Dimarco Scores Long-Range Wonder Goal for Inter and Breathes a Sigh of Relief 

Inter Milan's Italian defender #32 Federico Dimarco celebrates with teammate Inter Milan's Argentine forward #10 Lautaro Martinez after scoring the team's first goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Frosinone at San Siro Stadium, in Milan on November 12, 2023. (AFP)
Inter Milan's Italian defender #32 Federico Dimarco celebrates with teammate Inter Milan's Argentine forward #10 Lautaro Martinez after scoring the team's first goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Frosinone at San Siro Stadium, in Milan on November 12, 2023. (AFP)
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Dimarco Scores Long-Range Wonder Goal for Inter and Breathes a Sigh of Relief 

Inter Milan's Italian defender #32 Federico Dimarco celebrates with teammate Inter Milan's Argentine forward #10 Lautaro Martinez after scoring the team's first goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Frosinone at San Siro Stadium, in Milan on November 12, 2023. (AFP)
Inter Milan's Italian defender #32 Federico Dimarco celebrates with teammate Inter Milan's Argentine forward #10 Lautaro Martinez after scoring the team's first goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Frosinone at San Siro Stadium, in Milan on November 12, 2023. (AFP)

Inter Milan midfielder Federico Dimarco unleashed a strike from near the halfway line and then breathed a sigh of relief when the ball hit the back of the net.

The 26-year-old Dimarco collected the ball just inside his own half and took a few steps forward before letting fly to score an incredible opening goal that had San Siro on its feet on Sunday.

The diagonal shot set Inter on the way to a 2-0 victory over Frosinone and back to the top of Serie A.

“At the start, I saw (teammate) Denzel (Dumfries), then I saw the goalkeeper off the line. At the end, thank God it went in, otherwise I would’ve got more insults than I could even imagine,” Dimarco said. “It is certainly one of my best goals.”

Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer put his hands on his head in disbelief at the first-half goal, while coach Simone Inzaghi turned round and beamed broadly at his bench.

Frosinone goalkeeper — and lifelong Inter fan — Stefano Turati backpedaled furiously but was left sprawling on his back as the ball sailed into the net.

“It was a stunning goal from Dimarco, and it’s something we’ve got used to seeing from him in training,” Inzaghi said.

“It’s the kind of goal you rarely see (in matches).”



Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
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Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP

Liverpool have agreed to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69 million ($92 million), according to reports on Monday.

The Premier League champions switched their focus to Ekitike following Newcastle's refusal to sell Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who is valued at around £150 million by the Magpies, AFP said.

Newcastle and Manchester United were also interested in Ekitike, but Liverpool look set to win the race for one of Europe's hottest young stars.

It is believed the Reds have agreed to pay a potential further £10 million in add-ons to sign the 23-year-old Frenchman, whose overall price tag could reach £79 million.

Once the transfer is completed, Ekitike will link up with Arne Slot's side on their pre-season tour of Asia.

Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games in all competitions for Frankfurt last season after joining the Bundesliga club from Paris Saint-Germain.

He was an unused substitute during his side's pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday, with Eintracht boss Dino Toppmoller admitting Ekitike's impending departure was "a bitter loss".

Liverpool have an opening in their forward line after Diogo Jota's recent death in a car crash in Spain.

The Reds are also believed to be willing to sell Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, while Colombia forward Luis Diaz has been the target of a rejected bid from Bayern Munich.

Liverpool have already splashed out £116 million on Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz, as well as signing defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively.

Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also linked up with Arne Slot's side since the end of last season after agreeing his move from Valencia in 2024.