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Napoli are about to complete their first January addition, as Pasquale Mazzocchi took the medicals in Rome ahead of the completion of the deal on Wednesday. The Partenopei had to raise their initial offer and shook hands with Salernitana for €3M, La Gazzetta dello Sport relays.
Director Walter Sabatini slammed the counterparty for their opening bid, but the two sides met halfway quickly. The Granata initially wanted €5M. They could have gotten €10M in the past when his valuation was at its peak following an Azzurri call-up.
Napoli targeted Mazzocchi to have a more experienced Giovanni Di Lorenzo deputy. The two can play together in a different scheme, and the newcomer can also feature on the left wing. The acquisition will allow Alessandro Zanoli to depart on loan. Genoa continue to be in pole position. They shipped off Silvan Hefti to Montpellier on loan to make room.
The 28-year-old journeyman blossomed at Venezia in Serie B and was signed by Salernitana after his maiden season in the top flight. He previously played at Pro Piacenza, Rimini, Parma, and Perugia. He has 78 appearances, 2 goals, and 7 assists in Serie A to his name.
Our Take on Mazzocchi and Napoli
He hasn’t returned to stellar levels after a knee injury, but it’s still a solid signing that doesn’t break the bank. It makes more sense to have a veteran than a youngster who needs minutes in a secondary role. He’ll probably end up starring more than expected.
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Courage abruptly fire head coach Sean Nahas
The North Carolina Courage dismissed head coach Sean Nahas, announcing the news in a tersely worded statement posted to social media. "The North Carolina Courage have terminated the contract of Head Coach Sean Nahas, effective immediately," read the statement, issued late Wednesday. "The North Carolina Courage remain focused on the continued development of the team and maintaining a professional, competitive environment for players, staff, and supporters." The National Women's Soccer League team has not named a replacement. Nahas, 47, was named interim coach in October 2021 after Paul Riley was fired following allegations of sexual misconduct with players. Riley later was banned from the league. The Courage named Nahas the permanent coach two months later, and the team qualified for the playoffs in 2023 and 2024. They also won two NWSL Challenge Cup titles during his tenure. This season, the club is 5-5-4 (19 points) and in ninth place in the NWSL, one spot below the playoff line. Damon Nahas, Sean's brother, is the head coach of the powerhouse women's soccer team at North Carolina. The Tar Heels won the NCAA title in 2024.
Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani reaches yet another incredible milestone
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani entered Wednesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals on the precipice of another milestone. Ohtani had recorded 999 hits in his career, an impressive number considering he continued to hit while rehabbing after a pair of elbow surgeries and the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He notched his 1,000th career hit in the third inning, belting a two-run homer off Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore. While that home run temporarily gave his team a 2-1 lead, the Dodgers' bullpen failed to hold on in the 5-3 loss. Ohtani has put together an impressive season as he slowly works himself back as a starting pitcher. He has posted a .276/.381/.606 batting line in 521 plate appearances, hitting 39 homers and 15 doubles while stealing 16 bases. Ohtani also has a 2.37 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP over 19 innings, striking out 25 batters with just five walks. His 1,000th hit is another milestone in a career that is on track to end in Cooperstown. The 2018 American League Rookie of the Year, Ohtani is a five-time All-Star and three-time MVP, joining Hall of Fame outfielder Frank Robinson as the only players to win the MVP award in both leagues. He is one home run shy of his fourth season with 40 or more homers and is the only player in major league history to hit 50+ homers and steal 50+ bases in the same season. Ohtani's exploits on the mound have been equally impressive. He has reached the double-digit mark in wins twice and has struck out more than 150 batters in a season three times. Ohtani finished fourth in the 2022 AL Cy Young race after posting a 15-9 record with a 2.33 ERA and a 1.012 WHIP over 166 innings, striking out 219 batters with 44 walks. It is sure to be one of the many milestones Ohtani reaches as his career continues.
Patriots stars react to HC Mike Vrabel getting bloodied while breaking up camp fight
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel likely won the respect of his team Wednesday. However, he may have needed a few stitches afterward. The Patriots hosted a joint practice with the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson took a Commanders pass-rusher to the ground in pass protection, resulting in a scuffle. Vrabel then jumped in to help stop the fight. His face was bloodied after both teams calmed down. Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye loved that his coach was willing to step in. In a news conference after practice, the 22-year-old passer said that's the mentality the team needs. "That's what we're trying to build," he said. "The intensity, bringing it every day, taking no cr-p when we're out on the field. But also, it comes a time where, with our guys offensively, and getting over there and getting some tussles and kind of having some penalties, and extra after the whistle, can get us in trouble. But for mentality, I like it. I mean, I almost got in there, but I think maybe another day, maybe." His new coach doesn't want the QB to get in any brawls. The Patriots are banking on the third overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft being the franchise's future. Plus, he doesn't need to worry about the Patriots' intensity with Vrabel in the building. New England wide receiver DeMario Douglas noted the former linebacker didn't seem rattled after breaking up the scrap. "I said, 'Coach, what's wrong with you?' And he said, 'You should have seen the other guy,'" Douglas told the media while smiling. "I just saw the scar on his face but didn't know what was happening." Vrabel likely sent two messages at Wednesday's practice. He won't tolerate an undisciplined team but also has his players' backs. That could go a long way for a Patriots squad aiming to improve after a 4-13 season.
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Jalen Milroe Surges Past Former NFL Starter on First Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart
Despite being viewed as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe ended up sliding into the third round. The 22-year-old who was the starter for Alabama for two seasons was selected with the No. 92 pick by the Seattle Seahawks. Although every player's dream is to go in the first round, Milroe likely couldn't have gone to a better situation. There is virtually no pressure on him as the Seahawks signed former Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Sam Darnold, to a three-year, $100.5 million contract this offseason, and also have Drew Lock, who has started 28 career games on the roster as well. However, based on ESPN's initial depth chart, Milroe may be climbing the depth chart sooner than most expected. Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart As reported by ESPN, the Seahawks depth chart goes as follows: QB1: Sam Darnold QB2 Jalen Milroe QB3 Drew Lock If this truly ends up being the case, Milroe has taken major strides following his final season at Alabama. During his final year in Tuscaloosa, Milroe was criticized heavily for forcing passes into windows that weren't there after being late on reads. In his final season at Alabama, Milroe threw a career-high 11 interceptions to just 16 touchdowns, an increase of five more interceptions than he threw in 2023. Although training camp is still ongoing and the preseason games have yet to be played, clearly, Milroe is finding some success in the pacific northwest.
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