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Medvedev sent packing in Miami upset, 'not human' Sinner sails into semis

By Sports Desk March 31, 2021

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  • Napoli 0-1 Lazio: Isaksen the hero as Partenopei miss chance to return to Serie A summit Napoli 0-1 Lazio: Isaksen the hero as Partenopei miss chance to return to Serie A summit

    Napoli missed the chance to return to the Serie A summit following a 1-0 defeat by Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

    The Partenopei were beaten for the second time in the space of four days by the Biancoceleste, who also prevailed 3-1 in their Coppa Italia last-16 clash at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday.

    Marco Baroni's side were victorious once again as Gustav Isaksen struck a wonderful winner 11 minutes from time, moving them level on points with third-place Inter.

    Scott McTominay and Isaksen went closed during the first half, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shot narrowly wide just before the break.

    Both sides struck the woodwork after the restart; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru hitting the crossbar from distance, while Frank Anguissa's header was denied by the post.

    However, the visitors snatched all three points in the 79th minute. Tijjani Noslin - Thursday's hat-trick hero - found Isaksen, who rounded off a swift counter by curling a wonderful 20-yard effort beyond Alex Meret.

    Data Debrief: Three is the magic number for Lazio

    For the first time in their history, Lazio have won three consecutive Serie A matches away at Napoli.

    Their sixth victory by a single-goal margin this term - more than any other team in the division - they have also scored a league-high 12 goals in the 75th minute or later.

    Isaksen was the matchwinner with his third goal of the season, already matching his tally for the entire 2023-24 campaign.

  • 'It's been an amazing ride' - former Man Utd and Portugal star Nani retires 'It's been an amazing ride' - former Man Utd and Portugal star Nani retires

    Former Manchester United and Portugal star Nani has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38.

    The ex-winger brings the curtain down on a decorated career, which began at Sporting CP, where he would enjoy three separate spells.

    Nani's most successful period came during his eight-year stint with Man Utd, with whom he won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and Club World Cup.

    He was also part of the Portugal side that won Euro 2016, captaining the side during the final victory over France following Cristiano Ronaldo's early withdrawal through injury.

    Nani made 112 international appearances between 2006 and 2017 - making him the Selecao's fifth most-capped player, while he represented them at five major tournaments. 

    His club career was played across seven different countries - having also turning out for the likes of Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Orlando City and Melbourne Victory, before finishing his career with a short stint at Primeira Liga side Estrela Amadora.

    "The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to finish my career as a professional player," he posted on his social media channels.

    "It's been an amazing ride and I wanted to thank every single person who has helped me and supported me through the highs and lows during a career which lasted over 20 years and gave me so many unforgettable memories. 

    "Time to turn a new leaf and focus on new goals and dreams."

  • Brook labelled as 'best in the world' by England centurion Root Brook labelled as 'best in the world' by England centurion Root

    Joe Root lauded Harry Brook as the world's best batter after England completed their series victory away to New Zealand on Sunday.

    Ben Stokes' tourists coasted to a 323-run victory in the second Test against New Zealand, sealing an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

    It looked like England could be in trouble in Wellington after slipping to 43-4 in the first innings, only for Brook's 123 and 66 from Ollie Pope dragging their side to 280 all out.

    Brook now has seven centuries in just 10 Tests away from home, the most by any batter in his first 10 such outings outside of their home country.

    Yorkshire and England team-mate Root believes there is no player better than Brook at present.

    "Just been a great week, from the position we were in, to then manage to win the game by day three, just shows how well the boys played," Root said.

    "That partnership from Popey and Brooky, who is in my eyes the best player in the world at the minute.

    "He's got it all, he can absorb pressure and put it back on you. He is destructive against both pace and spin, to manage those conditions exceptionally well and play some great counter-attacking cricket."

    Root compiled a 130-ball 106 in the second innings as Stokes' side hammered home their advantage, with Jacob Bethell adding 96, four more than opener Ben Duckett managed.

    England great Root now has 36 centuries in Tests, the joint-fifth most by any batter, alongside India's Rahul Dravid.

    He brought up three figures with a trademark ramp over New Zealand wicket-keeper Tom Blundell from the bowling of seamer Will O’Rourke.

    Root admitted the shot was somewhat pre-meditated, having seen the hosts alter the field.

    "It wasn't [at first pre-meditated], and then they brought third man up," Root added.

    "I was like it's the new ball, they are more likely to go length than short. It's worth a gamble, it's worth the risk!"

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