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Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho believes achieving home dominance like champions Liverpool is becoming more difficult due to increasingly competitive Premier League standards.

Jurgen Klopp's title-winning Reds completed a third consecutive unbeaten league campaign at Anfield with their 5-3 win over Chelsea on Wednesday.

Mourinho knows plenty about building that sort of record, having once gone 150 games without a home league loss across a nine-year period spanning four clubs.

But while the Spurs boss thinks Tottenham Hotspur Stadium can still become a fortress, he views Liverpool's incredible three-season stretch as an anomaly.

"I think the Premier League is getting into a direction where these unbeaten records are something more and more difficult to achieve because of the level of the teams," Mourinho told Sky Sports .

"But to be strong at home and to arrive at the end of each season with an important number of points in your pocket from home matches is very important.

"I think our recent results at home without the fans are important, but we need them back.

"I can imagine that [2-1] victory against Arsenal with the stadium full of Tottenham fans. This is the kind of empathy that you can create step by step."

Tottenham are still settling into life in their new stadium, and Mourinho is keen for his team to make the most of their state-of-the-art surroundings, though it has been robbed of atmosphere by the coronavirus pandemic.

He added: "Without [supporters] you can create a kind of fortress, but based on the tactical side of the game.

"But, I think with fans, you can do it in a much stronger way because you add the emotional side of the game that only your fans in your stadium can give to you."

Tottenham wrap up their Premier League season with a short trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Mourinho's men must hope Wolves drop points against Chelsea to be in with a chance of snatching sixth and a guaranteed Europa League spot.

Spurs are in good form, with Mourinho jokingly naming himself 'the champion of the last five matches' after taking 13 points from a possible 15.

Victor Wanyama’s manager Thierry Henry remained positive despite Montreal Impact's elimination from the MLS is Back Tournament by Orlando City.

Wanyama and his Montreal Impact teammates limped into the playoffs after a less than impressive Group C performances and their journey in the tournament hit a dead end after suffering a 1-0 loss to the Lions.

Henry singled out the lessons they learned despite elimination after picking up three losses and just a win in the tournament.

“Yes, we do have to improve, that’s for sure,” Henry said during his post-match interview.

“But we’re only five games into the league [season] and obviously we had games here, but it’s still early for me here. The process is still on.

“We still have to try to find the right balance defensively and offensively. We need to find the right balance. But I just arrived here.”

The 1998 World Cup winner also defended their performances all through but stated he has to find the right balance between defence and attack.

“I don’t know if you follow us since the beginning of the season, but we score goals. Have a look,” Henry said in his defence.

“We score goals, but we also concede. So, we have to find the right balance.”

“It’s like the end of the preseason. Obviously, some things can be improved. I am proud of my players. We came here, we did what we did despite having restarted to train later than other teams.

“I have to look after my players."

Wanyama’s captain Samuel Piette defended their playing style, saying although they have conceded goals, they have also fought and scored.

“I don’t think we’re a defensive team or offensive team,” Piette said.

“We try to keep clean sheets and try to score as many goals as possible. Like I said, sometimes it doesn’t go your way. It’s just how the game came up and how we played as individuals, as well.

“We weren’t creating enough offence as we wanted to. I don’t think it’s the coach’s fault or tactics or the way we’re playing. That’s not the case at all.”

“Obviously, we wanted to go all the way. We knew it was a tough tournament and the way we played against Toronto [4-3 loss] and D.C. [1-0 win], we strongly believed that we could’ve beaten anybody.”

Orlando City will now proceed to the quarter-finals to face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between the Seattle Sounders and LAFC on Monday.

Azam FC assistant coach Bahati Vivier has described their season’s last Mainland Premier League match against Tanzania Prisons as a life and death matter.

Azam and Yanga SC are fighting to finish the campaign second to Simba SC and earn the Caf Champions League spot. Caf has not decided whether Tanzania will be given a second slot though should Libya be stripped of its place.

The Ice Makers are second courtesy of a superior goal difference and a win is what Vivier only wants from his team.

“It is the last match which is very important and one like a final for us,” Vivier said as quoted by the club’s Facebook page.

“This is a life and death match and it means I have to ensure we get good results so that we can assure ourselves of something good in the future.

“Since I said it is going to be like a final match for us, that calls for seriousness from everyone. We have shown seriousness from since we started travelling for this match and I can only hope that we can be more serious in our 'final tie' and get the job done, peacefully.”

The Tanzanian coach also spoke about the preparedness of his players and asked them to rise to the occasion and perform when the team needs them most.

“Psychologically, the team is in the right shape and you can feel every player is just fired up for the match,” he added.

“They have shown interest that they need to play this match as quickly as possible so that they can prove what they have come for.

“The players have to show what they can do for Azam. They have to ensure they write a proper record that when the time called for great performances against Tanzania Prisons, they did just that.”

Vivier will be in charge of the team since his boss Aristica Cioaba is serving a touchline ban and also appealed for total support from the fans.

“To say the truth, it is not something that is good at all because he [Aristica Cioaba] would not be on the touchline for two games,” the assistant coach concluded.

“That means it is going to be my sole responsibility to take charge of the team.

“I know Azam supporters love their team, that is not debatable at all. I know without them we will not be a team in the first place.

“A team without supporters is not a team that is why we need their support, especially at this time.

“Let them come and show us, love, as they have done before and we can repay that love with a good performance.”

All matches will be held on July 26 and will kick off at 16:00 local time.

After the successful hosting of the fourth edition of the Indian Women’s League (IWL), the Bangalore Football Stadium is set to be the venue for the next edition of the tournament as well.

However, it depends on the Covid-19 pandemic and whether they can get the go-ahead from the local authorities.

Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) Secretary Satyanarayan asserted the same as he touched upon the tournament's success.

12 teams featured in the IWL last season which saw a group stage, followed by a knockout stage wherein the top two teams from two clusters qualified for the semi-final. All games were played at a single venue – the Bangalore Football Stadium.

M Satyanarayan, the secretary of the KSFA, explained how the tournament was a grand success and a win-win for all stakeholders. He stated how KSFA established a women's league system in the state in 2018. The Karnataka Women's League has two divisions now with the Super Division being the top one. Bangalore United FC won the tournament in the 2018-19 season and finished runners-up last season. Kickstart FC won all six of their games this season and were crowned champions. Both these teams represented the state in the 2019-20 IWL.

“The last two years have been excellent for us. AIFF came up with the idea of us hosting the Women’s Super League. Then we did the Super Division and Bangalore United FC qualified. Next year, we did it in a slightly better way. Two years ago, we had only four clubs for women’s football in Bengaluru,” he said.

“Then we held our first Impetus Trophy where 18 teams came up and we realised that there are so many girls playing. Now we have a Super Division and an A-Division. We have not played anything in the A-Division but we are planning to play either a seven a side or an eight a side there. Because, when you have just three good players at a club and others just make up the numbers, it makes the games one sided.

“The IWL was one of the last tournaments on the old turf but the pitch held up well. We did not see any injuries or anything. The Bengaluru crowd really enjoyed the IWL. The level of football was very high, including the final which ended 3-2. It was almost like watching two professional men’s team playing. This was the first time we organised and there were 12 teams in one venue.

“I think AIFF was happy and all the other teams were happy because everything – food, transport and so on was on time. It was a win-win for everyone. They gave us (Karnataka) two slots because someone pulled out at the last minute. We had Bangaluru United FC which has been there for a long time and Kickstart FC which was relatively new and won the Karnataka Women's League. I think the quality of the teams will be higher in the next season."

The KSFA Secretary pointed out that hosting the IWL again is logistically feasible. He is hoping that the tournament will return to the city and draw a bigger crowd.

He said - “One of the advantages we have is that there are two other grounds close by – the South United ground and the HAL ground. Training grounds were not a problem at all. All of them trained on the astroturf and the grounds were close. The AIFF have not told anything yet. But we are ready for it.

“We are aware of the flaws we had. One thing was that we would have preferred more spectators. It was good but this time we will try to get some schools so that the kids can watch and get inspired. That’s one area where we want to work on.

“Once our ground is ready, we are looking at a long-term plan of developing a women’s state team as well."

Additionally, the city is also a strong favourite to host the remainder of the I-League second division season. FC Bengaluru United, who are among the favourites to advance to the next round, could enjoy a marginal advantage, should Bengaluru host the competition.

Satyanarayan is hoping that second division football arrives at the city and he believes that the KSFA has already set a solid example with the smooth organising of the IWL.

“They are looking to finish the ongoing tournament before October 5th or so because the team which wins will go on to the I-League first division and will have about 15 days left in the transfer window to sign some players.

“We are ready (to host). We can get the clearances from the government. Mr Harris is an MLA also. We will get the clearance from the local government too, as the lockdown is lifted. But that is not an immediate concern. Once we are confirmed as the hosts, we can go about that process.

“We have the grounds also. I think they will take a decision on August 15 and we are hoping it comes to us.

“FC Bengaluru United are determined to make it to the I-League. If it is held here, it will be a slight advantage for them. If they make it, we will be glad to have an ISL club an I-League club,” he concluded.

Do you consider yourself a huge fan of the Indian football? How abreast are you when it comes to developments in and around the Indian football ecosystem?

Mohammedan Sporting is a club with a lot of history and tradition. How much do you know about the Black Panthers?

This edition of Goal 's 'Sharp Minds' quiz is on Mohammedan Sporting.

As we see football take a backseat among the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, here's your chance to while away some time.

We will bring you a set of 10 questions, a mixture of easy and tough ones, every week on Indian football. Try answering them on your own (without googling, we hope) and see how much you know about Indian football.

Share your scores with others and showboat. The latest edition of Sharp Minds is right here. Have fun.

NOTE : You are welcome to contact us through social media, if you need any clarification on the answers. We will try, to the best of our abilities, to explain.

Antonio Conte suggested Romelu Lukaku would be well suited to the NFL as he marvelled at the Inter striker's pace and power after a superb display against Genoa.

Lukaku scored the first and last goals in a 3-0 win, with Alexis Sanchez also on target as the Nerazzurri moved second in Serie A.

The Belgium striker was brilliant throughout but saved the moment of the match for stoppage time, accelerating into the Genoa box and blasting in for a stunning solo strike.

Lukaku now has 23 league goals this season and has matched a 70-year club record in the process, yet Conte believes American football would similarly be a match for his talents.

"Romelu is an atypical footballer because despite being 1.90 metres in height, he is also fast," Conte told a news conference.

"He acts as a focal point but also, from the middle of the pitch, attacks like an American football player.

"I insisted on having him here and he can still grow with his touch and attacking the goal with malice. He is only 27 years old and if he wants to continue growing, he has an important future."

Lukaku was delighted with his own contribution but announced his frustration at Inter's failure to seriously challenge Juventus in the closing weeks of the campaign.

The league leaders can clinch the Scudetto against Sampdoria on Sunday, with Inter four points adrift having played a game more.

"On a personal level, I am happy," Lukaku told Sky Sport Italia. "But I say that at the team level, we can do so much more.

"We have a good team, it is not easy to stay second because we want to win. But we have to go as high as possible and I want to help to do it.

"We have lost too many points, but we are young and we want to grow. Now we want to do well in the final matches in the league and then in the Europa League."

Inter next face Napoli on Tuesday before finishing their league campaign against Atalanta in early August. Conte's side are currently second in Serie A - one point clear of Atalanta. 

Pep Guardiola does not believe Manchester City need to reflect on previous Champions League exits or their failed Premier League title defence as they prepare for Real Madrid.

City are aiming to triumph in Europe's elite club competition for the first time in 2019-20 but must first get past Madrid, the 13-time winners, who they lead 2-1 after their last-16 first leg.

Recent seasons have seen Guardiola's side thrashed by Liverpool and lose agonisingly to Tottenham in the knockout stages, despite dominating the Premier League.

This term, however, Liverpool streaked clear in the league, leaving City to reflect on an underwhelming domestic campaign in which they also ceded their FA Cup title.

It was put to Guardiola that his team would not be short of motivating factors as they look to finally deliver the European crown, but the Catalan manager insists such contemplation is unnecessary.

"What I want is to do a good game," Guardiola said. "It's absolutely a final. For us, for Madrid, it's a final.

"The plan will be to avoid making mistakes and to play a football game like we [can].

"I think what happened in the past is not going to make you play better. What happened in the past is the past. Sometimes it is what it is. Accept it.

"It's life. It's not perfect, it doesn't work perfect for all of us, in our private lives, in our professional lives either.

"The motivation is to go through, to prove to ourselves we can do a good game and beat Real Madrid. That is the only thing you are able to do.

"What happened in the past will not give you an advantage or something special for the future, for the game against Real Madrid.

"It's only if we play a good game in all departments, with all the issues we have to work on in these two weeks, that is going to give the opportunity to win the game and go through."

Asked if his players have the required hunger, Pep replied with a laugh: "If they don't have it, we will have a problem. We will not go through.

"This game is about the desire. It's Real Madrid. We know the quality they have in all departments. The players know the European leagues, they know.

"They were sitting there watching the last finals of the Champions League when Madrid was there. They know it. It's not necessary to tell them something special.

"We are going to talk a little bit about what we are going to do in this game. It's nothing special from what we've done this season. The tactics are not going to win this game, the tactics or something special.

"It's the energy that we have inside all of us, the club, all of us. That will give us more opportunity to go through - nothing more than this.

"I think with this kind of game, the special games, you know the desire of every single player to try to win."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will work "100 per cent" on finding the next Trent Alexander-Arnold or Andrew Robertson and has high hopes for "real prospect" Neco Williams.

The Reds' star full-backs have once again been providers-in-chief for the Premier League champions, with both providing 10-plus top-flight assists for the second straight season.

With the coronavirus pandemic causing a three-month suspension before this season resumed in June, there will only be a short break before the next Premier League campaign starts on September 12.

Klopp has no doubt Robertson and Alexander-Arnold can fire on all cylinders despite a short break, but says Williams has shown he can be one alternative option. 

"We think constantly about our situation and we know we need to find solutions for that [the quick turnaround between seasons] but that's how it is," Klopp said. 

"With Neco Williams we have a real prospect there in the team already, it's really nice to have. 

"We will have other solutions for those problems but again finding the next Trent, the next Robbo is difficult but maybe possible and we will work on that 100 per cent."

Klopp also spoke about the challenges of squad building and says it is important not to stockpile players, even if having recognised cover in every position provides comfort.

Losing goalkeeper Alisson early this season was provided as a specific example, but the German boss says no team can fully prepare for losing players to injuries.

"If it's down to luck, it [losing Alisson] wasn't lucky that day - we all want to be prepared for these situations but we aren't, nobody is really," he added.

"It always hits the wrong player if you want. If you think you are okay in this department where you think you have alternatives then it hits somebody in a different department where I don't have enough alternatives and you have to get creative immediately. 

"So, we build a squad and everybody feels he is needed. That means sometimes we can be a little bit short with that one 'A' solution but we always have a solution and as long as we have that we have to work with that.

"For a club like us it's not possible on the bench to have like 20 world-class players, we have to perform on a world-class level and that's possible on different line-ups and all our players have all the potential to be world-class but sometimes they don't play often enough they can show that. 

"Squad building is pretty tricky and a big challenge every year, but the answer is never to have more players than you need actually, that is not the answer.

"It feels comfortable for a moment but then over the whole year you have different problems.

"That's why it's difficult to decide the right number or the right alternatives, but that's the job to do, so far we've done okay, hopefully it will stay like this."

Inter head coach Antonio Conte described talk of the possible arrival of Barcelona captain Lionel Messi as "fantasy football", though he did welcome the transfer links.

Messi's future has dominated headlines in 2019-20 amid speculation the six-time Ballon d'Or winner is ready to quit Barca at the conclusion of his contract next year.

Linked to Inter previously, reports of Messi's father buying a house in Milan this week fuelled more rumours about a stunning switch to San Siro.

Conte was asked about Messi following Inter's 3-0 Serie A win over Genoa on Saturday and he told reporters: "We're talking about fantasy football, situations that at the moment cannot be linked to Inter. For many reasons.

"I don't think there's a madman in the world who wouldn't want Messi. But that kind of situation really is very, very, very far from Inter, from what we are doing and what we are trying to build.

"We need to create a solid base, and then maybe...I repeat, this is fantasy football; however, I like the fact that when fantasy football is involved, the team that is linked to it is always Inter."

Conte's comments echo those of Nerazzurri director Giuseppe Marotta, who also recently labelled Messi potentially joining Inter as "fantasy football".

Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Conte's Inter returned to winning ways at Genoa following consecutive draws.

Alexis Sanchez – on loan from Manchester United – continued his fine form with a goal of his own as Inter moved second in the table, a point clear of Atalanta and four adrift of leaders Juventus with two matches remaining.

Conte's former club Juventus can seal their ninth successive Scudetto against Sampdoria on Sunday.

"I think that so far we have 76 points, which is good, but I am sure it's not enough to win," Conte said.

"Therefore the league will be won by someone else. At the same time, we must have the determination to finish as high as we can."

Inter next face Napoli at home on Tuesday night before finishing their league season at Atalanta on August 2. They will then turn their attention to the Europa League where they face La Liga outfit Getafe in the Round of 16. 

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted it will not be the "end of the journey" regardless of the result against Leicester City as he looks beyond the Premier League's top four.

Champions League qualification is on the line, with third-placed United above Chelsea on goal difference and a point clear of Leicester ahead of their final-day trip to the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

With United eyeing a return to the Champions League, Solskjaer said sealing a spot in Europe's premier club competition would be a step towards chasing down Premier League holders Liverpool and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

"We've not ended up anywhere yet," Solskjaer, whose United have not won the Premier League since Alex Ferguson's final season in 2012-13, said. "If we get a result against Leicester I think people will say we've not had a bad journey this season.

"But whatever happens, it won't be the end of the journey because we've still got some catching up to do on the two teams ahead of us.

"If you want to be part of Manchester United you have to get used to pressure in the final match of the season.

"It's nothing new, it's what this club has been built on. We have given ourselves a fantastic chance to end the season on a high, and now it's up to us to take it.

"It's not the most important game of the season, it's just the next game, and you can ask anyone in football, the next game is always the most important.

"The result won't define our season because we've already had many defining moments this season. Bruno Fernandes coming in made a massive difference, and I think our overall fitness and mental robustness is so much better now than it was last season."

A win on Sunday would guarantee the Red Devils finish third in the Premier League this season - a position that would be just reward according to Solskjaer.

"It would be a good boost and a nice boost for the team to finish third," he told Sky Sports. "I know since October, after that international break, we've had the third-most points in the league.

"For a long, long spell now we've been the third-best team, we just, in the start of the season, we were too inconsistent. Now we have got more consistency, more fitness levels, we're more robust.

"And of course, we want to be in amongst the elite in Europe and play in the Champions League, but the old Winston Churchill quote is, 'success isn't final, failure isn't fatal - then what you need is the courage to continue'.

"That's what we're going to do with this team, we continue. We carry on developing the team, improving and knowing that this is not the end of the journey for the team, this is just one other stepping-stone in our development."

No football club can ever dream of being successful without the support of local fans and investors, even those in Malaysia. 

The Malaysian club in the middle of rebuilding, Selangor are thankful to have the support of both parties during the Covid-19 pandemic, said its secretary-general Johan Kamal Hamidon to Goal earlier this week.

Around two months ago, when it was rumoured that the 2020 Malaysian league may resume behind closed doors (a rumour that has since been confirmed), the Red Giants' 2020 season pass owners went onto social media to voice their willingness to forgo a possible refund, in order to let their team keep the money.

READ: Keep the money, charitable Selangor season pass owning-supporters tell club

Just last week, it was revealed that their ultras group of fans, the Ultrasel, have gone even further; by contributing RM10,000 (around USD2,500) to participate as a micro-sponsor of the club this year, under its 'Local Giants' programme.

These acts of benevolence did not go unnoticed by Johan.

"We're very grateful to have fans who are very supportive, as it's a strong sign that they have confidence and trust in us, and that they want to do as much as they can to help the club achieve its ambitions.

"Despite the poor current economic situation, the fans are willing to 'let go' of the passes that they have bought without us asking for it. This shows that they're happy with what the board is doing. These are encouraging signs, but we don't want to take them for granted. The way we see it, we have to do more," he explained in a telephone conversation. 

Johan Kamal. Photo by Zulhilmi Zainal

Johan also provided more details on its Local Giants programme, which allows smaller businesses and companies to enter into small-scale sponsorship deals with the club.

Apart from the RM10,000 deal taken up by their ultras, the programme also offers one other, higher-tier package with an RM20,000 buy-in fee. In return, the participating businesses receive tax exemption benefits, matchday branding opportunities, and free match tickets.

"I'm not quite sure of the exact number [of participating companies], it's between 30 to 40, with a total revenue of between RM600,000 to RM700,000. We learnt about it from Japanese club Fagiano Okayama (Malaysia U-23 striker Hadi Fayyadh's team) who visited us in 2019. Their programme sees around 700 participants!

"There are a lot of companies out there who are very passionate supporters of Selangor, but are not able to sponsor us in the hundred thousands and millions. So it makes sense for us to still give them the opportunity to be a part of our journey with the Local Giants programme.

"For the first year of its implementation, the reception has been encouraging. We were looking for 50 to 100 participants, so what we do have now is not far behind. Seeing a fan group taking part is also a bonus, and we hope to see more fans taking part in the club in the future.

"But the economy is expected to be tougher next year due to the pandemic, which in turn is expected to make securing sponsorships and growing the number of participants tougher. Hopefully, next year we will get to equal the number of Local Giants as this year's," said the association official.

Leicester will need Champions League football next season in order to keep Ben Chilwell from the clutches of Chelsea, says Kevin Phillips.

The Blues have indentified the England international left-back as a top target for the next transfer window.

Frank Lampard has already pushed through deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, with Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Kai Havertz another of those said to figure on his wish list.

An official approach for Chilwell could be made over the coming weeks, with Phillips conceding that the “big boys” are likely to be mulling over moves for the 23-year-old defender.

Leicester are reluctant to part with any prized assets, but the outcome of a meeting with Manchester United on Sunday could be decisive – with a top-four finish on the line there.

Former Foxes striker and coach Phillips told talkSPORT of the interest being shown in Chilwell, with Chelsea seemingly leading the chase: “He was there as a youngster when we were there and we were monitoring him very closely and making sure he was being managed right, as we knew we had a gem on our hands.

“But, also, it has to come from the player; you have to listen, develop and have to live your life right and he certainly does that. He’s a very humble guy, very quiet but an awesome left-back.

“If Leicester weren’t to secure a top-four finish this season, I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the big boys come in and pay big money for him, because he’d certainly fit in to any of those top-three or top-four sides. Credit to the player but also you have to give big credit to Brendan Rodgers for bringing him on as well.”

Leicester have spent much of the 2019-20 campaign inside the Champions League spots, only to endure a wobble since the Premier League re-start in mid-June, but Phillips says missing out on elite European competition would not write off their season.

He added: “Is it a failure? I’m not sure it would be a failure. They’d be very disappointed, of course.

“It’s not just them but other clubs have done [the same], but there’s been other clubs who have come back and performed even better, i.e Manchester United and Chelsea look really strong.

“I think they’ll be very disappointed. In a way, you could say it would be a failure but let’s not forget it is Manchester United and Chelsea and when you look at their squads player for player, I wouldn’t say they are far superior, but they’ve got two stronger squads than Leicester. It’s still not dead and buried but I think it would be more of a disappointment than a failure.”

Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Inter returned to winning ways with a 3-0 Serie A success at Genoa.

Consecutive draws had seen the Nerazzurri pass up the opportunity to properly capitalise on Juventus' shaky form, with the leaders still able to seal the Scudetto against Sampdoria on Sunday.

But even with their title hopes virtually extinguished, Antonio Conte's side were back on their game at the Luigi Ferraris to move up to second.

Lukaku nodded in his 22nd league goal of the season 34 minutes in and, after Alexis Sanchez added a late second, got his 23rd with a marvellous individual effort, leaving Genoa still just four points clear of the bottom three, having played a game more than 18th-placed Lecce.

Pressure had steadily built on the Genoa goal after a slow Inter start, with Lukaku - at the heart of all of their best work - helping to create chances for Marcelo Brozovic and Christian Eriksen that were both squandered.

The Belgium striker made sure the visitors were in front heading into half-time, though, as he ghosted into the area to meet Cristiano Biraghi's searching cross with a firm header in off the post.

A curling Filip Jagiello free-kick provided a brief scare, yet a low-key second period saw few clear openings at either end.

Although Genoa belatedly threw men forward in search of an equaliser, they were swiftly caught out in defence at the other end and substitute Sanchez netted via the bar after fine work from Victor Moses on the right.

There was still time for Lukaku to produce the moment of the match, racing forward deep into stoppage time and cutting inside past desperate challenges to hammer in the third.

What does it mean? Inter up to second but focus on Europe

Inter's form has not been convincing since the season's restart, yet they climbed back up to second with just two league games remaining with victory.

Though their slim title aspirations remain alive, their focus now is surely on the Europa League, with a last-16 tie against Getafe less than two weeks away. Conte can be encouraged by the control his side largely displayed.

Lukaku key in games to come

Inter were well on top for much of this match, but it fell to Lukaku to be their driving force, playing the role of both creator and finisher. He might have had an assist even before scoring the opener.

The former Manchester United striker's form will be crucial heading towards the Europa League, with strike partner Lautaro Martinez still struggling for form.

Inter waiting on Eriksen impact

Conte's pre-match comments focused on Eriksen, who the coach believes is growing into his role at Inter.

Some supporters might not be convinced by the former Tottenham midfielder just yet, though, and he passed up a big early opportunity to net his fourth Nerazzurri goal, lashing over the top following a smart Lukaku lay-off.

Key Opta Facts

- Inter have won 12 away games in a single Serie A season for the second time in their history in top flight – the first one was back in 2006-07 (15). 
- Lukaku (15 away goals) has equalled the away goals record of Stefano Nyers in 1949-50 in a single Serie A season with Inter.  
- Since the restart of Serie A only Cristiano Ronaldo (11) has been involved in more goals than Sanchez (10 - three goals, seven assists) among the strikers in the competition. 
- Inter are the only one side Genoa have not found the net against over the last two Serie A seasons. 
- Biraghi has delivered five assists in Serie A this season, his record in single top-flight campaign. 

What's next?

The fixture list does not make easy reading for Inter, even if their league season is essentially over. They face Napoli next, followed by Atalanta and Getafe. Genoa do still need points and visit Sassuolo on Wednesday.

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Committee member Albert Commey has expressed disgust by 'false' remarks concerning the sport governing body's disbursement plan for a Covid-19 relief fund.

Upon publication of the intended allocations last week, there have been questions over some beneficiaries, especially the national teams who are believed to be funded by the Government of Ghana and, thus, needed no such support.

Tema Youth president and former Black Stars management committee chairman Wilfred Kwaku Osei 'Palmer', who is currently battling the GFA at the Court for Arbitration of Sports (CAS) over his disqualification from the FA's presidential election last year, is reportedly among the critics of the disbursement plan.

“I heard someone granted an interview saying the Government [of Ghana] bears all national team costs. Don’t hide the truth because of football politics,” Commey told Atinka FM.

“He [Osei] was chairman…. ask him if it was only the government that took care of the national team. The truth is only one, so if you’re a leader, let the truth lead you, not lies.

“And does this mean they don’t read the audit report or they know the truth and have decided to paint someone black?

“People talk anyhow just because they have clubs. If you see the way some of them talk, is it right?

“Who was in the helm of affairs and in-charge of finance when all these things happened? And for such a person to grant such an interview is an apology of itself. He’s my friend but we must say the truth."

The GFA said it was expecting a combined amount of $1.8 million [€1.6m] from Fifa and Caf in support of some domestic football stakeholders in the wake of the coronavirus disruptions.

Both men and women's Premier League clubs, Division One League clubs, Regional Football Associations (RFAs), the Ghana League Clubs Association (Ghalca) and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) are some other expected beneficiaries.

The 2019-20 domestic football season was initially temporarily suspended in March following the outbreak of the coronavirus.

After three months of waiting, the GFA Executive Council decided to permanently cancel the season. 

Former Orlando Pirates winger Thabo Rakhale says he was open to staying at Chippa United until the end of the current season, but he will now weigh up offers.

The 30-year-old player is currently a free agent after leaving the Chilli Boys with his contract with the club having expired at the end of last month.

Chippa decided against keeping Rakhale until the end of the current campaign which is expected to resume soon having been suspended since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The experienced midfielder, who was on the books of Pirates between 2012 and 2017, confirmed that he has offers from several clubs.

“Training alone without any teammates is always going to be different but my fitness levels have to stay up," Rakhale said on Far Post.

"I’m itching to get back on the field like all the players, but we obviously are aware of the Covid-19 related reasons."

The dribbling wizard has been constantly linked with Kaizer Chiefs, who have signed former Pirates wingers William Twala and Joseph Molangoane from Chippa in the past.

Chiefs are currently banned from signing players, but they are set to appeal the transfer ban from Fifa at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland in September.

“I won’t lie, there has been a number of teams that have approached me about next season since we announced that my contract has ended at Chippa, and even though I was not able to stay to complete the season," he continued.

“I did tell them to wait until this current season gets finished, where then I will be able to weigh up all of the offers.

"I have heard rumours that have linked me to certain teams, but I prefer to not place any pressure on myself at the moment.”

The Vanderbijlpark-born player also revealed he is keeping fit and working with a personal trainer at home in Vaal, Gauteng.

“There is nothing more that I can do but to keep fit and be ready for next season at a new team," he added.

"Right now, I am working with a friend of mine at home in Vaal who also happens to be a fitness trainer, training by myself to make sure that my fitness levels stay up."

Rakhale hit the back of the net twice and registered three assists in 21 league matches for Chippa this season.

Victor Moses helped Inter Milan return to winning ways with an assist in their 3-0 victory against Genoa on Saturday.

The Nigerian wing-back assisted Alexis Sanchez in doubling Inter's lead in the 82nd minute after Romelu Lukaku's opener in the 34th minute.

Lukaku later sealed the visitors’ first win after three league outings with his stoppage-time effort at the Luigi Ferraris Municipal Stadium.

Moses made his first start for Antonio Conte's side since July 1, his 10th Serie A appearance since his loan signing from Chelsea in January and he was on parade for 84 minutes before he was replaced by Antonio Candreva.

Although he is yet to open his goal account in the Italian top-flight, the 29-year-old has contributed three assists for Inter so far.

Ghana's Kwadwo Asamoah was not selected for the trip to Genoa as he continues to wait for his first Serie A match since the goalless draw against Roma back in December,

Saturday’s triumph pushed Inter Milan above Atalanta to second in the Serie A standings with 76 points after 36 matches. They are four points behind league leaders Juventus who host 14th-placed Sampdoria at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Moses reunited with his former Chelsea manager Conte in Milan earlier this year after finding playing time difficult to come by at Fenerbahce.

He joined the Turkish Super Lig outfit on a two-year loan in 2018 but he was only able to play 20 league games with five goals to his name before his departure.

Moses is in the final year of his contract at Chelsea which will expire in June 2021 and it is uncertain if Inter Milan will activate the option to buy the former Super Eagles star at the end of his loan spell.

Romelu Lukaku equalled an Inter record for away goals with his double in a 3-0 win at Genoa on Saturday.

The Belgium international gave the Nerazzurri the lead 34 minutes into the clash when he headed past Mattia Perin after a cross from Cristiano Biraghi.

After Alexis Sanchez doubled the visitors' lead late in the second half, Lukaku charged into the box to meet a pass from Marcelo Brozovic and fire into the net.

Lukaku has now scored 15 away goals in the Italian top flight and is the first Inter player to reach that tally in 70 years, equalling the record set by Stefano Nyers. 

The former Manchester United and Chelsea striker has been in fine form since the campaign resumed following a three-month suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With six goals from the nine league games played since mid-June, he has taken his tally to 23 in Serie A and 29 in 44 appearances in all competitions.

Saturday's victory extends Inter's unbeaten run in the Italian top flight to six games and moves them up to second in the table with two matches left to play.

Antonio Conte's team are now four points behind leaders Juventus, who could secure their ninth consecutive league title on Sunday if they beat Sampdoria in Turin.

Lukaku is happy with his performances since his summer move, but admits his side have slipped up on too many occasions this term.

“On a personal level, I am happy, but I also say that as a team we can do so much more,” he said to Sky Sport Italia.

“We have a good squad, it’s not easy for us to be in second place, because we want to win and go as high as possible. I want to help Inter achieve that.

“We dropped too many points along the way, but we are young and eager to improve. Now we want to do well in these final rounds and then the Europa League.”

Inter will finish the league campaign with games against Napoli and Atalanta before they return to the Europa League with a clash against Getafe.