The run down on Euro 2016
ITALY midfielder Daniele De Rossi looks unlikely to face Germany in today’s Euro 2016 quarter-final because of a bruised thigh. He was taken off early in the second half of Monday’s 2-0 win over Spain and team doctor Enrico Castellacci said this week that he had taken a severe knock.
“He is working hard, we are doing everything for him to recover and we can’t give a time frame but we are aware that the problem is serious.”
Midfielder Antonio Candreva’s groin strain has also not recovered enough for him to return, Castellacci said. “Candreva has tried to recover in every possible way, working very hard. There has been a significant improvement but not enough for him to be reintroduced into the team.”
De Rossi’s absence would be a blow for coach Antonio Conte with Thiago Motta, his most likely replacement, also missing through suspension.
Veteran De Rossi was used sparingly in the qualifiers but he has been back in favour during the tournament, proving himself to be an important figure for Italy.
THE Ireland and Northern Ireland fans will get an honorary medal from Paris for their exemplary behaviour during Euro 2016, mayor Anne Hidalgo’s office said this week.
“The supporters from Ireland and Northern Ireland have distinguished themselves by their exemplary attitude, fair play and good mood.” Both governments had been informed and an official ceremony featuring fan groups from both teams would take place in the next few days, said a statement.
Ireland and Northern Ireland lost to France and Wales respectively in the round 16.
The fans from both teams have won praise from all sides for their joyful and friendly behaviour during the tournament.
Uefa’s interim general secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, said this week that the passion of some of the fans and their supporters would be rewarded in some way.
“We have seen some amazing scenes and we really want to show and emphasise the positive side of football.”
Euro 2016 has been largely incident-free since violent clashes marred a group game between England and Russia in Marseilles early in the tournament.
DIMITRI Payet is happy at West Ham United and the France midfielder is not expected to leave the Premier League club, his agent Jacques-Olivier Auguste has said.
The 29-year-old, who signed a long-term contract in February that will keep him at the east London side until 2021, has been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
“He has a great contract with West Ham so I cannot see him leaving. Dimitri is happy in London,” Auguste told the Guardian. “You never know in football but only West Ham know what price they want if they decide to sell him.”
After joining West Ham from French side Marseilles in June last year, Payet racked up 12 goals in all competitions as the club finished seventh in the league table.
Payet continued his mercurial form at the European Championship, scoring two goals in France’s group-stage victories over Romania and Albania.
The hosts face Iceland at the Stade de France tomorrow for a place in the Euro semi-finals. – Reuters