NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Will racism ever end in Serie A?
Racism incidents have spiked in the Italian Serie A over the last couple of months. The real question is how do they move on and perhaps save the reputation of one of the best leagues in the world.
Are we witnessing the resurgence of the Italian Serie A?
Familiar with the Premier League’s “Big 6?” Well, Italy actually have a “Big 8”and you would be surprised what they have been up to and how much damage they can do on the biggest European football stage, the UEFA Champions League. Could glory really make its way back to Italy?
Are Juventus Serie A Favorites?
Let’s face it. The competition in Serie A had for a long time rendered the league less interesting, with Juve winning the Scudetto eight consecutive times. Accompanied by the arrival of Ronaldo, viewers who had turned a blind eye on the Italian top-flight found a reason to reconsider. But with Serie A beginning to attract top talent again, parity may soon return to the league.
The pursuit of justice for racial abuse on Kalidou Koulibaly continues
Arguably the best center back in the world currently, Koulibaly has more than just his career development to focus on. As a subject of racial abuse in the Italian Serie A, he faces no easy task in dealing with the emotions that come with all that. But alas, he is not alone. Friends and fans from the Premier League and Africa are all behind the Senegalese international.
FT 2019 Preview: African aces to continue populating the Italian Serie A
As far as the African part of the Italian Serie A is concerned, we no longer have to find solace in reminiscing the careers of greats such as Samuel Eto’o. There is a new breed ushering in a new era.
Super Mario Balotelli, the 'black sheep' that everyone loves
Let’s reminisce the things said and done by the one and only Mario Balotelli. The Italian born of Ghanaian parents. The UEFA Champions League, EPL and Serie A Title winner has made his way through Europe entertaining us along the way while still bagging goals.
FT French Ligue 1 Preview: PSG must win the UEFA Champions League to keep Neymar
Neymar has committed his near future to PSG, but can the Parisians expect the Brazilian to stay if they don’t secure a Champions League title soon?
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: LW - Percy Tau [Mamelodi Sundowns]
Percy Tau is one of the most promising African players that still plays in Africa. He is definitely one to watch as his consistent performances with Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African PSL continue to garner attention.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CF - Emmanuel Boateng [Levante]
Emmanuel Boateng of Levante FC is a young, talented, Ghanaian striker that is making a name for himself in La Liga after a standout performance against Barcelona FC.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: RW - Keita Balde [Monaco]
Keita Balde is a talented attacker and has a promising future for his club AS Monaco FC and the Senegal National Team.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CM - Naby Keita [RB Leipzig]
Guinean player Naby Keita has been a standout player at RB Leipzig and will soon transfer his talents to Liverpool FC.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CDM - Wilfred Ndidi [Leicester City]
The 21-year old midfield enforcer, Wilfred Ndidi, is as good as anyone you can get in his position and will certainly attract interest from bigger clubs with good performances for Nigeria at the World Cup 2018 in Russia this summer.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CDM - Franck Kessie [AC Milan]
Franck Kessie of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 26, 2017 in Milan, Italy.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: LB – Ramadan Sobhi [Stoke City]
Ramadan Sobhi of Stoke City FC will represent Egypt this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CB - Eric Bailly [Manchester United]
Eric Bailly of Manchester United FC has already established himself as one of the top center-backs in all of Europe. He also represents the Ivory Coast national team.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CB-Chancel Mbemba [Newcastle]
Chancel Mbemba is a talented center-back for the future and currently plays for Newcastle FC as well as the DR Congo National Team.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: RB-Achraf Hakimi [Real Madrid]
Achraf Hakimi is a young talent at Real Madrid FC and will represent Morocco this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: GK-Andre Onana [Ajax]
Andre Onana of Ajax during UEFA Europa League match.