Serie A

**Late Tele’a Try and Ford's Missed Kicks Leave England Heartbroken as New Zealand Prevail** In a thrilling encounter during the opening weekend of the Autumn Nations Series, New Zealand edged out England with a narrow 24-22 victory. The match, held in front of over 80,000 passionate fans at a newly-renamed stadium, was a showcase of high stakes and intense competition, but ultimately ended in disappointment for the home side. England, under the guidance of coach Steve Borthwick, were eager to reclaim the Hillary Shield after suffering a 2-0 defeat in the summer series against the All Blacks. However, they once again found themselves unable to secure a decisive win. A late penalty attempt from George Ford struck the post, and in a dramatic finish, Ford's drop goal attempt on the final play of the game also went awry, denying England their first home victory over New Zealand in 12 years. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with England coming close to achieving a morale-boosting win but ultimately falling short in the closing moments.

Diego Simeone, the manager of Atlético Madrid, expressed his disapproval of playing football this weekend in light of the devastating floods that have struck parts of Spain. He stated, "It doesn’t make any sense," highlighting the gravity of the situation. The recent floods, which are being described as the deadliest in Spain's modern history and the second-deadliest in Europe this century, have resulted in at least 211 fatalities, with many more individuals still unaccounted for. The catastrophic weather, characterized by torrential rains, particularly affected the Valencia region, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to address the nation on the crisis. In response to the disaster, several matches, including the highly anticipated clash between Valencia and Real Madrid, as well as Villarreal versus Rayo Vallecano, have been postponed. Simeone's sentiments were echoed by Hansi Flick, the manager of Barcelona, who also raised concerns about the appropriateness of playing under such tragic circumstances. As the situation continues to unfold, updates regarding Saturday's European club matches will be provided.

**Ellis Genge: ‘Rugby Needs Change; Players Can’t Keep Being Overworked’** As England prepares for their clash against the All Blacks this Saturday, prop Ellis Genge opens up about the challenges facing rugby and shares his commitment to community initiatives. Genge is known for his candidness, and ahead of a crucial autumn for the sport, he doesn’t hold back when discussing the financial state of professional rugby clubs beneath the national team. “I think it’s shit or bust, to be honest,” he states plainly. “It’s either going to go one way or another… something’s got to give.” His strong opinions come in light of the increasing pressures on players, particularly after he suffered an unexpected calf injury that kept him from participating in England’s summer tour to Japan and New Zealand. “I’ve never had a calf issue in my life. It happened 28 minutes into the last game of the season in May, during a scrum. That shouldn’t happen,” he reflects. Genge attributes the rising injury rates to the relentless demands placed on top players, who are expected to perform for both club and country with little time for recovery. “Boys getting run into the ground is no good,” he asserts. “Is there a silver bullet that’s going to sort it all out? Probably not. I’ve always said we’re in a guinea pig era.” As the sport navigates these turbulent waters, Genge’s insights highlight the urgent need for change to protect players and ensure the future of rugby.

**Nostalgic Serie A Five-a-Side Teams: A Lineup for Pisa** Pisa, a charming Tuscan city known for its iconic Leaning Tower, has not graced the Italian top flight since 1991. Despite this long absence, the club still has a few notable names in its history that make assembling a five-a-side team an intriguing task. While it may seem like a nostalgic exercise to pick a lineup for a club whose glory days were three decades ago, Pisa SC remains a significant part of Italian football lore. The club enjoyed its most successful period in the 1980s under the stewardship of Romeo Anconetani, a quintessential small-club owner of that era. Pisa SC may not have reached the heights of its more illustrious counterparts, but its legacy is still cherished by fans. The city is also home to the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore, one of the world's leading universities, adding to its cultural significance. As we reflect on Pisa's footballing past, it’s worth considering which players would make the cut for a five-a-side team that embodies the spirit and history of this beloved club.

**Yildiz Shines in Thrilling Eight-Goal Derby d’Italia** In a match that will be remembered as one of the greatest in the storied rivalry between Inter and Juventus, Turkish teenager Kenan Yildiz emerged as the star, scoring two crucial goals in a dramatic 4-4 draw. This clash, which set records for its high scoreline, showcased the intensity and unpredictability of a rivalry that has spanned 115 years. As the final whistle blew, Zvonimir Boban, speaking from the Sky Sport studio, addressed Inter manager Simone Inzaghi with a hint of irony, saying, “Thanks for the show!” Inzaghi, however, could only manage a strained laugh, clearly feeling the weight of the match. “The neutrals enjoyed themselves. Me, a little bit less,” he replied, reflecting on the frustration of watching his team squander a two-goal lead in the last 20 minutes. Inter had been in control, leading 4-2, but the tide turned dramatically when Yildiz came off the bench. His two goals not only salvaged a point for Juventus but also etched his name into the annals of Derby d’Italia history. However, it’s important to acknowledge that Inter had opportunities to extend their lead before Yildiz's impact was felt, leaving Inzaghi to ponder what might have been. This match will undoubtedly be talked about for years to come, with Yildiz's performance serving as a bright spot in an otherwise tumultuous evening for Inter.

**Nostalgic Serie A Five-a-Side Teams: Crafting a Lineup for Sampdoria** When it comes to assembling an all-time Sampdoria five-a-side team, the focus naturally shifts to the club's golden era during the 1980s and 1990s. This was a time when the Blucerchiati truly shone, and the players from this period are undoubtedly the stars of the lineup. While it might be tempting to create an ultra-offensive team packed with forwards, a balanced approach is essential. As a result, iconic figures like Fabio Quagliarella and Francesco Flachi, despite their immense contributions to the club, do not make the cut. Additionally, the selection excludes some of Sampdoria's notable foreign players, as the emphasis remains on those who defined the club's most successful years. This five-a-side team is a tribute to the legends who graced the pitch for Sampdoria from 1984 to 1994, showcasing the talent and spirit that made this era unforgettable.

**Wallabies Aim for Grand Slam Upset as Lions Tour Approaches** Joseph Sua’ali’i has been rapidly integrated into the Australian rugby team as coach Joe Schmidt looks for a spark ahead of four crucial Tests in the UK and Ireland. In 1984, Australia executed a clever play at Twickenham against England, known as “Leaguie,” which resulted in the first try of their grand slam victory over the home nations. Flyhalf Mark Ella received a pass from halfback Nick Farr-Jones, looped around centre Michael Lynagh, and then delivered a brilliant dummy to slip past the defense and score. Now, four decades later, a new version of the Australian “Leaguie” is set to be unleashed as the Wallabies embark on their grand slam mission. The team has confirmed that Sua’ali’i, their highly sought-after recruit from the NRL, has been fast-tracked into the squad for the upcoming Spring Tests against England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Sua’ali’i was lured back to rugby with a record three-year contract worth AU$5 million, and his inclusion is expected to add a dynamic edge to the Wallabies' campaign.

**Nostalgic Serie A Five-a-Side Teams: Crafting a Lineup for Roma** In this latest installment of our nostalgic journey through Italian football, we turn our attention to the capital, Rome, and the storied club AS Roma. The task of assembling a five-a-side team from the rich tapestry of Roma's history is no small feat, given the plethora of exceptional talent that has graced the pitch over the years. While selecting a lineup that will please everyone is nearly impossible, I believe that three of my five choices will be largely uncontroversial. Notably, I opted for just one midfielder, which means that iconic figures like Agostino Di Bartolomei, Giuseppe Giannini, and Daniele De Rossi will not make the cut. However, the midfielder I have chosen embodies energy, dynamism, and creativity—qualities that would undoubtedly shine in a five-a-side format. With the right blend of attacking prowess and a solid defensive foundation, I am confident that my selected duo can rekindle their former brilliance, making this team a formidable opponent against any rival. The nostalgia of Roma's past players is palpable, and this lineup aims to capture the essence of what makes the club so beloved.

Henry Slade has been named in England's 36-man squad for the upcoming autumn internationals, despite not having played for Exeter this season. The 31-year-old centre recently participated in a mini training camp focused on rehabilitation after undergoing shoulder surgery over the summer. His inclusion comes as England prepares for a series of matches against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan next month. In other squad news, Alex Mitchell has been left out due to an ongoing neck issue, while Luke Northmore and Alex Lozowski have both been selected.

Pat Cummins is set to lead Australia’s ODI squad for the first time since lifting the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup trophy, as a 14-player team has been announced for the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan. Cummins returns after being rested during Australia’s recent tour of England and Scotland, just in time to prepare for the forthcoming Test series against India. Mitchell Marsh, who captained Australia during the white-ball tour of the UK, will not participate in the ODIs against Pakistan due to paternity leave. Similarly, explosive opener Travis Head will also be on paternity leave and has been excluded from the one-day series, which kicks off in Melbourne on November 4. In a notable development, Marcus Stoinis has been recalled to the squad for the three one-day matches against Pakistan, providing an opportunity for young openers to make their mark in the absence of Marsh and Head.