Italy
Mattia Destro struck in either half for Bologna to dent Napoli’s Serie A title hopes with a 3-2 win on Sunday. Napoli would have leapfrogged Inter Milan at the top with victory, but instead Destro’s double and a Luca Rossettini effort consigned them to defeat. Gonzalo Higuain pulled two back for Napoli but it was not enough for the title contenders. Roberto Donadoni, the Bologna coach, said of his side’s performance: “The lads were incredible, they went out and did exactly what we had planned to do.”
UAE
Al Ahli have an immediate chance to bounce back to winning ways on Monday night when they travel to Baniyas in the Arabian Gulf Cup. Cosmin Olaroiu’s side suffered their first league defeat of the season on Saturday as they were beaten 3-0 at Al Ain. Ahli are third in Group A of the cup competition, thanks to two wins and two draws from their four games so far, and a victory will move them level at the top with leaders Al Wasl on 11 points. Baniyas are second bottom on three points.
England
Chris Smalling said Manchester United supporters had every right to vent their disappointment at Old Trafford on Saturday after watching another goalless draw. United recorded their sixth scoreless stalemate of the season after squandering several chances against West Ham United. United supporters booed their team off the pitch and Smalling said they were entitled to respond that way. “The fans are in their right to show their frustration and we are just as frustrated,” he said. “Everyone is down because it is an opportunity missed. We are in a good position in the league, but it could have been boosted today.”
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