Paper talk: Man Utd & Spurs targets shine in Serie A, Balo Italy snub
Napoli managed a crucial 3-2 away win at Genoa with a stunning brace netted by Dries Mertens. The Belgian striker has 11 goals and 6 assists in 15 games in all competitions so far this season and both Manchester United and Arsenal are being linked with welcoming his services at the end of the season when a € 28 million release clause can be activated.
The 30-year-old extended his stay at the San Paolo last summer but his low release clause makes him one of the potential bargains of next summer with both Premier League giants interested in welcoming his services.
AC Milan have also sealed a crucial 4-1 away win to Chievo with Montella who has managed to save his job. One of AC Milan’s goal came courtesy of Suso who did also provide an assist. The Spaniard was chased by Tottenham in the summer and Spurs are still interested in signing him. The former Liverpool flop has a € 50 million release clause included in his contract.
Meantime in Italy pressure is mounting for the incoming World Cup play-offs that will be played against Sweden.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Mario Balotelli won’t be included in the squad by Giampiero Ventura despite his eight goals in 11 appearances in all competitions.
The Italian striker talked to Nice Matin claiming that he’d still support his teammates:
“Even if I haven’t received a call-up I will forever support Italy”, Balotelli said. “I’ve done the right choice when I decided to come to Nice. I want to focus on the pitch, I’ve met Ventura recently and I hope Italy will qualify for the World Cup...”
AND THE REST
20.000 tickets have already been sold for Italy-Sweden (various)
Gigi Delneri has saved his job at Udinese thanks to a 1-0 away win to Sassuolo (Corriere dello Sport)
Icardi says it is not difficult to be the captain of Inter (Rivista Undici)