Buoyant Inter gunning for leaders Napoli and Serie A summit

Buoyant Inter gunning for leaders Napoli and Serie A summit
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi before their Champions League match at San Siro, Milan, Italy on Nov. 6, 2024. (Reuters)
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Updated 07 November 2024
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Buoyant Inter gunning for leaders Napoli and Serie A summit

Buoyant Inter gunning for leaders Napoli and Serie A summit
  • Wednesday’s win came despite Inzaghi dropping five first-choice players with Napoli
  • The defense of the Serie A title his clear priority in the early months of the season

MILAN: Inter Milan have top spot in Serie A in their sights as they host league leaders Napoli this weekend boosted by a gritty win over Arsenal in the Champions League.

Reigning champions Inter are a point behind Napoli and in buoyant mood ahead of Sunday’s clash at the San Siro after showing huge spirit to beat Arsenal 1-0 and continue their unbeaten start in Europe.

Simone Inzaghi’s team are yet to concede a goal in the Champions League and after four matches are two points behind leaders Liverpool in the new single league phase.

Wednesday’s win came despite Inzaghi dropping five first-choice players with Napoli and the defense of the Serie A title his clear priority in the early months of the season.

And Inter had to hold off wave after wave of Arsenal attacks in the second half after Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty in stoppage time of the opening period, claiming the win with the sort dogged defending which has been lacking in Serie A where they have conceded 13 times in 11 matches.

“It was a win earned through sacrifice, the only thing that mattered tonight was the result. I needed minutes, now I’m ready for Napoli,” said Calhanoglu who was excellent in his first start since recovering from a thigh injury and will guide Inter’s midfield on Sunday.

Inter will be at full strength after Nicolo Barella, Federico Dimarco, Marcus Thuram, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Francesco Acerbi all started the Arsenal win on the bench.

That is a daunting prospect for Napoli who have however had a week to prepare for Sunday’s clash and won at the San Siro against AC Milan as recently as last week.

Napoli have impressed by leading the league following last season’s disastrous defense of their first Scudetto since the days of Diego Maradona.

But Napoli were thumped 3-0 at home by dark horses Atalanta last weekend and questions remain over whether Antonio Conte’s side are ready to reclaim the title.

Conte, a practicing Catholic, said ahead of his team’s humbling at the hands of third-placed Atalanta that “football miracles can happen but only one person can make them happen.”

“All we can do is work hard and try to create something beautiful which in football terms translates into more points,” said Conte.

Mario Balotelli is set for more minutes with his new club Genoa who face Como at the unusual time of Thursday night, a rearrangement forced by an important rally race being held in the port city over the weekend.

Former Italy striker Balotelli made his Genoa debut off the bench late in last weekend’s 1-0 win at Parma which lifted Alberto Gilardino’s team out of the relegation zone, but his only contribution was getting booked.

In-form Fiorentina and Lazio, who are level on 22 points with Atalanta, face Verona and Monza respectively and have a chance to move level with Napoli before Sunday’s big match at the San Siro.

Juventus, who sit a point behind that trio in sixth, host local rivals Torino after drawing 1-1 at Lille on Tuesday.

Fresh from another stellar performance in Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Stuttgart, Lookman is in the form of his life as Atalanta host Udinese in Sunday’s lunchtime fixture with talk of a title challenge looking increasingly realistic.

Nigeria forward Lookman, the hat-trick hero of last season’s Europa League triumph, has scored eight goals and set up five more in 12 appearances this term.

His stunning performances, which have helped push Atalanta to within three points of Napoli, come after being dropped at the start of the season after pushing for a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

But the way he and attack partners Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere have been playing suggests that Lookman could just as likely scale new heights staying exactly where he is.

Thursday

Genoa v Como (1945)

Friday

Lecce v Empoli (1945)

Saturday

Venezia v Parma (1400), Cagliari v AC Milan (1700), Juventus v Torino (1945)

Sunday

Atalanta v Udinese (1130), Roma v Bologna, Fiorentina v Verona (1400), Monza v Lazio (1700), Inter Milan v Napoli (1945)


Vollering to keep racing at Tour de France after crash

Vollering to keep racing at Tour de France after crash
Updated 2 min 13 sec ago
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Vollering to keep racing at Tour de France after crash

Vollering to keep racing at Tour de France after crash
Vollering underwent medical tests that have excluded a risk of a concussion
She fell less than four kilometers from the finish line in Angers

SAUMUR, France: Former champion Demi Vollering will continue racing at the women’s Tour de France despite a heavy crash that left her bruised.

Her FDJ-Suez team said on Tuesday that Vollering underwent medical tests that have excluded a risk of a concussion after she hit the ground during Monday’s Stage 3.

Her team said Vollering, who lagged 19 seconds behind race leader Marianne Vos in the general classification, is “determined to take the start” of Tuesday’s stage from Saumur to Poitiers.

Vollering fell less than four kilometers from the finish line in Angers in a crash that involved several riders. Examinations carried out by the team doctor revealed that she had suffered multiple contusions but she did not go to hospital “given the non-urgent nature of her condition,” FDJ-Suez said.

Vollering is one of the most decorated cyclists of her generation. She won the Tour de France in 2023.

The nine-stage race ends Aug. 3.

Portugal’s Felix joins Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Portugal’s Felix joins Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
Updated 40 min 52 sec ago
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Portugal’s Felix joins Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Portugal’s Felix joins Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
  • Joao Felix: ‘I’m here to spread joy. Let’s win together’
  • Felix remains one of the most expensive transfers in history, following his move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid for 127.7m euros in 2019

RIYADH: Portuguese forward Joao Felix has signed a two-year deal with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, where he will join Cristiano Ronaldo, the club announced Tuesday.

Felix, now 25, made a blockbuster move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in 2019.

“I’m here to spread joy. Let’s win together,” said Felix in a video posted on the club’s X account. A separate post said he had signed until 2027.

Felix remains one of the most expensive transfers in history, following his move to Atletico for 127.7 million euros ($147.3 million) in 2019.

He has since had stints at Barcelona, AC Milan and Chelsea.


Al-Ain to host first Abu Dhabi Grappling Championship

Al-Ain to host first Abu Dhabi Grappling Championship
Updated 29 July 2025
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Al-Ain to host first Abu Dhabi Grappling Championship

Al-Ain to host first Abu Dhabi Grappling Championship
  • Hundreds of athletes from over 20 countries to compete at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain from Aug. 1-3

AL-AIN: The inaugural Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 will take place from Aug. 1 to 3 at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain, it was announced recently by International Vision Sports Management.

This initiative is being held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and under the banner of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro.

The championship will feature hundreds of male and female athletes from over 20 countries, including youth, amateurs, masters and professionals.

Saeed Al-Dhaheri, destination management director at the department, said: “As Abu Dhabi grows in prominence as a hub for major global sporting events, combat sports have emerged as an increasingly important pillar of our sport and entertainment vision for the emirate.”

The event will join other top shows in the UAE including Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC Fight Nights, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, Al-Dhaheri added.

“We look forward to new audiences in Al-Ain Region and across Abu Dhabi being introduced to this exciting and increasingly popular sport.”

Tareq Al-Bahri, general manager of International Vision Sports Management, said: “This event underscores the UAE’s leadership in hosting elite combat sports, offering a platform for athletes worldwide to excel.

“With the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, we aim to deliver unparalleled competition and establish a lasting legacy for grappling in the region.”

As part of the AJP Tour, competitors of all nationalities can participate across age divisions, from under 14 to over 35 in the amateur and professional categories. Winners will earn 2,000 ranking points and substantial cash prizes.

The event’s opening day will focus on professional bouts up to the semifinals, followed by youth and amateur competitions on the second day. The championship will conclude with third-place playoffs and finals.


West Indies suffer Test, T20 humiliation against Australia ahead of Pakistan series

West Indies suffer Test, T20 humiliation against Australia ahead of Pakistan series
Updated 29 July 2025
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West Indies suffer Test, T20 humiliation against Australia ahead of Pakistan series

West Indies suffer Test, T20 humiliation against Australia ahead of Pakistan series
  • Australia beat West Indies 5-0 in T20I, 3-0 in Test series sweep in recently concluded tour 
  • West Indies take on Pakistan in another home series involving three T20s, three ODIs

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts: Australia completed a sweep of the Twenty20 international cricket series with a three-wicket victory over West Indies on Monday to finish its Caribbean tour with an 8-0 record.

Australia went into the last game on a 7-match winning streak following the 3-0 test series sweep and victories in the first four of the T20 internationals. It was Australia’s first sweep of a five-game T20 series and only the second at the most elite level after India’s in New Zealand in 2019-20.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect 5-0,” Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said. The sweep “was something we spoke about after the fourth game. We knew no Australian team had done it.

“It’ll be something we’re very proud of. Across the board over the five games, we played some really good cricket.”

After winning the toss for the eighth straight time, Australia sent the home team in to bat and dismissed West Indies for 170 two balls short of the allotted 20 overs.

Shimron Hitmyer’s 52 from 31 balls and Sherfane Rutherford’s 35 off 17 propped up the innings but the target wasn’t big enough to put genuine pressure on the Australian batters.

Ben Dharshuis took 3-41 and Nathan Ellis finished with 2-32, while spinner Adam Zampa returned 1-20 in his 100th T20 international after taking a wicket and having a chance dropped off his bowling in the penultimate over.

The Australians reached 173-7 with 18 balls to spare, with a 63-run fifth-wicket partnership between Mitchell Owen (37 off 17 deliveries) and Cameron Green (32 off 18) stabilizing the innings. Aaron Hardie finished not out on 28.

West Indies had Australia in trouble in the opening powerplay with Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph taking two wickets apiece, but the runs kept flowing.

Holder dismissed Glenn Maxwell for a golden duck, the first ball of the second over, when the Australian allrounder swung at a ball that shaped away and edged to short third-man where Jediah Blades juggled the catch but held the second grab.

Holder also removed Josh Inglis (10) at the end of the second over.

Joseph bowled Marsh (14) as Australia slipped to 29-3 after 2.2 overs and, after on onslaught of sixes, he had Tim David (30 from 12 balls) caught in the deep as Australia slipped to 60-4 in the fifth over.

From there, Owen and Green dominated with a succession of sixes, including one by Owen that landed on the roof on a pavilion.

Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein was finally introduced to the attack to change the pace, and had an immediate impact with his second delivery to dismiss Owen and break up the important partnership.

Hosein also dismissed Green and Ben Dwarshuis to return 3-17.

Australia had a three-wicket win to open the T20 series before Josh Inglis and Cameron Green spearheaded an eight-wicket victory that spoiled Andre Russell’s last game for West Indies in the second game at Kingston, Jamaica.

The tourists then clinched the series on the back of a 37-ball century by Tim David in St. Kitts on Friday before Inglis and Green again combined to help them win the fourth game.

“A lot of guys had great series,” Green, who batted at No. 4 and was voted player of the series, said. “We’ve got about half a team who’re allrounders. That’s the beauty of what we’re trying to build here. A lot of depth.”

The sweep, he said, was a “massive” boost ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.

“You always want to win every game you can. T20 can be a bit of a lottery at times, so to build a bit of consistency is important,” he said. “Good signs.”

The Australians will host South Africa in a T20 series next month, and West Indies takes on Pakistan in another home series involving three T20s and three one-day internationals.


The vision architect: Princess Nouf Al-Saud’s blueprint for Saudi sport

The vision architect: Princess Nouf Al-Saud’s blueprint for Saudi sport
Updated 29 July 2025
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The vision architect: Princess Nouf Al-Saud’s blueprint for Saudi sport

The vision architect: Princess Nouf Al-Saud’s blueprint for Saudi sport

When Princess Nouf Al-Saud started her role as general manager of marketing at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport in 2018, she confronted a world unfamiliar with the Kingdom’s pulse.

“When I first began this journey,” she said, “I realized that many people around the world had never truly experienced our culture, our energy or our vision.”

Six years and more than 135 global events later — from the electrifying debut of Formula 1 to the pioneering E1 Electric Boat Race — Al-Saud now orchestrates a marketing portfolio that has drawn more than 3 million attendees and broadcast Saudi Arabia’s evolution to more than 160 countries.

Her greatest triumph? Rewriting the narrative. Al-Saud told Arab News: “We’ve evolved from being seen simply as a destination that hosts events, to being recognized as a forward‑thinking leader in sports.”

Where skepticism once lingered, Al-Saud now projects certainty: “Today, the most important message is that Saudi Arabia is not only open to the world, but actively shaping the global sports narrative.”

This conviction permeates every campaign — whether amplifying community participation at Extreme E or embedding cultural storytelling into the WTA Finals.

The most profound transformations, however, unfold in Saudi stands. “A decade ago, it was rare to see parents, daughters and sons attending events side by side,” Al-Saud said.

Now, stadiums brim with multi-generational energy. Al-Saud said: “Girls are proudly wearing team jerseys, parents are cheering with their children and young fans are recognizing themselves in the athletes they watch.”

She calls this phenomenon “a ripple effect where sport becomes a shared cultural language” — a testament to Vision 2030’s societal impact.

Challenging global perceptions remains intrinsic to her work. “We viewed every global event as a fresh opportunity to open a new window,” she said, countering stereotypes with experiential proof — be it through world-class venues or volunteers’ warmth.

Her creative arsenal relies on authentic storytelling: “We flip the script by designing campaigns that don’t just market a match or a race, they tell stories.”

These narratives, showcasing international fans’ pilgrimages or homegrown talent, serve a higher purpose: “Our role goes far beyond ticket sales; it is about inspiring the next generation of athletes.”

As chair of the Women’s Sports Committee, Al-Saud wields platforms like the WTA Finals as catalysts. “It’s never been enough to simply host a women’s tournament,” she added.

Her strategy is inclusion at every level: “We use these platforms to show that Saudi women are athletes, leaders, strategists and innovators.”

From mentorship programs to leadership panels, the objective is unequivocal: “Redefining roles not just on the court, but in boardrooms, production teams and strategy tables.”

Amid the scale of progress, human moments anchor her. She vividly recounts the Italian Super Cup: “Watching them, dressed in their club colors, walking through our fan zones with their children, laughing, taking photos, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride.”

In that instant, the mission crystallized: “It wasn’t just about the game. It was about Saudi Arabia becoming a magnet for people who love sport, wherever they come from.” For Al-Saud, those smiles are more than rewards — they are proof that sport can build bridges no statistic can measure.