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• Spalletti urges Italy to learn from Belgium mistake against Israel

  Luciano Spalletti lauded Italy's spirit but warned his side must learn from their mistakes when they host Israel in Monday's Nations League clash.

  Italy are top of their group, one point ahead of France, who smashed Israel 4-1 on Thursday.

  Spalletti's side were held to a 2-2 draw with Belgium on the same day, throwing away an early two-goal lead after Lorenzo Pellegrini was dismissed for striking out at Arthur Theate.

  The Azzurri manager referenced that error as Spalleti urged his side to use the Belgium draw as a learning curve.

  "The team is working hard, sweating for the shirt, sacrificing themselves," the former Napoli head coach said at Sunday's press conference. 

  "The problem we learned from the last game is that in football one incident can ruin all the good work, so we must always learn from our mistakes."

  Italy defeated Israel 2-1 in their first group-stage meeting thanks to goals from Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean in Budapest.

  Spalletti expects another stern examination, however, as Israel aim to bounce back from their thrashing by France last time out.

  "I don't know exactly who will start because it's a very delicate game with many hidden dangers," Spalletti added before confirming Guglielmo Vicario will start in goal instead of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

  "Israel are a good team that can play football, so we have to keep our balance and organisation. I hope our team can take control of the game.

  "Israel won't have the same attitude they showed against us or with France, as at times they sit deep and wait, at others they try to press you."

  Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli will be pushing for a starting berth in Udine, though questions remain as to whether he can partner Torino's Samuele Ricci.

  "Fagioli deserves more playing time and he is working hard, but this time I won't be able to give you too many hints on the line-up," continued Spalletti.

  "He can play with Ricci, I gave him the role in front of the defence because I think it can suit him, but he must also know how to change tempo and direction, shake off man-marking and use the midfield like a trampoline to bounce the ball from one side to another."

• Olympic champion Noah Lyles proposes to Jamaican girlfriend Junelle Bromfield, receives global track and field support

  Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles and his Jamaican girlfriend, quarter-miler Junelle Bromfield, are officially engaged, marking a significant moment in their relationship. Lyles recently shared a heartwarming video on Instagram, where he proposed to Bromfield in a beautifully orchestrated setting that has since drawn congratulations from track and field stars worldwide.

  In the video, Lyles, with in a giant heart made of rose petals with the words "Will You Marry Me?" displayed, asked Bromfield for her hand in marriage. Bromfield, wearing a shimmering silver gown, accepted the proposal, showing off a stunning engagement ring as Lyles knelt before her. The post was captioned with a touching message from Lyles: "To My Future Wife, I Will Love You Forever."

  The couple, who have been together for several years, have endured challenges, including recent cyber-bullying directed at Bromfield after Lyles revealed that she sometimes shares insights into Jamaican track and field training groups. Despite the adversity, their bond has only grown stronger, and the engagement is a testament to their resilience and love for one another.

  Lyles’ Instagram post quickly garnered congratulatory messages from several global track and field stars, including Dina Asher-Smith of Great Britain, Jamaica’s Charokee Young, French hurdles star Cyrena Samba-Mayela, and Alyshia Miller-Powell, wife of former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell. Olympic gold medalist Alexis Holmes, retired sprint hurdlers Jasmine Stowers and Dawn Harper-Nelson, Jamaican Olympian Shashalee Forbes, and fellow Olympian Andrenette Knight were also among the many who sent their best wishes.

  Notably, Jamaican Olympian and Member of Parliament Juliet Cuthbert Flynn was also among the well-wishers, celebrating the couple’s joyful moment.

  With the support of the global athletics community behind them, Lyles and Bromfield now look forward to their future together as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives.

• Maldon High makes history as daCosta Cup second round takes shape

  Maldon High secured their first-ever spot in the second round of the ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup football competition after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Green Pond High on Saturday at the Granville Community Centre. The result marked a significant milestone for Maldon, who will now advance to the second round along with six other teams, leaving only the best third-placed teams to be decided on Monday.

  In a thrilling conclusion to their Zone A return game, Garth-Dane Bromwell gave Green Pond the lead in the 85th minute, putting them on course for back-to-back wins and a place in the second round for the first time since 2019. However, Maldon struck late to level the game and secure their historic qualification.

   Defending champions Clarendon College also advanced from Zone H despite a 1-2 loss to Denbigh High, who avenged their earlier defeat and joined Clarendon in the second round. Denbigh’s victory was only their second-ever win over the multiple-time champions, further shaking up the group standings. Central High took the lead in Zone H after a 3-2 win over Lennon High, with Clarendon College now in second and Denbigh following closely in third, all with one game remaining.

   Former champions Frome Technical, Rusea’s High, and St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) also secured their places in the next round. Stevaughn Spence was the star for Frome, netting a hat-trick in their 3-0 win over Anchovy High, which moved them to 23 points in Zone B. Rusea’s joined them in advancing after a narrow 1-0 victory over Green Island High.

   STETHS ended their Zone E campaign on a high note, defeating early qualifiers Munro College 2-1 at the STETHS Sports Complex to claim their spot in the round of 32.

   Meanwhile, Glenmuir High, early qualifiers from Zone I who won their first eight games, stumbled with a second consecutive loss, falling 1-2 to Garvey Maceo High. This marked the first time in more than two seasons that Glenmuir has lost back-to-back matches.

   In Zone D, Manning’s School continued their dominant form, winning their eighth straight game with a resounding 6-0 victory over Grange Hill High. Gregory Phillips led the way with four goals, while Keandre Ellis and Zachry Clarke added one each, completing a dominant performance.

   As the daCosta Cup second round approaches, excitement continues to build, with several powerhouse teams and emerging contenders ready to battle it out for the coveted title.