Tragedy strikes Luca Toni family

Former Italy international Luca Toni has been struck by tragedy following the death of his baby before delivery.

Toni, who is currently playing at Emirati club Al Nasr, and his girlfriend, Marta Cecchetto, were expecting their first child, but the baby was stillborn when the Italian model gave birth on Friday.

"What should have been the most beautiful day of our lives has become the worst," a statement from the player read.

"Our baby has left us without seeing the light. We ask everyone for understanding and silence during this great pain, which should only be mine and Marta's."

The 35-year-old, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, joined Al Nasr in January after being deemed surplus to requirements at Juventus.

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Keshi: Super Eagles cannot be perfect overnight

As the Super Eagles observed a day of rest on Wednesday and looking forward to starting their final preparations against Namibia at the U.J Esuene Stadium on Thursday, coach Stephen Keshi has pleaded with Nigerians to give him time in building a formidable national team that the country will be proud of.

“Nigerians must understand that we are rebuilding and it’s not going to be perfect in a day or just one or two matches,” Keshi said.

“What we need from them is patience and of course prayers. On our part we are ready to give more than 100 per cent to ensure that the country returns to the top of football in Africa and one of the best in the world”, he said.

Meanwhile, Patrick Ugbe, host of the team in Calabar and Cross River Commissioner For Youth, Sports and Orientation, believes that the team he has seen in training will overcome the obstacle of Namibia on Sunday.

“The team we have here is relatively young and I must say some players have been exceptional in training, though it looks like the entire team means business and the state government, particularly Governor Liyel Imoke likes to invest in such teams,” Ugbe said.

The Super Eagles have received the royal blessings of the ruler of Qua people in Calabar Municipality, Ndidem (Dr) Ika Ika Qua 11. The monarch assured the national team that traditional institutions are in support of the team against the southern africans on Sunday.

“It’s wise that you people have come to seek my royal blessings, because no matter how bad a landlord is, when you are in his house you must pay him homage. We wish the team and its officials well and we are certain that after we have appeased the land, victory will surely be ours,” he said.

The team will commence training at the U.J Esuene Stadium on Thursday after observing Wednesday as a day of rest after two days of hectic training.

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Blanc names French squad for Euros

Gourcuff and Yanga-Mbiwa cut from France Euro 2012 squad.

Initially the France boss had named a total of 27 players in his pre-selection panel, but Olympique de Marseille’s Loic Remy dropped out last week because of a thigh problem sustained at the tail end of the Ligue 1 season along with Tottenham centre-back Younes Kaboul, who is also stricken.

Speculation was rife as to the identities of the other two unfortunate men would be, but Gourcuff was always considered to be a likely player to drop out after a difficult campaign with Olympique Lyonnais. He was given the chance to impress in Sunday’s 3-2 friendly win over Iceland in Valenciennes, but clearly did not do enough in Blanc’s eyes to justify his selection.

Yanga-Mbiwa, meanwhile, was one of four centre-backs named in the initial squad, but the uncapped Montpellier player will not travel to Ukraine with the rest of the team, with his lack of experience probably a key factor in the coach’s decision making.

France meet Serbia on Thursday and then face Estonia on June 5 as their warm-up matches end. They will meet England, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine in Group D of the competition proper.

France's 23-man squad to play Euro 2012:

Name Club

Goalkeepers:

Hugo Lloris

Lyon

Steve Mandanda

Marseille

Cedric Carrasso

Bordeaux

Defenders:

Gael Clichy Manchester City

Mathieu Debuchy

Lille

Patrice Evra Manchester United

Laurent Koscielny Arsenal

Philippe Mexes AC Milan

Adil Rami Valencia

Anthony Reveillere

Lyon

Midfielders:

Hatem Ben Arfa Newcastle

Yohan Cabaye Newcastle

Alou Diarra

Marseille

Yann M'Vila

Rennes

Marvin Martin

Sochaux

Florent Malouda Chelsea

Blaise Matuidi PSG

Samir Nasri Manchester City

Franck Ribery Bayern Munich

Attackers:

Karim Benzema Real Madrid

Olivier Giroud Montpellier

Jeremy Menez PSG

Mathieu Valbuena Marseille

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