Serie A: Inter register 5-3 comeback win over Udinese

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Milan, Sep 15 (IANS) Inter Milan produced a stunning comeback after falling 2-0 behind against Udinese, eventually winning 5-3 through goals from Carlos Augusto, Barella, Thuram, Esposito and Bonny.

The Bianconeri made a fast start and opened up a two-goal lead in the first 16 minutes, but a superb left-footed strike from Carlos Augusto and a right-footed finish from Barella from a tight angle brought Inter level before half-time.

In the second half, the Nerazzurri completed the comeback through Thuram before pulling away with Pio Esposito, who finished off a superb move, and Bonny. Udinese pulled another goal back through Gueye late on, but Inter ran out 5-3 winners at San Siro.

Ahead of the match, a special, the two unforgettable champions from Inter’s history Giuseppe Bergomi and Lothar Matthaus were honoured by President and CEO Giuseppe Marotta on the pitch at the Meazza in recognition of their extraordinary careers in Nerazzurri colours.

With a win, the Italian champions continued their perfect start to the Serie A season and remain joint top of the table on maximum points alongside Roma, their next opponents at the Stadio Olimpico.

After a match packed with drama and goals, Inter coach Cristian Chivu gave his assessment of his team’s performance.

“These are our strengths. We have a squad that allows us to play in a certain way, maintain a high level and remain true to the team’s identity and DNA. We lacked energy in the opening 25 minutes, while Udinese did well to punish our carelessness, but we responded. I was pleased with the mentality and pride we showed, although I also need to assess what did not work and what I was unable to get across during the week.

We have to play this way because it is our identity. We are not perfect and do not claim to be. We know we need to keep working because the season is long and there are still many areas in which we can improve,” said Chivu.

–IANS

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‘You’re one of the OGs’: Kohli leads RCB’s emotional farewell to long-serving physio Speechly

Bengaluru, May 5 (IANS) Royal Challengers Bengaluru paid a heartfelt tribute to their long-serving head physio Evan Speechly, bringing the curtains down on an 18-year association that spanned from 2008 to 2025 and marked the end of a significant chapter in the franchise’s journey.

A familiar and respected presence behind the scenes, Speechly returned to Bengaluru for a special farewell organised by the team, where players and support staff gathered to acknowledge his immense contribution over nearly two decades.

Leading the tributes, the team’s veteran, Virat Kohli, reflected on his long-standing association with Speechly and the personal bond they had built over the years.

“I’ve probably spent the most amount of time with you in the RCB setup. You’re one of the OGs. Apart from your hard work and professionalism, the thing that will always stand out is your kindness, care, and integrity. That’s something I’ll always carry with me. To say that you’ll always be a part of this family, you always have been, and you always will be. We’ll remember you fondly forever,” the former RCB skipper said.

RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, emphasised the significance of Speechly’s role within the setup, noting that the farewell was a fitting gesture to honour his legacy.

“Evan has been our lead physio for a huge amount of time. We wanted to bring him back to recognise his contribution, spend some time with him, and celebrate everything he’s done for RCB,” he said.

Clearly moved by the occasion, Speechly spoke about his deep emotional connect with the franchise and its people.

“When I walked into the hotel yesterday, it felt like coming home. So many of us have been here a long time, and RCB has always felt like family. Everyone in world cricket would love to spend even one season here, I’ve been fortunate to have had 18. I’ll always feel a part of RCB,” he said.

Throughout his tenure, Speechly worked closely with multiple generations of players, earning trust and respect within the dressing room. As RCB move forward, the farewell served as a reminder of the vital role played by those behind the scenes in shaping the team’s culture and continuity.

–IANS

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Tania Sachdev lashes out at Delhi govt for lack of recognition

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) India chess veteran Tania Sachdev has voiced her frustration on social media over the Delhi government’s failure to acknowledge her accomplishments.

In a social media post, the Delhi-based player highlighted her achievements and expressed how the Delhi government had failed to recognise her achievements adequately while tagging Chief Minister Atishi and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal.

“Having played for India since 2008 It’s disheartening to see a lack of recognition from the Delhi government for achievements in chess. States that support and celebrate their champions, directly inspire excellence and motivate talent. Sadly, Delhi has yet to take this step,” Tania posted on X.

Tania was a member of the Indian women’s team that won the historic gold medal at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, alongside Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali R, Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agarwal. She was also part of the team that secured bronze at the 2022 Chess Olympiad, where Tania herself earned an individual medal.

“In 2022 Chess Olympiad I came back with a historic team bronze and an individual medal. Two years later 2024, the historic Chess Olympic gold, and till date there has been no acknowledgment or recognition by the state govt. As someone who proudly represents Delhi and India, I hope @AamAadmiParty @AtishiAAP ma’am @ArvindKejriwal sir see value in supporting their chess athletes,” she added.

Tania, an Arjuna awardee, is a two-time national champion and a three-time Commonwealth chess champion.

–IANS

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Football: Ten-man India U23 lose lead and match against Tajikistan

New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) The India U23 men’s side failed to capitalise on their lead twice and suffered a 2-3 defeat at the hands of hosts Tajikistan U23s, after being reduced to 10 men in a friendly match at the TALCO Arena, in Tursunzoda, Tajikistan, on Wednesday.

Suhail Ahmad Bhat (33’) and Parthib Sundar Gogoi (85’) put India in the lead twice, but Ansor Khabibov (59’) and Muhammadiqbol Davlatov (90+1’) restored parity on both occasions before Muhammadali Azizboev (90+5’) struck the winner late in injury time. India midfielder Ayush Chhetri was sent off 10 minutes into the second half.

In an even start to the game, India arguably had a clearer chance. Winger Mohammed Sanan sent in a cross towards Vinith Venkatesh at the far post. The latter’s side-footed volley, however, lacked direction.

Tajikistan had to wait till the half-hour mark for their first real chance of the game when they earned a free-kick on their left flank. Faridun Davlav rose above the sea of heads inside the India box to head it, but his effort went over.

India capitalised on a counter-attacking opportunity just minutes later and took the lead. In the 33rd minute, Macarton Louis Nickson, breaking at speed down the right, sent a pinpoint low cross at the feet of an onrushing Suhail inside the Tajikistan box. The striker, with a single touch, put the ball past the goalkeeper, and the Blue Colts took the lead.

Trailing by a goal, the hosts looked determined to draw level before the half-time whistle and came close on a couple of occasions. With five minutes of regulation time left in the first half, Ansor Khabibov broke free on the left and crossed it towards Shahboz Khabibov at the near post. India goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey, however, rushed in to punch the ball out.

An injury-time free-kick from the right flank saw Faridun come close once again as he headed the ball, but a wall of Indian legs came in the way before the ball was eventually cleared out of the area.

While the second half began much in a similar fashion, with both sides feeling out the cracks and crevasses in the other’s defence, India suddenly found themselves at a disadvantage when midfielder Chhetri was shown a yellow card for the second time, for a tackle from behind.

With the man advantage, the hosts soon equalised, Khabibov turning in a cross from Muso Khakhorov in the 59th minute.

Despite the increasing number of Tajikistan attacks, India managed to take the lead a second time when Mohammed Aimen intercepted a ball near the half-line, catching the Tajikistan defence by surprise. He played an accurate through-ball to Gogoi, who expertly rounded the keeper and scored.

India’s delight was not to last too long, however, as the hosts scored from two set-pieces in injury time. Muhammadiqbol drew Tajikistan level, turning in a free-kick from Abubakar Sulaymonov before Azizboev nodded in a corner to complete a remarkable comeback for the hosts.

–IANS

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