Gianluca Vialli will temporarily step away from his role as delegation chief for the Italian national team to focus on his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Vialli announced he had undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy in November 2018, having been diagnosed with the disease one year earlier.

The former Chelsea and Juventus forward was initially given the all-clear in April 2020, but announced he was fighting the disease again in December 2021.

Vialli was a visible presence alongside Roberto Mancini in the dugout as Italy won Euro 2020 last year, but the 58-year-old is now putting a temporary halt to his duties with the Azzurri.

"At the end of a long and difficult 'negotiation' with my wonderful team of oncologists, I have decided to suspend, hopefully temporarily, my present and future professional commitments," Vialli said in a statement released by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

"The goal is to use all my psycho-physical energies to help my body overcome this phase of the disease, in order to be able to face new adventures as soon as possible and share them with all of you."

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said: "Gianluca is an absolute protagonist of the Italian national team and will be in the future as well. 

"Thanks to his extraordinary fortitude, to the Azzurro and to the affection of the whole federal family, I am convinced he will be back soon. 

"He can count on each of us, because we are a team, on and off the pitch."

Italy, who missed out on a place at Qatar 2022, return to action in March with their opening Euro 2024 qualifiers against England and Malta.

A World Cup security guard has died following a serious fall at Lusail Stadium during last Friday's quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands.

John Njau Kibue received emergency treatment inside the ground and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he passed away in intensive care on Tuesday.

The Qatar Supreme Committee confirmed Kibue's passing in a statement on Wednesday and announced an investigation will be held into the circumstances leading to his death.

"We send our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends during this difficult time," the statement read.

"Organisers are investigating the circumstances leading to the fall as a matter of urgency and will provide further information pending the outcome of the investigation. 

"We will also ensure that his family receive all outstanding dues and monies owed."

Kibue is the second known migrant worker to have died since the tournament began, following the death of a Filipino man in the group stage at a resort used by Saudi Arabia.

Speaking last week, Qatar 2022 chief executive Nasser Al Khater said "death is a natural part of life" when he was questioned over the passing of the migrant worker.

The Lusail Stadium is to host Sunday's final between Argentina and either France or Morocco, who face off in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

The prospect of England appointing a foreign manager if Gareth Southgate leaves the role is "unacceptable", according to his predecessor Sam Allardyce. 

Southgate's future as England manager is uncertain following the Three Lions' 2-1 World Cup quarter-final loss against France.

He remains under contact until the end of Euro 2024 but has indicated he will make a decision on his future after Christmas.

The likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel have been touted as potential replacements if Southgate does depart, but Allardyce is against the appointment of a non-British coach.

"It can't happen, not again. There are enough qualified British managers in this country to pick the right man," Allardyce, who led England for one game in 2016, told Sky Sports.

"I just don't see it. I think it would be a massive knock-back for our country, and a massive knock-back for young managers trying to make their way.

"It's hard enough to get in the Premier League as a British manager, but to think that it's taken away from you to become the national team's coach… I think it's unacceptable, personally."

Fellow former England boss Fabio Capello said Southgate should stay on if he has the full support of the squad on Tuesday, and while Allardyce concurs, he would understand if Southgate opted to step down.

"How long do you want to put up with that scrutiny and that pressure? Lots of managers will leave their positions at the end of the World Cup," Allardyce said.

"While it's an experience and a job you could never turn down, not in my opinion anyway, there's a time when you have gone through the mill enough.

"I think this squad is good enough for him to think: 'I need to carry on because I think we could win the Euros'.

"But there is the other side of it to consider: 'how much more pressure do I want to continue to cope with, and is it time for me to bow out?'"

England's hopes of reaching the final four were dashed when Harry Kane blazed an 84th-minute penalty over the crossbar, having converted from the spot earlier in the second half.

Allardyce does not believe the presence of Kane's Tottenham team-mate Hugo Lloris in the France goal impacted his miss, putting it down to the pressure of the moment. 

"I don't get any of that rubbish about Lloris sussing him out because they play for the same club. It was the pure pressure of the event," he added.

"He strikes a penalty so well normally, and if he struck it as well as he did the first one, Lloris would have had no chance.

"I always said from the start that we had the strongest squad in this World Cup, and I still believe that. The biggest regret is that this competition only arrives once every four years."

Paulo Bento has thanked South Korea's players for providing him with "one of the most beautiful experiences" of his life in their run to the knockout stage of Qatar 2022.

South Korea pulled off a late 2-1 win over Portugal in their final group game to reach the last 16, where they were heavily beaten 4-1 by Brazil.

Bento, appointed in 2018 as Shin Tae-yong's successor, announced immediately after that match he would not be renewing his contract with South Korea.

The Portuguese coach said a final farewell to supporters on Tuesday before flying back to his homeland.

"I am thankful to all the players, due to their professionalism, work ethic and their behaviour," Bento said.

"They gave me the opportunity to have one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, which I will never forget.

"Personally I have no words to thank you all for the respect, affection and support you showed during this amazing experience."

South Korea also drew 0-0 with Uruguay and lost 3-2 to Ghana in Group H, with their win over Portugal enough to see them through on goals scored.

It was the first time since 2010 that the Asian nation had made it past the first hurdle, though they were outclassed by Brazil in a one-sided last-16 tie.

The Taegeuk Warriors intend to name Bento's successor by February ahead of the next international break the following month.

Radja Nainggolan has accused former Roma sporting director Monchi of ruining the club, laying the blame for their struggles at his feet.

The Spaniard, who is now back with former club Sevilla, arrived at Stadio Olimpico in 2017, amid a period where the club were frequent rivals to Juventus in the Serie A title race.

Although they finished third in his first season, an exodus of key players – including Nainggolan, and now-Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Alisson – saw them finish sixth in 2018-19.

The club have struggled to recover their top-four status since, even after Monchi's own exit in 2019, and Nainggolan has suggested it was the Spaniard's calls that sunk their once-promising credentials.

"He ruined the team," he told Tradizione Romanista. "He sold all the players. I can't even name him. If I'd known he was leaving soon after I went, I would have stayed.

"We had very strong players, and then we sold them. If you want to win, you have to keep strong players. If you always change, you will never have a solid base to work off."

At 34, Nainggolan shows no sign of slowing down, but the midfielder says a return to Roma will not be on the cards if he looks to depart Antwerp.

"If I went back to Roma now, I would run the risk of ruining all of the wonderful memories I have there," he added.

"Roma was the place, in terms of football, where I felt loved and respected. I'm too old to go back now. I live for football in my own way."

Lionel Messi deserves to lift the World Cup and will lead Argentina to glory in Sunday's final, according to Brazil's 2002 champion Rivaldo.

Messi produced another remarkable performance as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 in Tuesday's semi-final, opening the scoring from the penalty spot before laying on a goal for Julian Alvarez after a fine solo run.

On the day he equalled Lothar Matthaus' all-time record of 25 World Cup appearances, Messi became the first player to score and assist in four games at the competition.

Messi's 11th World Cup goal also made him the Albiceleste's record goalscorer at the tournament, and with Brazil having fallen at the quarter-final stage, Rivaldo hopes Messi captures the trophy.

"We no longer have Brazil or Neymar in this cup final, so I'll stay with Argentina. No words for you Leo Messi," Rivaldo wrote on Instagram.

"You already deserved to be world champion before, but God knows all things and will crown you this Sunday. 

"You deserve this title for the person you are and for the wonderful football you always played. Hats off to you. God bless you."

Messi's penalty on Tuesday also made him the first Argentina player to score in five games at a single World Cup, with Poland the only side to prevent him from netting in Qatar. 

Taking to Instagram after the win, Messi wrote: "We came back to gain strength to play another great match. 

"Thank you very much to everyone who trusted this group! Come on Argentina!"

Lionel Messi will be fit and raring to go for Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final, team-mate Emiliano Martinez has said.

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Messi was in sensational form as La Albiceleste defeated Croatia 3-0 in Tuesday's semi-final in Qatar, scoring the opener from the penalty spot and assisting Julian Alvarez's second after a dizzying run.

There were some concerns for Argentina supporters when Messi clutched at his hamstring during the early stages of the contest.

But goalkeeper Martinez is confident it was just the toll of accumulated minutes, with Argentina having required extra time and penalties to defeat the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

"No, no [he's not injured]," Martinez said.

"We played 120 minutes against Holland, it was a hard game for him, but you can see he wants to finish every game. Physically he's really good and he's man of the match every game."

Argentina's run to the final was fraught with difficulty after they were stunningly beaten by Saudi Arabia in their opening group game.

Indeed, it needed some genius from Messi to inspire a 2-0 win over Mexico in their following match, a result that sparked Lionel Scaloni's men into life in Qatar.

Martinez is of the opinion everyone outside of Argentina wanted to see them fail in that fixture.

"I can't believe it we lost the first game all of sudden everything was upside down we lost the 36-game unbeaten run," the Aston Villa keeper added.

"Mexico the first half was a bit sloppy everyone wanted us to lose, everyone wanted us to lose. We're all fighters and we've got 45million Argentinians all behind us.

"We feel the crowd on the streets every time we play we feel like we are at home we are so happy to have them."

Argentina will face the victor of the semi-final, which pits defending champions France against surprise package Morocco.

Martinez has no preference over who they face in the showpiece fixture.

"They both had an incredible run they both different teams both really whoever comes it's a World Cup final and know it's going to be hard," he said.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi confirmed that Sunday's final against Morocco or France will be his last World Cup appearance as he seeks to bow out in style.

The 35-year-old played a leading role in Argentina's 3-0 semi-final win over Croatia with a goal and an assist.

Messi, a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, had previously indicated this would be his last World Cup finals, which he reinforced after Tuesday's triumph.

"I am proud to be able to finish my World Cup journey playing this final," Messi told reporters. "What I'm experiencing is exciting. Sunday will be my last game in a World Cup.

"It will be many years before the next one [2026] and I don't think I'll be able to make it, so I hope I can finish in the best way."

Messi's goal against Croatia meant he became his country's all-time leading scorer at World Cups, with his 11th strike seeing him move past Gabriel Batistuta.

The goal was also Messi's 16th for Argentina in 2022, the most international strikes of any calendar year across his entire career.

"I'm enjoying it all very much," Messi said about the 2022 World Cup. "I feel good. I feel strong to face every game. We have been making a big sacrifice.

"The last game we played was with extra time. That was not easy at all. We were tired, but the group got strength. We played a very important game. We knew it was going to be the match it was.

"I'm very happy. Throughout this World Cup I've been having a lot of fun and, luckily, I was able to help the group to get things done."

Messi will be gunning for the ultimate crowning glory with his maiden World Cup title on Sunday, having played in 2014 when La Albiceleste were runners-up.

Argentina are into their sixth World Cup final, with only Germany (eight) having reached more in the competition.

Everton and Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha as the Spanish side look to cash in on their young talent.

The 23-year-old arrived at the club in August last year and, despite making 29 LaLiga appearances, he was only awarded eight starts, scoring six goals and contributing six assists for the campaign.

This season has been more of the same for the Brazilian international, being subbed on in 15 games across all club competitions, while making just two starts. He is yet to score this season.

Sitting fifth in LaLiga with only seven wins from 14 fixtures, Atletico were also eliminated from all European competition by finishing bottom of their Champions League group – and they have decided it is time for some changes.

TOP STORY - BRAZIL'S CUNHA BEING PURSUED BY PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS

According to Fichajes, Wolves and Everton are the two main clubs showing a desire to bring in Cunha, who has eight international caps for Brazil, but was left out of their World Cup squad.

The report states the club needs to part ways with some prominent players for financial reasons, and while Thomas Lemar and Rodrigo De Paul have plenty of suitors, Atletico are more likely to ship off Cunha and fellow Brazilian Felipe.

Wolves are said to be investigating a potential deal to bring in both Cunha and 33-year-old centre-back Felipe, while Everton are focused on Cunha by himself, with no mention of an asking price.

ROUND-UP

– 90min is reporting Newcastle United and Liverpool are among a host of teams interested in a loan deal for Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic, but the Stamford Bridge club would prefer to send him overseas to avoid strengthening their competition.

– According to Marca, Real Madrid have decided to make a run at Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham in January after his impressive World Cup campaign.

– Sport claims Real Madrid are no longer planning a move for Manchester City's Erling Haaland after securing 16-year-old Brazilian prodigy Endrick from Palmeiras.

– Fulham are the favourites to land Roma right-back Rick Karsdorp, with Lille and Juventus falling behind due to their hesitance for a permanent deal, per Calciomercato.

– Fabrizio Romano is reporting Chelsea will aggressively pursue a striker in January after the ACL injury to Armando Broja.

Antoine Griezmann has been "a mix of Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini" in France's run to the World Cup semi-finals, according to Christophe Dugarry.

While the tournament's joint-top scorer Kylian Mbappe has grabbed most of the headlines, the likes of Olivier Giroud and Griezmann have also starred for France.

Griezmann has played in a roaming role for Les Blues in Qatar and has three assists to his name, a tally that only Bruno Fernandes, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi can match.

He is behind only Argentina's Messi in terms of chances created (17 compared to 18), having played a game less, and is joint-second for possession won in the final third.

The Atletico Madrid forward was named the third-best player of the 2018 World Cup when France lifted the trophy, and Dugarry believes he has played just as big a part this time.

"Griezmann, I find him simply exceptional since the start of the competition," Dugarry, who was part of France's 1998 World Cup-winning side, told RMC.

"I even find him, at times, 'Zidane-esque'. He always has the right tone, the right pass. I sincerely think that the France team would not be the same without him.

"We often lack rhythm in our game; there's not a lot of intensity. But, as soon as Antoine touches the ball, he puts rhythm on a pass, on a vision. He has a mix of Zizou and Platini. 

"Platini, he enlightened the game, he had a vision. He saw the game before the others. Griezmann, I find him breathtaking. I find him calm, I find him serene, I find him mature."

Griezmann drifted to the left to play in a delightful cross for Giroud's headed winner in the 2-1 quarter-final victory against England, having earlier assisted Aurelien Tchouameni.

The 31-year-old has been involved in eight goals in his last eight World Cup starts (three goals, five assists), with seven of those involvements coming in the knockout stages.

"The strength of Deschamps is to have put him in this position," Dugarry said of Griezmann's unorthodox positioning. 

"I think [Atletico boss] Diego Simeone will have to do it too. Griezmann must play as a midfielder. In addition, he runs, he gallops, he fills the gaps, he feels the opponents' play. 

"It's a bit like a tennis player: the guy always returns the ball to you because he knows where you're going to send the ball."

Didier Deschamps' side will now face Morocco on Wednesday for the right to play Argentina, who defeated Croatia 3-0 in the other semi-final.

France are playing in their seventh World Cup semi-final and have won each of their past three at this stage, whereas Morocco are the first African side to make it this far.

Luis Suarez has hailed "best in the world" Lionel Messi after his former Barcelona teammate helped Argentina qualify for the 2022 World Cup final.

Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 34th minute and set up Julian Alvarez's second goal in the 69th minute to round out an impressive 3-0 victory over Croatia on Tuesday.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner now has a shot at his first World Cup title, and Argentina's first since Diego Maradona led them to glory in 1986, with Messi having been a runner-up in 2014 when Germany edged La Albiceleste 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro.

"You never get tired of showing that you are the best in the world," Suarez, who spent six years with Messi at Barcelona from 2014 to 2020, wrote on Instagram.

"The whole world stops to applaud this guy and what he's given to football. Incredible my friend!"

Vanquished Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, who was a long-time adversary of Messi with Real Madrid in La Liga, said the Argentinian deserves to lift the World Cup.

"Hopefully [Messi] wins this World Cup, he is the best player in history and he deserves it," Modric told reporters after the game.

Argentina will play the final on Sunday against either reigning world champions France or Morocco, who will meet at Al Bayt Stadium in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi is the walking proof that you can't keep a good man down as he heads for another World Cup final, according to Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero.

Eight years since Messi and Argentina were left heartbroken by defeat to Germany at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, another shot at football's greatest prize awaits on Sunday.

The Albiceleste coasted to a 3-0 semi-final victory over Croatia on Tuesday, with Messi's penalty followed by a Julian Alvarez double.

Messi was typically excellent, setting up Alvarez's second goal by dancing past Josko Gvardiol, and it will be the captain to whom Argentina look for inspiration in the final against France or Morocco.

At the age of 35, the Paris Saint-Germain forward could be about to experience his career's crowning glory.

Defender Romero said: "Leo's of course a wonderful player, but more than that he's a reference and he's somebody who is a personality, who is always going for more.

"He's been hit so many times and every time he gets back up again and goes for more and he has the strength to do that. He won a Copa America, he's a benchmark like others, [Angel] Di María, Kun [Sergio Aguero], who is no longer here."

Messi has matched the record of the most appearances in World Cups, the 25 previously held alone by Lothar Matthaus.

He is also now Argentina's record World Cup scorer with 11 goals, one more than Gabriel Batistuta.

Having such a figure as the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner in the ranks is inevitably uplifting for Argentina, who are seeking their first World Cup triumph since 1986 when the similarly inspirational Diego Maradona was pulling the strings.

Romero added: "You put your life into this, to bring the trophy home. We're here to deliver. It was shown once again that we are lions. No matter what happens on Sunday, we are going to give all we've got to bring the cup home."

Zlatko Dalic conceded Lionel Messi had produced the performance Croatia "expected to see" after the Argentina great ended their World Cup dream.

Messi played a starring role in denying Dalic's side a second successive final appearance, scoring and providing an assist as the Albiceleste enjoyed a 3-0 victory in Tuesday's semi-final.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward's heroics did not come as a great surprise to the Croatia head coach, who plans to remain in charge of the team until his contract expires in 2024.

However, Dalic acknowledges several players from this generation will not be available by the 2026 finals, with his 37-year-old captain Luka Modric likely to be among them.

"Nothing much needs to be said about Messi's qualities," he said. "In the past 15 years, he's probably the best player in the world, and today again, he was very good and dangerous.

"He made the difference in quality for the Argentina team. He had this explosiveness and technique at a very high-level performance. It's the true Messi we expected to see.

"This is perhaps the end of this generation in World Cups, a couple of them have reached an age and the World Cup in 2026 – we have to wait and see what happens then.

"We've had great achievements for the Croatia national team, and a lot of players with a lot of potential.

"I believe this generation will finish their careers with Euro 2024. We have the Nations League finals, and it's an excellent generation that reached the semi-finals twice in a row. 

"It would have been great to have won the gold medal to crown this generation."

When asked if he would remain at the helm, Dalic added: "I will continue my contract until 2024 and the European Championships and, in six months, we have the Nations League [finals].

"Then, we have the qualification for the World Cup. My plan and objective is to take Croatia to Euro 2024."

Mateo Kovacic believes two "cardinal mistakes" from referee Daniele Orsato cost Croatia in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina.

Croatia's bid to reach a second consecutive World Cup final came to an end as Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez starred at Lusail Stadium, with the latter scoring twice in Argentina's 3-0 win.

Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Alvarez collided with goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, and Kovacic was booked for dissent as several Croatia players protested the decision.

Less than a minute before Livakovic's foul, Croatia were denied a corner when Ivan Perisic's deflected shot looped onto the roof of Emiliano Martinez's net, leaving Kovacic in disbelief. 

"I can't believe it's not a corner," the Chelsea midfielder told reporters after the game. "Then the penalty... 

"I have never commented on the referees nor is it my intention to do so, but these are two cardinal mistakes, and they cost you."

Kovacic's midfield partner Luka Modric concurred, insisting Croatia were in the ascendency before the penalty was awarded.

"The first goal, it was not a penalty, that's my opinion. It stressed us a little bit. Half a minute before that it was supposed to be a corner and we were not awarded one," he said.

"I think after the penalty, it changed the whole match. Before the penalty, we were the ones controlling the game. 

"Maybe we were not so dangerous in front of their goal, but we were the ones in possession, controlling the ball. 

"Unfortunately the penalty changed everything, a penalty I'd never have called in this match. I'm so upset they called this type of penalty against us."

However, Modric did acknowledge Argentina were deserved victors, adding: "We lost the game, that happens. We just have to congratulate Argentina. They were the better team today, they for sure deserved it more than us."

Meanwhile, Kovacic credited Messi for another outstanding performance as the 35-year-old became the first player to both score and assist in four separate World Cup games.

Messi teed up Alvarez for his second goal after beating Josko Gvardiol twice in the same move, while the Manchester City forward's first strike came at the end of his own impressive solo run.

"We knew they were aggressive and good and that they had Messi," Kovacic said. "He was phenomenal and should be congratulated.

"Those two situations are incredible, we conceded two ridiculous goals."

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has "no doubt" Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time after inspiring La Albiceleste's progression to the World Cup final.

Messi was in irresistible form on Tuesday at Lusail Stadium, playing a key role in all three goals as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 in Qatar 2022's first semi-final.

He opened the scoring from the spot in the first half after Julian Alvarez was fouled by Dominik Livakovic and then released his strike partner in the build-up to him making it 2-0.

But the best was yet to come.

With 21 minutes to go, Messi embarked on a tremendous run up the right flank as he darted past Josko Gvardiol before then beating the defender again on the outside and eventually cutting back to Alvarez for a simple finish.

Messi became the first player to both score and assist in four separate World Cup matches (since 1966), while his penalty saw the 35-year-old become Argentina's all-time leading scorer in the tournament with 11 goals.

For some, Messi's claim to the 'greatest player of all time' title rides on him winning the World Cup, but not for Scaloni.

He told reporters: "Whether Messi is the greatest player of all time… sometimes as Argentinians it of course looks like we say that just because we are Argentinian.

"Maybe it's selfish. I don't have any doubt saying that: he is the best in history.

"I have the privilege. I am honoured to train him and see him play. It's something exciting because every time you see him play, it's a huge source of motivation for his team-mates, the people, the whole world.

"So there is nothing left to say about Messi. It's indeed a privilege to have him in the squad."

While Messi is of course the headline act and the focus for many, Alvarez more than played his part on Tuesday.

His goals will lead to praise, but Scaloni was keen to highlight how important his general work rate and industriousness were for the team effort.

"The match of Julian was excellent, not just because of his two goals, but because he was extremely helpful with the midfielders," Scaloni explained.

"Sometimes we had two midfielders because the others had to cover other players, they had to cover the flanks, and he showcased excellent football [intelligence].

"With his age, [his work ethic] is normal because he wants to give everything on the pitch. What you say to him, he shows it on the pitch.

"We are very happy with him because he was able to score goals, which is something great especially for a striker like him."

Scaloni will emulate some legendary figures of Argentinian football in Cesar Luis Menotti, Carlos Bilardo and Alejandro Sabella by coaching the Albiceleste in the World Cup final.

But he still does not feel worthy of being considered on their level.

"Yes, to reach the final is amazing, but I can't make comparisons with these three names because they are history in the national team," he added.

"They've defended these colours. They made Argentina a great nation. Yes, it's a great source of pride for me to be able to play a final and represent my country.

"But I can't rise to this perch because they made history in the world of football, not only in Argentina.

"For me, just to coach this final is a huge privilege."

Argentina will play the final on Sunday against either France or Morocco, who will tussle at Al Bayt Stadium in the second semi-final on Wednesday.