individual time trial in stage 10. Giulio Pellizzari, the Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe leader, is expected to provide strong competition on home turf, offering Italian fans hope for a local winner. Pellizzari, who finished sixth in the Giro and Vuelta last season, has shown promising form this year, including a stage race win at the Tour of the Alps.
Real Madrid is approaching its Clasico match against Barcelona in a state of high tension and disarray, with a loss potentially handing Barcelona the La Liga title. Alvaro Arbeloa's side trails the reigning champions by 11 points with four matches remaining, facing a second consecutive season without a major trophy. The club environment is reportedly toxic, with fans protesting against star player Kylian Mbappe for perceived lack of commitment, and two training ground bust-ups reported. President Florentino Perez is considering bringing back former coach Jose Mourinho, as current incumbent Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, is at odds with several players. Midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde reportedly had a confrontation in training, and a previous incident between defenders Antonio Rudiger and Alvaro Carreras was also reported. Mbappe is a doubt for the Clasico due to a hamstring injury, and has faced criticism for a holiday taken during his recovery. Coach Arbeloa has also indicated a desire for more dedication from players. The potential return of Mourinho is seen by some as a way to restore order, while others believe it could lead to further chaos.