Paris (AFP) – Alassane Plea grabbed a hat-trick as surprise Ligue 1 leaders Nice continued their terrific start to the season with a thrilling 4-2 victory at promoted Metz on Sunday.
With Mario Balotelli out injured, Plea assumed the lead role for Lucien Favre’s unbeaten side and netted the opener on 12 minutes before adding a second from the penalty spot after Georges Mandjeck had equalised.
Substitute Habib Diallo made it 2-2 midway through the second half for Metz but Plea struck for a third time on 84 minutes before Wylan Cyprien wrapped up the points in injury time.
“It’s a deserved win even if it was very tough. We played well,” said Favre.
“The players’ reaction was very good after they equalised for two-all. We’re incredibly happy to still be undefeated but we have to keep on working.”
It was a fifth successive win for Nice as they moved four points clear of second-place Monaco, while Metz have now conceded 14 goals in their last three home matches.
Earlier, on-loan duo Henri Saivet and Jordan Veretout scored their first Saint-Etienne goals since returning to France from Newcastle United and Aston Villa respectively in a 2-0 win away to Caen.
Paris Saint-Germain, in third, entertain Marseille in the Classique later on in what will be Rudi Garcia’s first match as coach of the visitors.
Monaco provisionally reclaimed second place on Friday with a 6-2 demolition of Montpellier at the Stade Louis II.
Palermo are waiting to hear whether they have succeeded in an ambitious attempt to bring Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli back to the city of his birth.
On Friday, the Sicilian club confirmed they had made contact with Liverpool about the former Inter Milan and AC Milan forward.
Asked about the potential arrival of the 26-year-old, coach Davide Ballardini said: "I'd love to coach him, but I don't know if I will."
Palermo sporting director Daniele Faggiano said he was confident that a deal could be done, telling Mediaset television: "We think that Palermo could be just the right place for him to relaunch his career.
"We would welcome him like a great champion, who with the talent he has got could get back into the national team.
"The only obstacle is his salary, but his desire could shift the balance in Palermo's favour. We're waiting for his decision.
"If Mario doesn't come, we could sign Diego Falcinelli, but there are other names too," added Faggiano, who is hoping to have a positive response from Balotelli within the next 24 hours.
Ben Gladwell reports on Serie A, the Italian national team and the Bundesliga for ESPN FC, UEFA and the Press Association. @UEFAcomBenG.
Chelsea have completed the signing of midfielder N’Golo Kante – Football365’s Player of the Season – from Leicester.
The France international has passed a medical and put pen to paper on a five-year-contract, the Stamford Bridge club have confirmed.
The fee is reported to be around £30million for the 25-year-old.
Kante, signed for Leicester last summer from Caen for £5.6million, was a revelation during his maiden season in England as Claudio Ranieri’s side became shock Premier League champions.
He was named on the six-man shortlist for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award – won by Foxes team-mate Riyad Mahrez – but his displays also brought him to the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Kante said: “I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true for me.
“The opportunity to work with Antonio Conte, a brilliant coach, and some of the best players in the world was simply too good to turn down.
“My first season in English football was very special and now I hope to go on to achieve even more during my time as a Chelsea player. I am looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and helping the club achieve a lot of success.”.
In the midst of a scarring, salty day in Marseille it was a relief to get stuck into the questions that were purely about football. Watching England emerge into the vast atmospheric waves of the Vélodrome it was pertinent to wonder if Roy Hodgson had pitched his gambled selection right. Too attacking? Too carefree with the throw of the dice to suddenly pick the captain in unfamiliar midfield?
Too quirky to go for Adam Lallana ahead of Jamie Vardy as an option to raid from high up on the flanks? Could they respond to the warm hope and handle the heavyweight expectancy? At the end of it all, some of those questions still hung in the air.
In some ways it felt reminiscent of Manaus and the opening game of the World Cup two years ago in Brazil. Then, in the Amazonian heat, England began against Italy with an intriguing attack that positioned Daniel Sturridge at the apex, with Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney cajoling either side of a teenaged Raheem Sterling who was given the licence to shimmy from the central attacking playmaking role. But against those wily Italian defenders, with Andrea Pirlo orchestrating in front of them, England’s promise petered out.
Sturridge scored – but it is a sign of how the cycles in football fluctuate that the man who grabbed the winner for Italy was a young maverick striker whose career has subsequently shrunk, Mario Balotelli.
One of the glaring problems that Hodgson faced when he returned from Brazil, beaten, bottom of the group and with only one point and two goals to show from their World Cup misadventure, was the sudden shortage of proven goalscorers in his squad. The retirements of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard whisked away two prolific forces from midfield.
Interestingly, two summers on, with Rooney withdrawn into the midfield heartland here in France with very different responsibilities that he handled with class, England’s attacking trident picked to run at Russia’s veteran backbone was not exactly blessed with outstanding scoring records on the international scene – not yet, anyway. Adam Lallana went into this tournament on zero. Raheem Sterling with two. Harry Kane five.
As Spain proved with their possession game in winning Euro 2012, the team ethic can reduce the need to rely on authentic forwards.
But, naturally, there was a certain burden carried by Kane after two such prolific domestic seasons that catapulted him into the elite. He did not have his most productive time in what turned out to be a challenging night against Russia, but he is not the type to dwell. He is looking forward with determination and diligence.
He may find himself with some different accomplices to work off after an evening when Lallana and Sterling showed dangerous flashes but without being hugely influential. The clearest of the chances did not fall Kane’s way and his touch was not as smooth as it has been for most of the season. Lallana slashed at a couple of opportunities and might reflect that he should have scored his first goal for his country. Sterling made a couple of fizzing runs but strained for end product.
But the opportunities for Kane to link up with his cohorts did not present themselves easily or precisely. Vardy, Sturridge and even the wild card, Marcus Rashford, might have asked different questions of Russia.
Notably, a more driven threat came further back in the shape of Dele Alli. His willingness to take risks when he glimpsed a chance to advance was a promising feature.
Those instincts did not always work but that eagerness to express himself stood out. Trying to be disciplined playing deeper than his most regular position for Tottenham, he had that spirit of a puppy straining against the leash. He wanted to veer ahead, make something happen, ignite a spark.
Tournament football for matchwinners so often boils down to moments. Mario Götze seized his at the last World Cup final where Gonzalo Higuaín could not. Paul Gascoigne’s nearly moment against Germany at Euro 1996 lives on in English football history. David Trezeguet’s golden goal in 2000 is indelible for France.
Such similarly pivotal moments are way down the line for England after an opening-day draw, of course. The evening ended with regrets, after some purposeful play and the rush of positive vibes that greeted what they thought was the breakthrough.
That came from an unexpected source – the thunderous boot of Eric Dier. Igor Afinkeev had been solid in the Russian goal but could not reach the unerring trajectory as the Tottenham man’s set piece arrowed past him into the top corner.
It was not enough. Russia’s response, with that last-gasp equaliser to whip away the shoots of encouragement, took the wind out of England’s sails.
It underlined how periods of dominance needed a more clinical edge. Russia could have been seen off with more ruthlessness before the equaliser.
Overall England could do with sharpening up their front line in the coming matches against Wales and Slovakia, especially if they intend to make serious inroads in this competition.
The Liverpool striker had the ability to be better than anyone in the world but his attitude let him down, claims the star's agent.
The agent of Mario Balotelli believes that the Italian would win the Ballon d'Or if he was smarter.
Liverpool misfit Balotelli has failed to impress on his latest loan stint at AC Milan and his once-promising career has come to a juddering halt.
But the striker, who showed signs of brilliance during his spell at Manchester City , could have been the real deal, Mino Raiola claims.
Raiola says that if Balotelli had a level mind like Paris Saint-Germain front man Zlatan Ibrahimovic , he could have been destined for greatness.
Speaking to GQ Magazine, he said: "Balotelli? If he had the head of Ibrahimovic, Messi would have less Ballon d'Ors."
Woes: Balotelli's struggles continued after he moved to Milan
Liverpool loaned Balotelli back to AC Milan, the club from whom they bought him for £16million, after only netting in one Premier League match for the Merseyside club.
And his form has been replicated in Italy - only scoring once in Serie A.
Liverpool are desperate to offload the controversial 25-year-old and Balotelli is believed to be keen on staying at the San Siro.
In pictures - Mario Balotelli shopping in Milan:
Coincidentally, Ibrahimovic could be joining Balotelli at Milan on the near future.
The Swede's contract at PSG is up in the summer and he could be returning to his former club on a free transfer.
Raiola said: "Ibrahimovic could return to Italy, to Milan."
Return: Ibrahimovic could be on his way back to AC Milan
Elsewhere on the transfer front, Raiola has rejected claims that Paul Pogba will sign for Chelsea.
PLUS: The Reds could have missed out on one of their major summer targets as another Premier League rival swoops in with a deal
Liverpool striker Jerome Sinclair has agreed to join Watford this summer, according to ESPN FC.The youngster is out of contract at the end of the season and it appears that there is a slim chance that he will sign a new deal.
Sinclair, 19, has reportedly been in talks with Watford and is set to join them this summer, when his current deal expires.
It is thought that he will sign a three-year deal with Watford and, unlike at Liverpool, will be involved in first-team activities.
Balotelli off to China?
Future unclear: Balotelli could be off to China to end his Liverpool and Milan misery
Liverpool could be finally about to offload Mario Balotelli after the club received an offer from China, according to Il Milanista.
The Italian striker, who is flopping on loan at AC Milan this season, has reportedly been offered a mammoth pay packet to go and play for Jiangsu Suning.
Balotelli could be in line to earn as much as £11.8million-a-season if the reports are to be believed.
Jurgen Klopp is allegedly ready to get Balotelli off the club's books as he plans a huge summer overhaul of the squad - but he does still have 27 months left on his Anfield deal.
Missing out on Ter Stegen?
Etihad bound: It looks like Ter Stegen could be on his way to Manchester City
Liverpool are set to miss out on the signature of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The Nou Camp's No.2 is reported to be close to agreeing a deal with Manchester City to link up with Pep Guardiola this summer.
Liverpool have long been linked with a new goalkeeper and Ter Stegen's name regularly is touted.
But it appears that he is closing in on a switch to one of the Reds' Premier League rivals.
Klopp warned Dortmund are "desperate" to beat him
Warning: Hummels has warned Klopp what to expect
Jurgen Klopp has been told he’ll get a warm reception and goodbye from Dortmund... but to expect a white-hot battle in between, writes Mirror Football's David Maddock.
That was the message from his close friend and former captain at the German club, Mats Hummels, who insists his old manager’s return with Liverpool is in for an “emotional and special” occasion on Thursday night.
“There is of course a lot of respect for him, and it will be something special to meet up with Klopp again, but we are desperate to beat him – simply desperate to win the game,” he said.
“Of course Klopp will get a warm welcome, we will give him a great reception as a friend, and we will also offer him a warm goodbye too – everyone here respects him immensely. But in between, we will make it white hot for him...we hope to drive him mad in between.
"We have to beat him.”
Waiting game on Coutinho's fitness
Taking their time: Klopp will not make a decision on Coutinho until late on
Liverpool will wait to make a decision on Philippe Coutinho ahead of this weekend's clash with Tottenham.
The playmaker has been with the Brazil squad but is not expected to report back to Melwood until Thursday, when he will be assessed.
Coutinho, who was an unsused substitute in Brazil's 2-2 draw with Paraguay, faces a 13-hour flight back from South America - reports the Liverpool Echo.
Jurgen Klopp’s squad will reconvene today following the international break but Coutinho will be a notable absentee as preparations begin for the showdown with Mauricio Pochettino’s title-chasers.
Kaka still haunted by Istanbul 2005
Haunted: Kaka in action against Steven Gerrard in the 2005 final
Whisper the words 'Istanbul' and '2005' to any football fan and they'll immediately know what you're talking about, writes Alex Davis for Mirror Football.
And to Brazilian icon Kaka, the Champions League Final between AC Milan and Liverpool which proved so dramatic and thrilling to onlookers, continues to prove haunting.
"Our back four was Cafu, Jaap Stam, Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini but we still let in three goals in six minutes. Something amazing happened that can't be explained.
"All you can really say is that in football these things can happen. Especially in the Champions League, we have seen truly incredible things happen."
Lovren could miss Euros with Croatia
Out: Lovren could be about to miss out on the Euros
Dejan Lovren is at the centre of a storm that could prevent him from playing in the Euros, writes Mirror Football's David Maddock.
The Liverpool defender has been branded a rebel after a bust up during Croatia's game against Hungary at the weekend.
Manager Ante Cacic was furious when he sent substitute Lovren to warm up along the touchline, only to see the defender quickly come back and sit down without permission.
That led to a furious row afterwards, with the fiery coach insisting the Reds star is not bigger than the team.
And he warned Lovren's place for this summer's European Championships is now in doubt.
When Roberto Martinez is involved, hyperbole is rarely far away, but this was a classic of the genre. In the Spanish manager's opinion, his Everton team contained "probably the best young players in Europe."
That he was speaking after a 1-1 draw with Norwich City on Dec. 12 only deepened the ridicule, but perhaps that bold statement was not quite as crazy as it then sounded. Martinez can confidently lay claim to the most promising crop in the English Premier League: Romelu Lukaku, the joint top scorer in the Premier League; John Stones, an England defender Chelsea were allegedly prepared to pay £40 million for; Ross Barkley, an attacking midfielder whose solo runs remind of a young Wayne Rooney; and Gerard Deulofeu, a forward Barcelona would only sell with a buy-back clause.
In that sense, only Tottenham and the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli can rival Everton, but here is where Martinez has serious problems. Mauricio Pochettino's team are in fourth while Everton lie in 11th, 10 points behind Spurs, having drawn 11 times and made a habit of conceding late goals like John Terry's 98th-minute equaliser in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Chelsea.
A team of such high potential is landlocked in midtable, and should they still be there at the end of the season, then Martinez will not be polishing those jewels for much longer. Star football players eventually want to play in the Champions League.
Graeme Sharp was Everton's leading striker when they were English league champions in the 1984-85 and 1986-87 seasons, and these days works as a radio analyst on Merseyside local radio. "The worry for Evertonians is that, whatever happens in football, you are never going to stop big teams coming in with big money and to get your players," he tells ESPN FC.
"Lukaku's record for the club has been fantastic, but if they don't get into European football then teams will have a look at him. There's nothing you can do. At the end of it, players and their agents have the final say."
The Belgian, who Everton paid Chelsea £28m for in the summer of 2014 after a successful loan spell, is these days represented by Mino Raiola, the super-agent who has guided Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Balotelli's transfers to multiple clubs.
"If we had met each other earlier, he wouldn't have played for Everton,"Raiola said in April 2015. "We will see what happens in the summer, but the Everton directors don't have to think Rom will play there for the rest of his career.
"Later, he will play for a top club like Paris Saint-Germain, the two teams from Manchester, Barcelona or Bayern Munich."
And if that all makes a Lukaku move sound likely, then there's Stones, who put in a transfer request in August in an attempt to push through a move to Chelsea, only to go back on his decision when Martinez and Everton's board held firm. The deposed champions' desire to land the 21-year-old is unlikely to have dimmed, even without Jose Mourinho in charge, while Manchester United have an obvious vacancy to play alongside Chris Smalling in central defence.
"Someone will come in for Stones again, and Barkley, after the European Championship as well," says Sharp, predicting that Everton's resolve will be tested once more. Simon Paul, editor of the Everton fanzine NSNO.co.uk, agrees.
"If we look like we are finishing midtable then the vultures will be circling," Paul tells ESPN FC. "And there's no reason we couldn't emulate what Leicester City have done this season; we have more quality through the team."
Martinez's permanently sunny public demeanour has not stopped rumblings of discontent among supporters whose frustrations at last season's 11th-place finish have extended to this campaign's shortfall.
"We are still a young team and sometimes we need to learn how to reflect on what are good performances and good results," Everton's manager said at Stamford Bridge, choosing to ignore that the defence in front of 36-year-old Tim Howard featured two over-30s in Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines, with 34-year-old Gareth Barry manning defensive midfield.
Unless Everton improve under Roberto Martinez, it's hard to imagine Ross Barkley, left, and Romelu Lukaku sticking around Goodison Park much longer.
Irish right-back Seamus Coleman is 27, has played almost 200 matches for the club and is such a fixture that Leeds defender Sam Byram choosing to transfer to West Ham over Everton this week is believed to have been a decision based on Byram's chances of playing first-team football. Only Ramiro Funes Mori, 24, the summer signing from River Plate, is a fresh face among what should be a settled defence. Meanwhile, Lukaku is in his third season as a Toffee, while Barkley approaches a century of Premier League games and Deulofeu is enjoying his second spell at the club.
This week's sale to Norwich for a reported £8.5m of Steven Naismith, a forward who scored a hat trick in a 3-1 defeat of Chelsea in September, reflected the competition for places among Martinez's squad at a time when the club's long-discussed ownership may be set to change. In December, reports emerged of a potential takeover by MLB side San Diego Padres' former owner John Moores. With the billionaire's due-diligence period having expired in recent days, news of the next move is awaited.
The fan protests that targeted Everton chairman Bill Kenwright in September have abated, but a change in ownership could affect Martinez's position. The club has had just six different managers since that last 1987 league title, and in 2013, Martinez succeeded David Moyes, who completed 11 years at Goodison. But new owners bring new ideas, and often new managers.
Even before the ownership situation is resolved, Martinez's best hope of keeping his band together is to improve the results of a team that has significantly under-performed this season.
"Roberto [Martinez] would want to keep those players for three or four more years and see where it can take them, but we all know what's around the corner," warns Sharp. "It's important the supporters enjoy these players."
As proven by the recent signings of Kevin-Prince Boateng and Mario Balotelli, AC Milan are extremely attached to their former players, and sometimes they bring them back to San Siro. This could also happen to the Moroccan attacking midfielder Adel Taarabt, who has done quite well with the rossoneri two years ago and whom –according to the Portuguese medias- the Lombard club itself would like to obtain on loan.
In January 2014, the player arrived from Queens Park Rangers –even in that case on loan- and in his six months at San Siro he played 14 games with four goals and 2 assists. At the end of that season, he rejoined the Hoops, but he spent almost one year out of the pitch. Last summer, the 26-year-old moved to Benfica, but he has been relegated to the second team. The Lombard club would like to obtain Taarabt –who is also a target for Galatasaray- for six months, while the Aguias are interested in letting him go for 18 months.
