Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso can confirm his status as the rising star of coaching in Wednesday's Europa League final, but he will come up against a wily old fox in Atalanta's Gian Piero Gasperini.Yes, in terms of accomplishment and prestige, absolutely," Gasperini told UEFA.com on reaching the club's first ever European final.
Japan is still grappling with the fallout of the graft-stained and pandemic-delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, serving as a warning to Paris ahead of the Games this summer in the French capital.But Arai believes there is now "less interest" in the Olympics in Japan, just over two months away from the opening ceremony in the French capital.
Talismanic Australian striker Sam Kerr was officially ruled out of the Olympics Tuesday, almost five months after a serious knee injury derailed her season with Chelsea."Attacker Amy Sayer (ACL) and forward Sam Kerr (ACL) remain on the sidelines with long-term injuries," the squad announcement said.