Roberto Mancini's return feels right - but can he restore Italy to its former glory?
The Italian Football Federation has had a week of drama worthy of EastEnders, with Andrea Pirlo blocked from becoming head coach, Pep Guardiola declining the opportunity, Paolo Maldini’s resignation, and finally Roberto Mancini's reappointment as the next head coach of the Azzurri.
Former Manchester City manager Mancini has brought success to Italy before at Euro 2020, but is he truly the right person to get Italy’s national team back on track and give the country something to be truly proud of?
Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi delves into this particular move and whether the FIGC have made the right move to revive Italian football.
Soccer news: Paolo Maldini to lead revamp of Italian national team set-up alongside Leonardo
Paolo Maldini has officially been appointed as the new technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and will be joined by former AC Milan team-mate Leonardo as special advisor.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi takes a closer look at Maldini’s appointment and what it means for the FIGC and national set-up moving forward.
Manchester City's New Chapter: What to Expect in the 2026/2027 Premier League Season
How Pep Guardiola’s departure and Enzo Maresca’s arrival could reshape Manchester City in the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
A look at tactics, rivals, and title chances.
Carabao Cup news: Arsenal and Mikel Arteta left frustrated as Man City, Pep Guardiola seal glory
Manchester City and Pep Guardiola secured a 2-0 victory over rivals Arsenal and Mikel Arteta in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, writes Sports News Blitz’s Tyler Cooke.
Guardiola’s side ultimately showed greater composure and a clinical edge on the big stage, turning up when it mattered, while Arsenal struggled to find rhythm and failed to convert key chances.
How Manchester City’s January transfers could shape their February push
Manchester City is heading into February with a common set of problems. It needs to fight on multiple fronts while seeking marginal gains that will determine its chances of a trophy.
This includes a tight Premier League race, domestic cups in play, and the European season.
Pep Guardiola’s side will therefore use the January transfer window to fine-tune the team further.
They will especially focus on strengthening depth, addressing emerging weaknesses, and maintaining high competition across the squad.
In this article, we’ll cover those transfers.
Transfer news: Antoine Semenyo completes £65m move to Manchester City from Bournemouth
Manchester City have completed the signing of forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal worth £65million, writes Sports News Blitz’s Alex Rhodes.
The Ghana international joins in a record-breaking sale for the Cherries, with City activating a release clause that was due to expire on Saturday. Bournemouth will receive £62.5m over 24 monthly instalments, with additional bonuses included.
Semenyo has signed a contract until 2031 and will wear the number 42, emulating Premier League legend Yaya Touré, who won three Premier League titles with City.
High-pressing tactics in modern football
Explore the rise of high-pressure tactics in football. Learn how this strategy evolved from early experiments to dominating modern playstyles
Pep Guardiola gives Phil Foden reality check as Man City celebrate Premier League milestone
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has sent a clear message to midfielder Phil Foden, praising his influence this season but urging him to refine parts of his game.
His words came after City celebrated a historic Premier League attacking record following their 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Champions League analysis: Five key talking points from Real Madrid vs Man City
In just their second ever victory at the Bernabeu, Manchester City were worthy winners against a largely lacklustre Real Madrid side.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Tom Gardiner gives his thoughts on the game.
Premier League news: Can Pep Guardiola’s rejuvenated Man City side challenge Arsenal for the title?
Despite the Premier League season being just 11 matchweeks old, most of the talk so far has been around Arsenal and their seemingly relentless, unstoppable march towards the 2025/26 title.
This past weekend, however, Manchester City made people sit up and take notice as they dismantled champions Liverpool with a 3-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
But what is it that makes Man City serious title contenders? Here, Sports News Blitz writer Joseph Ould takes a look…
Man City vs Liverpool: Five key battles to look out for ahead of the Premier League clash
Liverpool travel to the Etihad this weekend, on Sunday, November 9, to take on Manchester City in what promises to be another feisty encounter in this Premier League fixture.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Will Thomas takes a look at the five key battles which could decide the game.
Inside the mind: Deconstructing the cult of the manager - The four myths of ‘Zombie Leadership’
In the second article of Sports News Blitz’s new series, ‘Inside the Mind,’ Ted Purcell tells all on why sacking the manager rarely solves a club’s problem.
FA Cup recall: A look at Man City’s road to final clash v Crystal Palace at Wembley
Manchester City have been dethroned as kings of England by Premier League champions Liverpool - but they are still up for the FA Cup this season.
Pep Guardiola’s Man City troops have had an inconsistent season since losing the services of injured talisman Rodri - but they have a chance to win some silverware when they face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 17.
Previously we have looked at the Eagles’ road to the final - and now Sports News Blitz Academy writer Max Snigorski looks back at the results Man City racked up to reach the showpiece final.
FA Cup news: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City – Five key battles and score prediction
Nottingham Forest are headed to Wembley in the FA Cup for the first time since 1991, when they fell at the final hurdle in a 2-1 loss to Tottenham after extra time.
This tie won't be any easier as they need to overcome seven-time FA Cup winners and last year’s runners-up Manchester City.
Sports News Blitz writer Liam Caffry takes a look at five key battles to anticipate in the second semi-final on Sunday.
Premier League news: Manchester City vs Crystal Palace – Five key battles and score prediction
Manchester City are in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time since 2010, currently sitting in sixth place on the Premier League table with only seven games to go.
Ahead of the clash at the Etihad, Sports News Blitz writer Liam Caffry takes a look at the two managers as well as some key battles to be fought on the pitch before offering a score prediction.
Man Utd news: Manchester rivals play out goalless draw in snoozefest derby
Manchester United and Manchester City could only manage a goalless draw on Sunday as the Manchester derby turned out to be a snoozefest.
Sports News Blitz writer Robert Bore reviews a dull affair at Old Trafford.
Man City news: Midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne to leave Etihad this summer
Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has revealed that he is bringing the curtain down on his trophy-laden spell at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
With his current contract set to expire at the end of season, De Bruyne has decided to confirm his upcoming departure on social media, saying: “These will be my final months as a Manchester City player. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the last chapter. Let’s enjoy these last moments together.”
Here, Sports News Blitz takes a look back at the Belgian’s time in Manchester.
Premier League betting tips: Trust in Declan Rice, and brace yourself for a Manchester Derby short on fireworks
The Premier League rolls on, and after a midweek dose of chaos (with Chelsea vs Spurs still to come Thursday night), it’s time to see where the value lies this weekend.
Sports News Blitz’s Bookie Basher is back with more tips - because let’s face it, we could all use a win.
FA Cup analysis: Bournemouth vs Man City - Five key battles and score prediction
High-flying Bournemouth welcome Manchester City to the Vitality Stadium in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday, March 30 (4.30pm kick-off).
The Cherries will be looking to progress to the club’s first-ever FA Cup semi-final, while Pep Guardiola’s side will be hoping to salvage what has been a disappointing season by reaching the semi-finals of the famous competition.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Tom Nichols takes a look at five battles which will prove decisive in the match.
Premier League news: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City – Five key battles and score prediction
High-flying Nottingham Forest host reigning Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday in a match that could have huge ramifications for Champions League qualification.
Sports News Blitz writer Jon Shea considers five key battles to anticipate at the City Ground and offers a score prediction.