Udinese Reach Champions League Football for Next Season

While the Serie A has lost its next season fourth Champions League spot to the German Bundesliga, next season will be the last one in which we'll have the chance to see four Italian teams in Europe's top competition. Udinese have made it to the Serie A's fourth Champions League spot, just edging ahead of Lazio thanks to a superior goal difference.

Udinese's season has been a fantastic one thanks to their attacking style of play brought by their coach Francesco Guidolin. The tactician imprinted an expansive style of "pass and move" which earned Udinese the nickname piccolo-Barca, which translates to "little Barca". And just like how Barcelona have Leo Messi, Udinese have their own magical goalscorer, Antonio Di Natale. The 33 year-old captain of Udinese scored 28 goals in the Serie A for Udinese, earning the top goalscorer award in Italy for the second season running.

Udinese coach Guidolin embracing Di Natale

Every hero has a sidekick, and Di Natale's is the Chilean, Alexis Sanchez. With 12 goals in the Serie A this season, Sanchez has terrorized defences with his speed and dribbling. His creativity and versatility allowed Guidolin to pair him with Di Natale, forming an unparalleled attacking couple. Yet Sanchez will most likely be moving away from Udine in the summer, as his talent has caught the eye of Manchester City, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and many other top European clubs. 

What makes Sanchez special is the fact that he is a complete forward. He can be played on either wing of a 4-3-3, as a forward in a 4-4-2, or even as a trequartista or attacking midfielder in a formation like the 4-3-1-2. Not only can Sanchez dribble by just about any defender with his trickery and change of pace, but he also has great vision for picking out passes and creating assists. At just 22 years-old, Sanchez has plenty of time to develop, and can easily become a star of the modern game if used in the proper system.

While Udinese has been reliant on this duo for goals, what has helped Guidolin's fight to achieve Champions League football is the unity in the team. It's said that at the beginning of the season he invited every player, one by one, to his house for a hearty dinner, where he got to know each one and let them know of their importance in Udinese's Serie A campaign. This unity shines through in a team which really plays as an organism. The One-touch passing has cut through so many Serie A defences, and their tireless speed with which they attack has been a huge problem for many opponents. 

Alexis Sanchez will probably join a 'bigger' club next season

Of course, this unit has some very key parts which make it function properly. Armero has run players ragged on the flanks, and has attracted the interest of AC Milan which could make a move for him in the summer. Cristian Zapata has been a rock in Udinese's three-man defence, and could be a bargain for any sides looking for a strong and physical central defender. The mastermind in midfield for Udinese has been Gokhan Inler, his wide range of passing, and long range shooting has helped score and create goals. But maybe the true unsung hero for Udinese has been the goalkeeper, Samir Handanovic. The Slovenian keeper has been a wall, saving at least six penalties in the Serie A, and producing spectacular saves to keep Udinese's Champions League dream alive. 

Now Udinese will have to hold on to their many stars, including maybe even their coach. While Francesco Guidolin would surely love to take Udinese to the Champions League next season, if he is stripped of his best players and is left with little to work with, we could see him move to a different Serie A club next season. While this season has been a fantastic one full of great memories and brilliant playing by Udinese, an even better one is yet to come, where the loveable city of Udine can chase European glory.

Ajax Win 30th Dutch Eredivisie: Video

Ajax have claimed the club's 30th Dutch Eredivisie title wonderfully. The Dutch season was right down to the wire, with the final game between Ajax and Twente deciding who would win this season's Eredivisie. While Ajax were a point behind first-placed Twente in the table, a victory against last season's champions would seal the Ajax their 30th title.

Ajax won 3-1 in front of their fans, securing the Dutch Eredivisie title, and ending a seven year streak in which they hadn't been able to win the Eredivisie. Now, thanks to the coach, Frank de Boer, Ajax have ended that streak and can now add another star to their badge. Every star above their badge symbolizes ten titles, and now Ajax have three.

Below are the highlights of the title-deciding match between Ajax and FC Twente. A great compilation of Ajax's goals and celebrations, I hope you enjoy it.

Best Images From Manchester City's FA Cup Victory

Yaya Toure scored the only goal of the final

Manchester City won their first major trophy in 35 years this weekend when they defeated Stoke City 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. It was Yaya Toure who scored the only goal of the match, punishing a poor Stoke side which only created one notable chance. Manchester City on the other hand were more adventurous, creating chances while defending well. I wasn't able to watch much of the match, but seeing as many people liked the compilation of the "Best Images of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey win over Barcelona", I've decided to make another one for Manchester City.

I hope you enjoy these pictures, and I'll get back to writing proper posts soon.

The ball bounced around in Stoke's box after Balotelli and David Silva combined...

then it fell to Yaya, who blasted it with his left foot past Sorensen.

The Stoke keeper had no chance of saving the rocket shot.

The goal came in the 75th minute...

and the Ivorian ran off celebrating...

with speedy substitute Adam Johnson.

The rest of the team eventually caught up and dog-piled the goalscorer...

right in front of the happy Manchester City fans.

At the end of the match, Mario Balotelli was awarded the Man of the Match award.

Carlos Tevez lifted the FA Cup.

And Vincent Kompany celebrated with a giant banana (WTF?!) as the team showered in champagne.

Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry, and picture-snapping Joleon Lescott all smile with the historic cup.

Tevez then puts a piece of the famous trophy on his head as a hat. 

Roberto Mancini says that it was a victory for the fans, and it certainly was.

Joe Hart celebrated alone, not a surprise as he decided to cover himself in ribbons.

FIFA 12 To be Released on Nintendo 3DS

A very realistic-looking Wayne Rooney

EA Sports have announced that FIFA 12 will be playable on Nintendo's latest handheld platform, the 3DS. While their main competitors, Pro Evolution Soccer, have already released PES 11 on the system, EA Sports wants to revolutionize the handheld gaming experience.

Being a big fan of handheld gaming and the FIFA series, this latest release looks to make up for all the fairly mediocre Nintendo DS FIFA games of the past. What EA calls, "intuitive new touch screen controls" seem to offer a whole new depth to shooting and curving shots. These optional touch-screen controls will add pinpoint accuracy from the player's viewpoint. Along with this, FIFA 12 on the 3DS will feature more game modes than ever, including online head-to-head matches, Tournament mode, Career Mode, 3D Street Football, Be A Pro Mode, and Training Mode. And if that's not enough, there's a total of over 500 officially licensed clubs.

What seems to be the coolest thing to look forward to in FIFA 12 for Nintendo 3DS is the 3D Street Football. You'll be able to utilize your favorite professional players, or re-create yourself and play the game in the streets. The environment will have an "innovative curved pitch and unique lower camera view that maximizes 3D planes,". While the 3D effect will be prevalent throughout the game, EA wants to really impress people with the 5 v 5 matches in exotic outdoor and indoor environments.

Robin van Persie in the 3D Street mode

With over nine different new camera angles to experience the Nintendo 3DS's visual power, the game already looks vibrant in the two vibrant 2D screenshots which EA have released. So far from what I've seen, I'm very impressed. The screenshot of Wayne Rooney looks wonderful, with the stadium and players looking very realistic. As for the 3D street mode, it's something to look forward to, but not expect much out of. While a fully functioning, well-tuned street mode will be much appreciated, I fear that maybe it'll end up to be a small feature.

FIFA 12 looks set to be released in stores world-wide this autumn. The game looks very interesting, and is beginning to nag at me to buy a 3DS in the future. Whether the 3D visuals, new gameplay style, and street football will deliver is unsure, but for now, FIFA 12 for the 3DS looks revolutionary.