Greetings! This week is packed with cup action in Europe, while in the United States, the women`s national team is preparing for another important international break as Emma Hayes continues her experimental phase. I`m Pardeep Cattry, bringing you the latest updates.
Coppa Italia Semifinals Set to Thrill
The Coppa Italia semifinals kick off this week with Italy`s top teams and unexpected contenders vying for a major trophy.
Empoli starts the week at home against Bologna, a surprising semifinal matchup. Bologna, enjoying a strong season under Vincenzo Italiano, are Serie A`s fourth-place team and a high-scoring side. Despite Empoli`s relegation battle and leaky defense, they reached the semifinals by defeating Juventus. Bologna enters as favorites but Empoli has shown cup competition prowess.
The highlight of the week is the Milan Derby on Wednesday between Inter and AC Milan. Inter, leading Serie A and in the Champions League quarterfinals, are in excellent form. They aim to avenge their Supercoppa Italiana loss to Milan in January. AC Milan, currently ninth in Serie A after a loss to Napoli, are struggling for consistency. Nigel Reo-Coker criticized Milan as lacking team cohesion, relying on individual moments rather than collective performance.
- Reo-Coker: `Milan are still not a team, but a collection of individuals. They lack consistent team performance and rely too much on individual moments. New signings haven`t addressed the core issues.`
While Inter may be favored, Milan seeks a meaningful trophy to salvage their season after underperforming in Serie A and the Champions League. The question remains whether Milan can find their form in this crucial derby.
USWNT Prioritizes Youth for Brazil Friendlies
The US Women`s National Team is gathering in Los Angeles to prepare for friendlies against Brazil. These matches are critical for evaluating a young and less experienced group of players.
Coach Emma Hayes has selected a roster featuring 17 players with limited international experience, aiming to broaden the player pool for the 2027 World Cup. Hayes is using this period for experimentation, aligning the U-23 USWNT camp with the senior team to develop future talent. Players like Gisele Thompson and Eva Gaetino are included in the U-23 group. Hayes mentioned in a CBS Sports interview her plan to thoroughly assess the player pool.
- Hayes: `By the end of June, I aim to identify a strong core group for the World Cup, while acknowledging the need for consistent team chemistry. For now, we are evaluating individual players, and the U-23 pool provides a less pressured environment for development. Performances there, combined with club form, will indicate which players are ready for the senior team.`
Brazil, also in a developmental phase, presents a strong test for the USWNT. Brazilian coach Arthur Elias has also named a squad with many less experienced players as they prepare to host the World Cup in two years. However, some veterans from the Olympic gold medal match against the USWNT are included in both squads.
Other Key Football Updates
- Club World Cup Spot: FIFA considers a playoff between LAFC and Club America to replace Club Leon in the Club World Cup.
- Brazil Manager Change: Brazil dismissed Dorival Junior, raising speculation about Carlo Ancelotti and future international managers.
- FA Cup Semifinals: Manchester City will face Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace will play Aston Villa in the FA Cup semifinals.
- Juventus Victory: Kenan Yildiz scored in Juventus`s win, marking a positive start for coach Igor Tudor.
- La Liga Race: Barcelona leads Real Madrid by three points in La Liga after weekend wins.
- Arsenal Sporting Director: Arsenal hired Andrea Berta as sporting director, replacing Edu.
- Messi Scores Again: Lionel Messi scored his fifth goal of the season for Inter Miami after coming off the bench.
Dominic Ashworth