Hello there! It’s a big cup week in Europe while in the U.S., the women’s national team is gearing up for another crucial international break as Emma Hayes’ era of experimentation continues. I’m Pardeep Cattry with the latest.
📺 Footy fix
All times U.S./Eastern
Monday, March 31
🇮🇹 Serie A: Lazio vs. Torino, 2:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
Tuesday, April 1
🏴 EPL: Arsenal vs. Fulham, 2:45 p.m. ➡️ Peacock
🇩🇪 DFB Pokal: Arminia vs. Levkersuen, 2:45 p.m. ➡️ ESPN+
🇮🇹 Coppa Italia: Empoli vs. Bologna, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
🇪🇸 Copa del Rey: Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad, 3:30 p.m. ➡️ ESPN+
🌎 CCC: LA Galaxy vs. Tigres, 11:15 p.m. ➡️ FS2
⚽ The Forward Line
🇮🇹 Coppa Italia down to final four
The first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinals begins this week as two of Italy’s heavyweights join a pair of surprise contenders in a quest to end the season with at least one major trophy.
Empoli kick things off on Tuesday when they host Bologna in a face-off between two unexpected semifinalists, both embracing a spirit of unpredictability deep runs that only cup competitions can foster. Bologna will serve as the favorites in this tie as they continue an impressive first season under manager Vincenzo Italiano, who has them in fourth place in Serie A. They are one of Italy’s top-scoring sides with 50 goals in 30 league games, with Riccardo Orsolini up to 11 goals.
The headlining act of the week is the latest edition of the Derby Della Madonnina on Wednesday. Inter faces AC Milan at a crucial point in both teams’ seasons. Everything’s trending in the right direction for Inter, who are currently atop Serie A.
Hayes: “I want to get to the end of June where I have a really strong sense of a core group of players that will form part of the build towards the World Cup.”
USWNT focus on youth in preparation for Brazil games
The U.S. women’s national team gathers this week to prepare for two friendlies against Brazil that will serve as crucial testing grounds for a young and inexperienced group.
