Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet scored two goals each as two-time defending champion Juventus picked up right where it left off, defeating Empoli 5-1 on Sunday in the first full day of action in the new Italian league season.
The three other title contenders in action also won: Inter Milan struggled to find the net but ultimately defeated Modena 2-0 behind late goals from Christian Vieri and Marco Materazzi, Lazio pounded newly promoted Lecce 4-1 in Rome and AS Roma edged Udinese 2-1 on Vincenzo Montella's 69th-minute match-winner.
Elsewhere, Brescia drew 1-1 with Chievo and Perugia tied newly promoted Siena 2-2.
Bologna and regional rival Parma drew 2-2 in the Sunday night match, as Parma's Brazilian striker Adriano scored twice to match goals by Bologna's Argentine midfielder Andreas Guly and Tomas Locatelli.
"We're the champions and we feel the team can still win, not that we're the team to beat," Juve coach Marcello Lippi said. "Today we did less than what I was expecting, we gave up a lot in the first half. In the second I saw a great Juventus, which constructed great plays and made several goals."
Despite numerous opportunities, Inter did not score until former AC Milan midfielder Thomas Helveg found Vieri between two defenders in the 87th. Vieri, who was already celebrating before his 58th-minute shot hit the post, made no mistake this time for his 106th Serie A score. Defender Materazzi's long, rising free kick around a Modena wall in injury time sealed the victory.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely