A long-term work stoppage in Italy's Serie A has been avoided.
The players' union and league came to a temporary agreement that will last through June, allowing the season to commence this weekend after a one-week delay.
The hope is that the two sides come to a more substantial agreement within the next nine months to avoid a repeat scenario next summer. One of the compromises on the players' side is that they will pay a solidarity tax, something that affects the higher-earning players in Italy.
The season begins on Friday with AC Milan hosting Lazio. Michael Bradley's Chievo Verona will kick off its season at home on Sunday against Novara.
Here are a few more items from around the soccer world:
VERMAELEN OUT FOR ARSENAL
Just when Arsenal's luck appeared to be improving after a strong close to the transfer window, the injury bug has struck the Gunners yet again.
Belgian international centerback Thomas Vermaelen has joined English midfielder Jack Wilshere on the sideline for an extended spell, providing a hit to Arsenal's starting depth.
Vermaelen, who was included on Belgium's roster for Tuesday's friendly against the United States but won't be playing, is set to miss the next six weeks after having surgery for an Achilles injury on his left ankle. His absence will force new signing Per Mertesacker into a more vital role in the heart of the Arsenal back line.
Wilshere, meanwhile, re-aggravated an ankle injury that had been hampering him all summer and could miss up to three months while recovering.
RAJEVAC A CANDIDATE FOR EGYPT
Former U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley is up for a couple of jobs, including one at Mexican club Santos Laguna and one with the Egyptian national team, but he has a familiar adversary for the latter position.
Former Ghana coach Miljan Rajevac has reportedly entered the mix and spoke with the Egyptian federation about the job on Monday. Rajevac led Ghana to a victory over Bradley and the United States in the knockout stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and briefly coached the Qatar national team before being let go.
Egypt is expected to make a decision on its next coach on Wednesday, according to reports.
FRIMPONG CHOOSES GHANA
Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has reportedly elected to represent Ghana over England on the senior international stage.
Born in Ghana but a member of England's youth set-up, Frimpong met with the Ghana FA in London after the Black Stars' 1-0 friendly loss to Brazil at Craven Cottage on Monday to announce his intentions, and the switch will be completed pending the FIFA transition process.
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Happy to see the strike come to an end in Italy? How do you think the injuries affect Arsenal's chances? Where do you want to see Bradley end up? Think Frimpong is making the right choice?
Share your thoughts below.
I agree, ever sense Gary Lewin left Arsenal to join England SIX YEARS AGO it has been all downhill for Arsenal. Starting with Rosicky in 2007.
I know JK wanted to meet w/ Bradley and have a heart-to-heart. Hopefully it goes well, and Bradley can be a recruiting force of sorts for the Nats in Mexico.
Based on some of the surprising quotes coming out of Bradley’s meetings with the Egyptian Federation, though, I wouldn’t be too optimistic though.
This is part of the reason Arsenal has been trophyless these past six seasons. Lots of injuries to key players. Seems like they need a new physio or something. They should have signed one during the transfer window. 😉
Very psyched to see MB play in Italy. I hope he starts straight away. And hope Bradly gets the Egypt job. Though having him as a club coach in Mexico would be great too. It would open a lot of doors.