Salty Sports

Italians triumph over French

2011-03-12T09:24:00.000-08:00

Nick Mallett's Italian unit show great spirit to pull off a late win against 'Yachvilli-less' French side in Rome. 17 points from Mirco Bergamasco, including a game winning penalty with only five minutes to go, ensured a memorable day for Italian fans, and for Italian rugby as a whole.

The home side led after a second minute penalty, before France struck back through Vince Clerk, who, after recieving the ball with little space on the left hand side, executed a textbook chip-n-chase to cap off an exellent counter-attacking try.

However, the Italians fought back in the second half, with man-of-the-match fullback Andrea Masi fisnishing off a well deserved try. Good kicking the French no. 9 Morgan Parra made it 18-11 to the visitors, before some gutsy pressure kicks from Bergamasco raised the roof at the Stadio Flamino.

In my opinion, when watching the final few spot kicks from the winger, you could not fault his resilience. Not once did he stand to admire his inch-perfect strikes, but immediately turned his back on the sticks and set his sights back on the team goal. And you couldn't help but smile when the final whistle was blown :)

Luiz happy to be with and not against Torres

2011-02-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

Chelsea's David Luiz has said he is relieved to be playing in the same side as Fernando Torres, his fellow new arrival at Stamford Bridge. The new chelsea centre back is expected to debut with the Spanish international on Sunday, when they face a new look Liverpool, who are without their star striker. They now boast £35m Andy Carroll from newcastle, as well as Ajax centre forward Luis Suarez, who opened his account for the club in their 2-0 victory over Stoke on Tuesday. "He is difficult of course because he is a big player," defender Luiz said of Chelsea's record signing.

Roman to go extra mile in fight for Fernando

2011-01-30T04:29:00.000-08:00

Torres: wants to leave Merseyside

Chelsea owner Roman Abrovamich has decided to dig up even more money for the Chelsea cause, as he has seen his club crumble over the past few months. It is said that a £50m+ deal for Liverpool forward Fernando Torres is to be expeted, as well as Danny Sturridge, who is rumoured to be included in the package. This is after the Spaniard has recently asked to leave the club, following their signing of Luis Suarez, which Torres says was "a broken promise". Liverpool have also been rumoured to be wanting £8m rated France international Nicolas Anelka from the South London club.