Pelle Joins Chinese Side Shandon Luneng

Italy forward, Graziano Pelle has sealed a lucrative deal with CSL side, Shandon Luneng to book a place in the top ten high earning footballers.

The Southampton  forward became the latest European star to board the fast-moving Chinese train after Senegal forward, Pappise Cisse.

The 30-year-old Italian inked a two year deal worth 260,000 pounds on weekly basis that will see him replace English forward Wayne Rooney among the list of highest earning footballers.

Pelle registered 14 goals in 36 appearances under Ronald Koeman at the St Mary before excelling at the just-ended Euros with the Azzuris to earn that bumper CSL move .

The experienced Italian, overlooked offers from a host of English clubs, led by Chelsea for the lifetime fortune in the Chinese league.

Pelle Joins Chinese Side Shandon Luneng

Kwadwo Asamoah Clinches Third Serie A Title

Italy based Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has landed himself a third straight Serie A trophy after Napoli’s set back at Rome.

The Bienconeri’s utility Ghanaian endured a torrid campaign with Max Allegris men but has recently returned to form to help steer the Turin based side a fifth straight Scudeto and his personal treble.

Napoli’s 1-0 defeat at Roma means Juventus remains 12 clear at the top of the log with 3 games to play for in the campaign.

The reigning champions had a torrid start to their title defense with one win in the opening six Matches but has returned to master a run of 25 unbeaten matches in the league to get their season back on track.

The dominant Bienconeris put together a run of 9 straight wins in the last 10 matches including yesterday ‘s 2-1 away win at the Viola.

Asamoah joined Juventus from Udinese at the end of the 2012/13 Serie A campaign.

The Ghanaian has since won all three Scudeto trophies since his arrival at the Juventus Arena.

The injury ravaged former Liberty Professionals man managed just 11 appearance in the season after a lengthy spell on the treatment room.

Kwadwo Asamoah Clinches Third Serie A Title

Addae Powers Ascoli To Win Three Crucial Points In Italy

Former Ghana Youth international Bright Christopher Addae, steered Ascoli to three vital points at home to second place Cagliari in the Italian Serie B.

The Ascoli midfielder, bossed affairs from the middle of the pitch to inflict a 2-1 defeat on the promotion chasing Cagliari.

Addae, played crucial roles at both ends of the pitch and could have registered his third goal of the campaign, but for good goal keeping from Marco Storari in post for the visitors at the Cino Lillio Duca Sports stadium.

A first half brace, from Italian youth international Daniele di Cacia dented Caglairi’s quest to return to topflight football at the first time of asking.

The priceless home triumph transcended beyond three points after it sealed their place in the second tier league with eight matches to end the campaign baring any magic turn of events.

Addae, has since made 28 appearances for the Serie B newbies with 2 goals to his name since their promotion at the start of the current campaign.

Addae Powers Ascoli To Win Three Crucial Points In Italy

Innaki Williams On The Brisk Of UEFA Europa League Exit.

Basque based Ghanaian attacker Innaki Williams saw his dreams of lifting the 2015/16 UEFA Europa league hit a snag after suffering a dreadful home defeat at the quarter final stages of the continent’s elite club competition.

The Spanish born Ghanaian attacker returned to the side after over one month out with an injury, but was powerless to prevent Seville from earning a first leg advantage ahead of the trip to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuain.

Ariz Aduriz opened the scoring for Ernesto Valverdo’s men but further strikes from Timotee Kolojiejzack and Vincente Ibora won the game for the reigning champions at the fully packed San Mames.

Williams enjoyed a blistering season with the Basque outfit despite his injury blighted campaign. The Ghanaian was replaced by Michael Susaeta on 63 minutes in his 29th appearance of the season.

The talented forward reportedly turned down overtures from Spain ahead of a place in the Black stars set up.

Innaki Williams On The Brisk Of UEFA Europa League Exit.

Former Italy Manager Cesare Maldini Dies At 84

Former AC Milan defender and Italy coach Cesare Maldini has died, aged 84.

As a player, Maldini won four Serie A titles with Milan, as well as their first European Cup in 1963. He then managed the club between 1972-1974.

In 1996, he became the coach of Italy – with son Paolo captaining the team – before going on to lead Paraguay in the 2002 World Cup.

AC Milan tweeted: “Goodbye dear Cesare. Today the world loses a great man and we lose a page of our history.”

Credit: BBC

Former Italy Manager Cesare Maldini Dies At 84

Bright Addae Tips Black Starlets For World Championships

Ghana Youth International Bright Christopher Addae has tipped the National U-17, the Black Satellites for World Cup glory after their strong performances in the just ended Independence cup.

The Italy based lanky midfielder earmarked, the rampant Starlets to storm the world stage in the near future if they can sustain their scary attacking prudence.

The U-20 World Champions with the Satellites in 2009, commended the handlers of the U-17 side for their immense role in unearthing hidden talents across the country.

The former Wa All Stars tasked the free scoring starlets to develop more hunger in the game after lifting the just ended Independence cup in Namibia.

“If they can add hunger to their game and play to their coaches instructions, I don’t see any reason why they cannot win the ultimate trophy at stake.

“The early signs are good, but they can improve if they stay focused and maintain the high standards that won them the independence cup recently.

I am confident these crop of players can at least grace the world stage if not lifting the ultimate trophy at stake.

“Fortunately for mother Ghana, if they can excel at the U-17 stage, it will also bring some positive news to the Satellites and further up to the Black Stars.

Complacency is one enemy they should pray against if they are to reach the top of their games”, Addae told sports crusader exclusively.

The ex Wa All Stars utility defender has been a mainstay at the heart of the midfield for Serie B side Ascoli since their promotion at the start of the current campaign.

The twinkle twinkle little stars spanked their opponents by an alarming 15 goals to lift the four nations invitational tournament ahead of the African Championship qualifiers later in the year.

[2:21 PM, 4/2/2016]

Bright Addae Tips Black Starlets For World Championships

Donsah On the List of English Clubs

Ghana Youth International Godfred Donsah could soon be plying his trade on the English soil after a quintet of clubs reportedly hinted at a summer switch for the Bologna midfielder.

The 19 year old defensive extended his fine form with Cagliari last season into the current campaign in the Italian top flight to trigger a mad rush for his services in the summer transfer window.

Alfred Duncan burst into the Serie A last season with Cagliari and capped that with masterful display for Sellas Tetteh’s Black Satellites team in New Zealand.;

The much sort after defensive screen has been likened to the legendary French midfielder, Makelele, as a reward for unique execution of the traditional number six position across Europe.

The former Verona and Cagliari fans favourite has since managed 17 appearances for the over achieving Bologna in Italy’s top flight league.

Initial reports of concrete interest from English clubs were boosted by the arrival of scout at the Guiseppe Meazza for the visit of Duncan and his Bologna side.

The energetic midfielder boosted his chances of English train with another imperious performance despite ending the night on the losing side.

Manchester duo of United and City leads the five mystery clubs that have been monitoring the Ghanaian defensive stalwart.

Reigning Premier league champions, Arsenal and Roberto Martinez Everton completes the list of clubs interested in the Ghanaian defensive midfielder.

Donsah On the List of English Clubs

Addae Tips Wa All Stars For League Glory

Ghana Youth International Bright Christopher Addae has tipped league leaders Wa All Stars for domestic glory after strong start to the season.

The former Wa All Stars midfielder commended the playing staff for their dream start to the season and rallied them to cross the finishing line in the first seat.

The 25 year old Ascoli midfielder rued their missed opportunity at lifting the league trophy but called on the current crop of players to lay their hands on the domestic championship.

Addae made his name whiles with the Wa based premiership before joining the exodus bus as a FIFA U20 World Youth Championship winner in 2009.

The gargling defensive midfielder however tasked his former side to maintain the momentum and seal continental football for the Wa based side.

“I think Wa All Stars can go all the way in the league if they maintain their current form.

As my former side I am tipping them to win the league at the end of the season.

The players should just stay focused and look beyond the league as a unit.

“It is not beyond their reach if they concentrate on their football and keep working hard as a unit.

A win for the players will make all of us happy too”, Addae told Sports crusader exclusively.

The Italy based midfielder then highlighted his personal ambitions at the end of the season after a strong start to his Serie B campaign.

“For now I am looking at returning to the national set up anytime soon.

It has been one of my ambitions at the start of 2016 to be given a national call up

.I am really doing my part here in Italy and believe the right people are also monitoring my performance.

I am always ready but I think my form with Ascoli will speak for me if monitored.” Addae noted.

Addae Tips Wa All Stars For League Glory

Donsah Stars As Bologna Ends Juventus Unbeaten Run

Ghana Youth international Godfred Donsah starred prominently for Bologna as they ended Juventus sixteen match wining run.

The 20 year old defensive midfielder proved crucial for his side as they held their glamorous Bienconeri’s to a pulsating stalemate in the Serie A.

Juventus headed into the fixture on the back of a monstrous sixteen match win run but saw their record halted at the Renata Del Ara on Friday night.

Italian trainer Roberto Donandoni handed Donsah his 14 appearance of the season at home to champions in the Serie A top liner and his Ghanaian midfielder accepted the challenge with perfection.

The former Cagliari defensive screen shielded his back four with perfection in a thrilling 0-0 game against their Turin based visitors.

Donsah traded Cagliari for Bologna in the summer after the former lost their top flight status at the end of the 2014/15 european season.

Donsah announced himself to the football with his unique tactical performance for the Ghana U20 side at the 2015 FIFA Under 20 World Championship.

Juventus remains atop of the log in the Serie but could drop to the second slot if Napoli comes out victorious at home to AC Milan whiles BOlogna joins the top 10 with the well deserved point against the Champions.

Donsah Stars As Bologna Ends Juventus Unbeaten Run

Preview: Ghanaian Players Abroad In Weekend Action

sportscrusader.com previews Ghanaian players who will be in football games for their respective European clubs this weekend. The highlight of the lot will see Ghanaian left back, Baba Rahman’s Chelsea host Manchester City in the English FA cup.

England

Chelsea vs Manchester City

Black stars left back, Baba Rahman will hope to continue his recent string of matches for Chelsea when Manchester City visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Blues look to have found some consistency with results since the appointment of Guus Hiddink as interim manager.

Chelsea go into the game from a defeat in the champions league to French club, PSG.

 

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

Tottenham hotspurs will continue their fine vein of form and will be favourite to win when they host fellow London-based side, Crystal Palace at the White Hart Lane. Young Ghanaian prospect and England U19 midfielder, Hiram Boateng will hope for some game time.

 

Italy

Torino vs Carpi

Isaac Cofie will hope to feature for his Carpi side, when they travel to the Stadio Olimpico to play Torino. Carpi lost by 1-goal to three in their last match to AS Roma.

 

Sassuolo vs Empoli

Alfred Duncan will hope to feature in Sassuolo’s game against Empoli at the Stadio Citta Del Tricolore. The Ghanaian international played the full duration of the match.

 

Genoa vs Udinese

Udinese has not won a game in their last 5-matches and will hope to end the win-less streak when they travel to play Genoa who are on the same form as Udinese – two defeats and three draws. Agyemang Badu will look to be back in the team after missing the 0-1 defeat at home to Bologna.

 

Frosinone vs Lazio

Frosinone won their last game away to Empoli and will look to kick-start the season when Lazio travel to town in a Serie A game at the Stadio Comunale Matusa. A win will see Frosinone move away from the relegation zone.

 

 

Spain

Las Palmas vs Barcelona

The game dubbed a mismatch sees Las Palmas who has won just one in 5-games host hot-form Barcelona on Saturday. The la liga leaders has dropped just one point in their last 5-games. Barcelona has won 3 and drawn two of the pairs last five meetings.

 

Malaga vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid are yet to lose under new manager and club legend , Zinedine Zidane and the Los Blancos will take a four straight winning form into the game against Malaga.

Malaga has a poor record against Madrid with just a draw and four defeats against the 10-times UEFA champions league winners. Real are favourites to win this and can’t afford to drop points if they want a pop shot at the title.

 

Atletico Madrid Villareal

Atletico Madrid looks to have lost their mojo in recent games with just two wins in their last five games and playing against a Villareal side that has three wins and two draws in the last five games, only a stellar performance and total concentration will guarantee manager, Diego Simeone’s side all three points.

Ghanaian midfielder, Thomas Partey missed the last game against Getafe but will hope to be in Diego Simeone’s plans for this clash.

Preview: Ghanaian Players Abroad In Weekend Action

Bright Addae Vows To Fight Relegation With Ascoli In Italy

Ghana Youth international Bright Christopher Addae has vowed to steer Ascoli away from the drop amidst relegation fears.

The Serie B strugglers sits precariously away from the red line just by two points but their talismanic Ghanaian midfeilder allayed any relegation fears at the end of the season.

The former Wa All Stars centre back accepted the challenge posed them in the second tier league but has assured fans of the Serie B side safety at the end of the season.

Bright Addae rued their poor start to the 2015/16 domestic season that includes five successive defeats in the opening round of the season but has rallied his colleagues to maintain their status at the end of the season.

“We had a difficult start to the season including five successive defeats but we have since found our rythm

“Wining the last two matches of the first round has actually helped us settle a bit and we want to build on that and steer the club to safety at the end of the season.” Addae revealed.

The lanky midfeilder has since managed 23 appearance in the second tier league with one goal and a sending off to his name in the ongoing 2015/16 season.

Ascoli occupies the 18th slot in the 22 club league just two points away from the relegation zone.

Bright Addae Vows To Fight Relegation With Ascoli In Italy

Bright Addae Powers Ten Men Ascoli To Vital Away Draw

Ghana Youth international Bright Christopher Addae proved instrumental for ten-man Ascoli as they snatched a hard earned point away to Brecia.

The 24 year old former Wa All Stars midfielder starred prominently for the relegation threatened side in a nervy four goal thriller.

Italian Youth international Simeone Pecorini was shown marching-off orders with over 20 minutes left to play for the clash.

Addae, defied their numerical disadvantage to steal the show at the Mario Rigamonti Stadium to send Ascoli two points clear of the drop in the Italian Serie B.

Andrea Petagna twice drew parity for the spirited Ascoli on either sides of Andre Caraciola and Eduardo Lancini beautiful goals for Brecia on Monday night.

Ghanaian defender Amidu Salifu came on as a replacement for Carlos Embalo for Brecia just on the hour mark but was powerless to prevent Ascoli from picking a point in the 2-2 blockbuster.

Ascoli now remains two points clear at the bottom with 28 points from 26 matches.

Bright Addae Powers Ten Men Ascoli To Vital Away Draw

Ghanaian Players In Midweek European Action

England

West Ham United vs Aston Villa

Jordan Ayew got booked for  a silly foul on West Ham United left back, Aaron Creswell. The game was going as planned for the bottom placed Villa but with ten men it was difficult to see how they travel back to the midlands with even a point. Goals from Antonio and Cheik Kouyate gave the hammers all the three points.

 

Leicester City vs Liverpool

Daniel Amartey is still waiting to make his debut for Leicester city since he completed an £8m move to the English premier league side. The Foxes defeated Liverpool by 2-goals to nil as they retained their firm grip of top spot. Jeffrey Schlupp is a couple of weeks away from returning to first team action for Leicester city.

 

West Brom vs Swansea City

Ghanaian forward, Andre Ayew played 82 – minutes of Swansea’s 1 all draw game away to West Brom at the Hawthorns. The Welsh side took the lead through Icelandic international, Gylfi Sigurdsson with some few minutes left on the clock it looked like the Swans will win their second game in succession after beating Everton but West Brom’s record signing, Salomon Rondon ensured that didn’t happen.

 

 Italy

Sassuolo vs AS Roma

Alfred Duncan started for Sassuolo as they hosted Serie A giants AS Roma. The versatile Ghanaian international lasted 87 minutes as a lone goal from former Chelsea forward, Mohammed Salah gave the capita based club all three points.

Ghanaian Players In Midweek European Action

Donsah shows class as Bologna held off Sampdoria

Ghana Youth international Godfred Donsah put in a man of the match performance for Bologna at home to Sampdoria in the Serie A.

The 20 year old Bologna defensive screen provided the opening goal for his side before registering his second goal of the campaign.

Bologna held on for 3-2 win in a thrilling top flight encounter that projected the home side into the top 10 in Italy.

Godfred also provided a set up for Anthony Mounir for the first goal of the game just 12 minutes into the first half.

The commanding Black Satellites midfielder then lashed onto a through ball from outside the 18 yard box to double Bologna’s lead 12 minute after picking his assist.

Donsah’s thunderbolt made Emilaino Viviano in post for Sampdoria a stationary spectator between the sticks.

Two quick strikes from Sampdoria however turned the game on its head before Mateo Destro kept the points at home to Bologna with an 87th minute spot kick.

Bologna moved into the top 10 of the Serie A log for the first time in the season whiles Sampdoria stays rooted to the bottom three.

Donsah shows class as Bologna held off Sampdoria

Fiorentina on the heels of Agyemang Badu

Italian Serie A side Fiorentina is desperate to add Emmanuel Agemang Badu to their playing squad in the ongoing transfer window.

The Viola are enjoying their finest run in the top flight in recent times and wants to boost their chances of sealing a top three finish with the Udinese midfielder.

Badu has been one of the star performers for Udinese in the top flight despite the difficult start to the campaign by the stadio Fruili outfit.

Paulo Sousa’s men currently occupy the third slot in the Serie A and are desperate on adding the defensive midfielder to their squad.

The 26 year old Black Stars midfielder has been valued in excess of 10 million dollars by Udinese ahead of a shock switch in the winter transfer window. The Viola has reportedly been told to cough out his valuation price or look elsewhere for options.

Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has since scored 3 goals despite his defensive responsibilities for the Stadio Fruili outfit in the serie A.

Fiorentina on the heels of Agyemang Badu

Richmond Boakye set for Latina switch after Dutch nightmare

Ghanaian striker Richmond Boakye look set for a return to Italian football after parting ways with Roda JC in the Dutch Eredivise.

The 22 year old forward have been offered an escape route by Serie B side Latina after his turbulent times with the Dutch league campaigners.

Boakye is expected to under mandatory medical examination on Wednesday before joining the mid table side on permanent basis.

The former Juventus and Sassoulo forward made his mark in Italian football before heading to Spain for a year long loan spell with Eibar in the Spanish Premere Liga.

The Black Stars attacker had a bright start to his Rodha career in the Dutch league but fell out with the hierarchy of the side after nine matches in the top tier league.

“Boakye is expected in Latina late tomorrow morning for the completion of medical examination and subsequent signing of the contract.” reports italian footballdaily.com

The former Atalanta forward could be teaming up with Maxwell Acosty Boady who has been on the transfer radar of many top flight sides in Italy.

Richmond Boakye set for Latina switch after Dutch nightmare

Three Serie A sides jostling for Maxwel Acosty Boadu

Latina defender Maxwell Acosty Boadu could be set for an early return to the Serie A after three top clubs in the division inquired about his availability in the winter transfer window.

The 24 year old Ghanaian scoring defender has been touted as one of the finest center backs in the Italian Serie B despite his club’s predicament.

The much sort after Ghanaian has been strongly linked with Empoli, Fiorentina and Atalanta ahead of a potential return to the Serie A.

The commading defender had two spells in the top flight league before returning to the second tier league with Latina. A combination of defensive solidity and aerial threat has seen the Ghanaian on the radar of many domestic rivals including Fiorentina where he enjoyed brief spell in the Serie A.

The Latina center back has since scored 6 goals and 3 assists in his 20 appearances in the second tier league. A combined appearance of 104 league matches in Italian football seems to confirmed the sudden rise in fortunes of the nomadic defender.

Fierontina has reportedly been credited with an interest in their former defender despite facing competition from Empoli and Atalanta.

Acosty endured five appearances for the Viola in Florence but a permanent deal looks imminent if he can sustain his impressive form in the serie B.

Three Serie A sides jostling for Maxwel Acosty Boadu

Bright Addae sufferes heavy defeat with Ascoli

Ghana youth international Bright Christopher Addae suffered a damaging defeat in the Serie A as he continues to battle relegation.

The Ascoli midfielder lasted the full throttle of the game in a 4-0 thumping away to Virtus. The 24 year old was however powerless to prevent his newcomers in a demolition exercise in the second tier league.

The former Wa All Stars defensive screen lasted the entire span of the game as Ascoli dropped back into the relegation muddy waters.

Bright Addae endured a bright start to the game before early goal from Gaetan Musua deflation the egos of the visiting Ascoli away to Virtus. Further first half brace from Francisco Capito added to Simeone Lacoponi strike in a blistering turn around by the host.

Addae has been an ever present figure for the Serie B newcomers with 18 appearance and a goal to his name. Ascolu dropped to the 19th place on the log separated from the drop zone by just 2 points.

Bright Addae sufferes heavy defeat with Ascoli

Yussif Chibsah suffers heavy defeat in Italy

Italy based Ghanaian midfielder Yussif Chibsah suffered a heavy defeat at home to Napoli in the Serie A.

The Frosinone midfielder landed his 13th appearance of the season in a 0-5 thumping at home to the high flying Naples.

The 22 year old defensive midfielder came on as a replacement for Kragl but could do little to prevent his side from the heavy home defeat.

Raul Albiol shot Napoli into 20 minutes lead before Gonzalo Higuian doubled the lead before recess with his 19th goal of the season.

Marek Hamsik and Higuian made it four in a space of one minute on the hour mark to kill the tie as a contest.

Manager of Frosinone brought on Chibsah on the hour mark to provide defensive steel at the middle of the pitch but his presence failed to prevent Gabiadini from scoring the 5th for the visitors before Samanaro pulled one back to make it 1-5.

The defeat leaves Frosinone in a desperate fight away from the drop with 15 points from 19 games as they fall into the button three.

Yussif Chibsah suffers heavy defeat in Italy

Kwadwo Asamoah ready to unleash discovered spell self after coming through worst spell of injury

Ghana midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah says he is ready to unleash his newly discovered self after coming through the worst moments of his life with injury.

The 26-year-old is now fully fit and back training with the first team of his Italian club Juventus.

Asamoah had battled his way through a series of injuries which lasted over a year.

This is the worst spell of injury to have faced the former Udinese man.

But the talented Asamoah says the injury revealed to him a hidden quality which he will be unleashing on his return.

“Now, everything is about the mentality that I am bringing back to the field,” he told Metro TV.

“This (the injury) has really made me strong because I have learnt so many things.

“With this injury, there were some things that I thought was normal and the things that I had inside me, I wasn’t showing. So this is the time for me to show it.”

Kwadwo Asamoah will be included in Juventus’ Champions League squad for the second half of the competition having been excluded from the initial squad due to his injury.

Kwadwo Asamoah ready to unleash discovered spell self after coming through worst spell of injury