Ajax interested in Udineses Nicolo Zaniolo, Italian could be Mika Godts replacementSerie A side Udinese have been involved in a bit of a battle for Nicolo Zaniolo throughout this summer and the attacker has attracted interest from Ajax.The Italian joined the Friulian side permanently in the summer but has been pushing to renew his contract, to earn better terms than the one initially agreed upon. This led to links with other clubs but soon, Udinese tied him down to a better deal.Now, Tuttomercatowebreport that Ajax are interested in the winger and they see him as a replacement for Mika Godts, who is on his way to Paris Saint-Germain.The Dutch club have gathered information about Zaniolo and initial contact for his possible signature has already been made. It is believed this is a situation worth monitoring, even if the ex-Roma players current deal in Udine runs out in 2029.Move would be a mark of progressA move to Ajax would allow Zaniolo to play in Europe again and it would be a sign of how he has improved at Udinese. It would another move away from Italy for someone who has now had spells in England and Turkey and is no stranger to fancy adventures abroad.Kaustubh Pandey GIFN

Fans represent their clubs and exercise to win them points [BBC]A charity which encourages rival football fans to score points for their team through exercise and its own league has held its first fun run. About 80 runners took part in the Fans to 5k event in Lockleaze, North Bristol, through an initiative which was set up by football fans to help the health and fitness of football supporters. Founder Grant Rees said: "Everyone can use this, everyone can be a part of it and represent their club and, the more miles you carry out, the more points for your club. But we cap it at five miles so that it's inclusive."There are 840 supporters now signed up representing football clubs, rugby clubs, cricket clubs and community organisations across the UK. More from Bristol Man, 90, with Parkinson's walks 90 miles for charityStar hopes to give back to hometown with football deal'People don't expect disabled people to have sex'Rees said the idea was to "gamify" a 10-week Couch to 5k programme, "so you can either follow the training plan that we put together, or you can come in and do your daily mile, or your own training".Then, over 10 weeks, the points people achieved meant their team could go either up or down in the league, he said.Grant Rees wanted to create something where football rivalry helped people get fit [BBC]"I'm a Bristol Rovers fan myself. My dad's a Bristol City fan," Rees said."Between us, we've seen that, depending on who you supported [changed], what health and fitness initiative you could have. "So I decided to create something that everyone could use and everyone can be a part of it and represent their club."Wendy Watson said, after having serious surgery last year, if she could take part "anyone can" [BBC]Wendy Watson, 82, said she was having surgery a year ago and now she was joining in with the 5k.She said: "If I can do it, anyone can. "My thing [advice] is, get out there, do it and it's better than sitting. Sitting is the new smoking. "Ray Watson, 77, said it was his first event since he had a heart attack running the Bristol 10k five years ago, so "I'm chuffed just to finish".He said: "Any form of movement is good. It doesn't have to be running, it could just be walking. "I can't run anymore, I'm not allowed to run anymore. But I can still walk."The challenge is accessible through the Fans to 5k app [BBC]Rees said he had got a lot of messages asking "where's my points", so people "do not actually see it as being active and activity miles... so it's been really interesting and fun".He added: "Our strapline is 'healthy rivalry'. "We know that there's rivalry out there. We're going to use that and harness that for good."The challenge is accessed through an app, which is free for clubs and fans to join and "we are trying to break all barriers so the more people want to take part, the merrier," he said.Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Football fans from opposing teams unite for 5k runFootball rivals up for cardiac campaignThe unexpected region fuelling UK's American football rise Related internet links https://fansto5k.co.uk/

Kevin Garnetts response to Doc Rivers question says everything about 2008 Celtics originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Kevin Garnett has never been known for filtering himself, particularly when reminiscing about the Boston Celtics 2008 championship team. That made his carefully measured response about Doc Rivers even funnier.The Celtics reunited Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen during Rivers Hall of Fame weekend and asked members of the 2008 title team to share their favorite stories about their former coach. Boston teased that Garnett kept it camera friendly while revisiting a few memories in a video shared on social media.The implication was obvious: The best Rivers stories probably were not suitable for the Celtics official account.It was a lighthearted moment, but it also captured something meaningful about Rivers relationship with the personalities who powered Boston to its 17th championship. Rivers was not simply responsible for drawing up plays. He had to manage one of the NBAs most intense locker rooms and convince accomplished stars to sacrifice individual numbers for a common goal.Garnetts response served as another reminder of just how many stories that group accumulated during its championship run.Celtics legends reunite for Doc Rivers Hall of Fame momentRivers was formally enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday in Springfield, Mass. Garnett, Pierce and Allen served as his presenters, bringing the core of Bostons 2008 championship team back together for the occasion.That reunion carried considerable weight. The Celtics acquired Garnett and Allen before the 2007-08 season, transforming a 24-win team into an immediate championship contender. Rivers was tasked with blending the new stars alongside Pierce, who had spent the previous nine seasons in Boston.KG kept it camera friendly We asked the '08 squad for their favorite Doc stories pic.twitter.com/yNY4UvqY69 Boston Celtics (@celtics) August 16, 2026The results came quickly. Boston won 66 regular-season games before defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the NBA Finals. Rivers coached the Celtics from 2004 through 2013, compiling a 416-305 regular-season record. Boston reached the playoffs seven times during his tenure, made two NBA Finals appearances and came within one victory of another championship in 2010.His larger coaching rsum earned him a place among basketballs immortals. Rivers accumulated 1,194 regular-season victories across 27 seasons, placing him sixth on the NBAs all-time coaching wins list. He also won the leagues Coach of the Year award during his first season with the Orlando Magic.Still, his championship in Boston remains the defining accomplishment of his coaching career.MORE:Doc Rivers Pulls Off One Final Celtics Coaching Feat At Hall Of FameGarnetts restraint reveals lasting Celtics bondThe 2008 Celtics were not short on strong personalities. Garnett brought relentless intensity. Pierce was Bostons established franchise player. Allen was meticulous in his preparation. Rajon Rondo emerged as a headstrong young point guard surrounded by future Hall of Famers.Keeping that group aligned required more than basketball knowledge. Rivers had to earn its trust, manage inevitable disagreements and find a way to turn several distinct personalities into one connected team.Nearly two decades later, the stories remain alive, even if Garnett apparently decided that some were better left outside the cameras range. Rivers used his induction speech to describe a championship as a blood transfusion, saying the people who win together remain connected for life.The laughter, the reunion and Garnetts unusually careful word choice proved his point.More CelticsLatest CelticsnewsTD Garden fan guide: What to know before you goComplete history of Celticschampionships

Prior to an expected return to the bullpen, Justin Wrobleski is headed to the injured list. The Dodgers announced on Sunday that Wrobleski is being placed on the 15-day injured list with left forearm inflammation. Wrobleski pitched six innings in a start on Saturday, giving up four earned runs in a 4-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Details about Wrobleskis injury and a timeline to return werent initially clear. With Saturdays game, Wrobleski reached 126 1/3 innings pitched, nearly twice his previous career-high tally of 66 2/3 set in 2025. Wrobleski, 26, is in the midst of a breakout season in his third MLB campaign. Primarily a reliever in his first two seasons, Wrobleski moved into the starting rotation this season and earned his first All-Star selection.Justin Wrobleski's next pitch for the Dodgers could come out of the bullpen.MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images via Getty ImagesDoes inflammation account for Wrobleskis recent struggles?But his performance has faded in recent starts. Wrobleskis allowed 19 runs across 19 2/3 innings in his last four starts. Hes allowed 11 home runs in those four starts, each of which resulted in Dodgers losses. He allowed two home runs in Saturdays loss to Milwaukee that allowed the Brewers (76-48) to increase their lead over the Dodgers (74-50) for the best record in the National League.Amid those struggles and a bolstered Dodgers rotation, manager Dave Roberts said before Saturdays game that he expected to move Wrobleski back to the bullpen at some point in time.The anticipated move is as much about a loaded Dodgers rotation thats getting healthy as Wrobleskis performance. Wrobleskis next pitch could come out of bullpenThe Dodgers added two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline. Fellow two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell (elbow) returned to game action last week for his first start since May and just his second of the season. He struck out 10 and allowed just one run in six innings. Former All-Star Tyler Glasnow, meanwhile, pitched his third rehab start from a back injury on Saturday and is expected to return to the rotation soon. Reigning World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues to pitch at an All-Star level, and Eric Lauer and Roki Sasaki have been regular starters in the Los Angeles rotation. This is all before the expected pitching return of two-way superstar Shoehei Ohtani, who was in Cy Young contention before knee issues forced him out of the rotation in July.It all adds up to a stacked and full Dodgers rotation. Assuming that Wrobleski does return to the roster this season, his next pitch and role in the postseason very likely could be in relief.

Diamondbacks future with Torey Lovullo likely to rely on playoff outcome originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the middle of a very contested postseason hunt in the NL Wild Card with the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies.Entering Sunday's slate of games, the Diamondbacks were tied with both clubs but, due to tiebreakers, got a spot in the playoffs. But things could easily fall apart between now and the end of September.For Torey Lovullo, a lot appears to be riding on the playoffs. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, if the Diamondbacks miss the postseason, they're likely to fire Lovullo. His job relies upon making the postseason or not.Torey Lovullo's D-Backs job relies on postseason berth"Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, barring a dramatic change, likely must make the playoffs to keep his job," Nightengale writes. "He's in the final year of his contract, and there have been no talks about an extension."Arizona is currently 66-59 on the season after a loss on Sunday against the Atlanta Braves. But with two Wild Card spots up for grabs, the D-Backs don't have any room for error. This loss could hurt them drastically.And for Lovullo, it seems like his future as the Diamondbacks manager relies on whether he can help lead this team to the postseason.The former Manager of the Year and 2023 National League champion has a solid resume to start his D-Backs managerial career, and in the last couple of seasons.MORE:Phillies receive slightly worrying 65% playoff odds projection from ESPNBut the 80-82 record last year, and the mediocre seasons before that, outside of a World Series appearance in 2023, have Lovullo's job in question.While there is still a chance the Diamondbacks bring him back if they fail to reach the postseason, missing the playoffs would give them a clean way to move on from the 10th-year manager.His future with the ballclub is very much in doubt as the 2026 season rolls along. He's not under contract beyond the season, and this report from Nightengale reveals he's more likely than not to be let go if the D-Backs fall short of the postseason this year.More MLB news:Red Sox get 8.2% chance to win World Series, which is more than Yankees oddsDodgers prospect Kendall George to undergo knee surgery months after viral bat dog incidentDave Dombrowski reveals why Phillies didn't trade for a righty-hitting outfielderBrewers toyed with idea of trading for Padres closer Mason Miller

Spain midfielder Rodri won the World Cup and is now poised to join Barcelona from Manchester City (Odd ANDERSEN)Barcelona have reached a deal with Manchester City to sign Spanish World Cup winner Rodri, a source from the Catalan club told AFP Sunday.The 30-year-old midfielder will move for a fee of around 75 million euros ($87 million) according to reports."In the coming days there will be a statement and (the transfer) will become official," said the Barcelona source.Rodri had been linked with Real Madrid after Spain won the World Cup in July but Barcelona pushed to sign the former Atletico Madrid star, who has played a key part in Manchester City's success since he joined in 2019.The midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons but shone as Spain won their second World Cup.Barca's Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong is set to miss several months through injury, encouraging the club to move for Rodri.The Spain captain was a vital figure for Pep Guardiola at City, leading them to the 2023 Champions League and four Premier League titles among 12 major trophies.Barca's Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong is set to miss several months through injury, encouraging the club to move for Rodri.The Spanish champions had two bids rejected for Rodri but eventually reached a deal with City on Sunday, with the midfielder following Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu to Camp Nou this summer.Rodri, Spain's captain, was a vital figure for Pep Guardiola at City, leading them to the 2023 Champions League and four Premier League titles among 12 major trophies.Barca are also expected to complete a deal to sign Joao Cancelo in the coming days after they loaned him last season from Al Hilal.rbs/ea

What is missing in Romas move for Porto talent Rodrigo MoraSerie A side Roma have been pushing for the signature of Portos Rodrigo Mora. While there were some issues in the deal across the week, the move is back on track.La Gazzetta dello Sport offer background into the deal, stating that Romas first offer was initially accepted by Porto. Gian Piero Gasperinis side put forward 8 million loan with a 42 million option to buy, subject to two conditions Champions League qualification and a 60% participation for Mora.Soon, Porto changed their mind and wanted a higher fee upfront and a better guarantee of the permanent deal. This demand left Roma rattled but they have now come back to the table again.A counter-offer arrived after deliberation from the Friedkins. Roma have now offered 25 million for the permanent purchase plus a 50% interest in the future resale, which can be removed if Roma pay an additional 20 million.This was mainly because Jorge Mendes organised a meeting between the parties today. Now, Moras family and entourage is pushing for a move to Roma and the Portuguese side could give the green light to the move later today.If Roma still face difficulties, they would move on to Lyons Malick Fofana.Kaustubh Pandey GIFN

The Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream meet Sunday at State Farm Arena in a matchup between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, with both clubs battling for playoff positioning as the regular season enters its final stretch.Jun 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) drives the ball towards the basket against Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn ImagesHow to Watch Fever vs DreamDate: Sunday, August 16, 2026Time: 5:00 PM ETChannel: ESPN, ESPN DeportesStream: Fubo (TRY FOR FREE)Indiana enters at 22-12 after winning three straight games and eight of its last 10, including a 98-87 victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday. Caitlin Clark continued her strong stretch with 29 points and 10 assists in that win, and she is listed as probable for Sunday with a back issue. Aliyah Boston is also probable with a lower-leg injury. The Fever currently sit ahead of the 21-12 Dream as they begin a demanding five-game road trip.Atlanta has plenty at stake as well and has already enjoyed success against Indiana this season, including a 113-96 victory on June 20. The Dream enter Sunday just a half-game behind the Fever and have been particularly strong at home, making this an important matchup in the race for positioning near the top of the Eastern Conference.Live stream Fever vs Dream on Fubo: Start your free trial now!With Fubo, you can watch live television without cable on your phone, TV, or tablet. Fubo carries a wide array of sports and entertainment channels, including local sports packages and top national channels like ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, FS1, MTV, Comedy Central, and much more. The best part is you can try it out today for free.Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

The Baltimore Ravens couldn't have asked for a much better start to the Jesse Minter era.Baltimore dominated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-7 on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium, controlling the game from the opening whistle and keeping Philadelphia's offense out of the end zone until the final minutes. The Ravens finished with 440 total yards compared with 159 for Philadelphia and held the Eagles to just six first downs and 0-for-9 on third down. Of course, preseason results have to be placed in the proper context. Neither team played most of its projected starters, and the Ravens were primarily evaluating young players and roster hopefuls.That's exactly what made Baltimore's performance encouraging.Several young Ravens took advantage of their opportunities, giving the coaching staff plenty to evaluate heading into the second preseason game.Here are six players who stood out.1. Elijah SarrattSarratt was arguably the most productive offensive player on the field.The rookie fourth-round pick caught six passes for 66 yards, leading Baltimore in both receptions and receiving yards. He repeatedly found ways to create separation and gave the Ravens a reliable target throughout the night. His best moments came with Joe Fagnano at quarterback, including a 19-yard reception and several chain-moving catches.There was one blemish: Sarratt lost a fumble. But that shouldn't overshadow an otherwise impressive NFL debut.Baltimore has been searching for young receivers capable of expanding the offense around Lamar Jackson. Sarratt gave the coaching staff another reason to believe he can become part of that equation.2. Matthew HibnerHibner was another rookie pass catcher who made his presence felt.The tight end finished with five catches for 61 yards, averaging 12.2 yards per reception. His production was particularly encouraging considering the questions surrounding Baltimore's tight end depth behind its established veterans. Hibner showed the ability to work downfield and provide a legitimate receiving threat. That could become increasingly important in Declan Doyle's offense. If Hibner continues producing at this level, Baltimore could have a fascinating competition for offensive snaps at tight end.3. Ja'Kobi LaneLane's NFL debut lived up to the hype.The rookie wide receiver caught three passes for 38 yards and a 16-yard touchdown, giving Baltimore one of the night's biggest offensive highlights. Lane has generated plenty of buzz throughout training camp, particularly because of his ability to make contested catches and his developing chemistry with Lamar Jackson.The preseason opener provided the first opportunity to see that potential translate to a game.4. Joe FagnanoFagnano may have been the biggest surprise of the night.The undrafted rookie quarterback completed 22 of 28 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown and one interception, finishing with a 97.0 passer rating. Those numbers were even more impressive considering Fagnano was making his NFL debut. He consistently delivered accurate throws and kept Baltimore's offense moving. The Ravens finished with 31 first downs, and Fagnano was responsible for a significant portion of that offensive production.The interception and a few missed opportunities prevent it from being a perfect performance, but Fagnano immediately gave Baltimore something to think about in the quarterback room.He wasn't simply surviving. He was making plays.5. Keyon MartinMartin was one of the defensive stars of the night.The young cornerback finished with four tackles and a sack, and his pressure on Tanner McKee was one of Baltimore's most impressive individual defensive plays. The Ravens' official highlight package specifically featured Martin getting through untouched to sack McKee. Martin also received recognition as Baltimore's best defensive performer from WBAL, which noted that he led the team with four tackles.His performance is particularly important because Baltimore is evaluating considerable depth in the secondary.Martin has been around the Ravens' system since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2025. He now has another opportunity to turn preseason production into a legitimate roster role.Saturday was a strong first step.6. Keondre JacksonJackson continues to make a case for himself in the Ravens' secondary. He and K'Von Wallace each played 29 defensive snaps, or 66% of Baltimore's defensive workload, giving them extensive opportunities to show what they could do.Jackson's development is worth monitoring because Baltimore has plenty of competition for snaps in the secondary.He didn't need a spectacular statistical performance to make an impression. His continued presence around the football and ability to handle an extended workload were encouraging signs. Jackson was already generating buzz before the preseason opener. His performance against Philadelphia gives Baltimore another reason to keep watching his progress.Honorable mentionsThe Ravens had several other players who deserve recognition.Adam Randall scored Baltimore's first touchdown of the night on a four-yard run and finished with 46 rushing yards on 12 carries.Tyler Huntley also provided quality quarterback play, completing 6 of 7 passes for 76 yards while adding some mobility to the offense.Vega Ioane received an extended look on the offensive line and showed encouraging signs in pass protection. Baltimore's rookie class collectively made a strong first impression.This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 6 standouts from Ravens' preseason win over the Eagles

ATLANTA (AP) Matt Olson hit a three-run homer to back six strong innings from Bryce Elder, leading the Atlanta Braves past the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep.After Ildemaro Vargas homered in the seventh off Didier Fuentes (5-1) to tie the game at 2, Olson hit a 3-0 pitch from Brandyn Garcia over the center-field wall with two outs and a pair of runners aboard in the bottom half. The 437-foot shot was Olson's 36th homer of the season.Elder bounced back from one of his worst starts of the season by allowing just four hits, including Gabriel Moreno's homer leading off the fourth that evened the score at 1. Elder surrendered seven runs and 10 hits in a loss to the New York Mets in his previous appearance.Ronald Acua Jr. put the Braves up 2-1 with a run-scoring double in the fifth, but he struck out against Garcia with runners at first and third in the seventh. Olson followed with the game-winning homer as the first-place Braves salvaged the series finale after dropping the first two games.Raisel Iglesias surrendered a run in the ninth but still claimed his 25th save.San Diego remains the lone team to sweep a three-game set from Atlanta this season.Arizona came into the game in a three-way tie with San Diego and Philadelphia for the NL's final two wild-card slots.After hitting two homers in a blowout win Saturday, Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado left this game with left trunk discomfort sustained while running out a grounder in the fourth. He was replaced by Vargas.Michael Soroka went 5 2/3 innings against his former team, surrendering six hits and two runs. Taylor Clarke (2-3) took the loss.Up nextDiamondbacks: LHP Mitch Bratt (1-1, 3.74 ERA) takes the mound in Boston to open a three-game series against the Red Sox on Monday.Braves: Head to Minnesota to open a three-game series against the Twins on Monday. LHP Martn Prez (8-6, 2.96) tries to extend a streak of 18 consecutive scoreless innings when he faces RHP Bailey Ober (7-4, 4.64). ___See APs full MLB coverage here