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Juventus has placed former France national team coach Didier Deschamps among its leading candidates to take over from Luciano Spalletti, according to Italian media reports. The move follows Juventus's 2-0 defeat to Genoa on Wednesday and mounting fan discontent with Spalletti's tenure.
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Didier Deschamps — The French former coach, who previously managed Juventus during the 2006-2007 season and played for the club earlier in his career, is now a frontrunner for the position. Antonio Conte and Stefano Pioli are also listed among potential candidates to lead the Turin club.Philippe Diallo defends Kylian Mbappe — The French Football Federation president stated that controversy surrounding Mbappe's remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong should not prolong, emphasizing that the Real Madrid forward has already apologized and should be allowed to continue his season without further distraction.African Club defeats Banzart in Tunisia — The African Club defeated visiting Banzart 3-2 in a postponed Matchday 6 fixture of the Tunisian Professional League for the 2026-2027 season, climbing to third place with 12 points from four wins and one loss.Kemi Antonelli poised to become Formula 1 world champion — The Mercedes driver leads the championship standings with 365 points and can clinch the 2026 drivers' title at Mexico City this weekend if he finishes ninth or better, which would make him the youngest champion since Sebastian Vettel set the record in 2010.Manchester City advances past Brighton on penalties — Manchester City reached the English League Cup quarter-finals by defeating Brighton 4-3 on penalty kicks after the match ended 2-2, with goals from Mateo Kovacic and Vitor Reis in open play.Liverpool eliminates Chelsea on penalties — Liverpool booked its quarter-final place in the League Cup by beating Chelsea 6-5 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw, with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili playing a key role in securing the victory.What to Watch:
Al-Nassr faces Al-Khaleej on Thursday in Matchday 12 of the Saudi Pro League, with the home side aiming to maintain momentum and pressure the league leaders. The Tunisian Professional League continues with Etoile du Sahel facing Raja Club Athletic, as the title race remains tightly contested.