Totti on Spalletti feud, Balotelli battle, and why Roma title better than World Cup

This week's sports quiz covers a range of exciting topics, including World Cup heroics, unexpected defeats, and highlights from various sports like darts, tennis, rugby, sumo wrestling, snooker, cycling, and the NFL. It's a great way to test your knowledge and stay updated on the latest happenings in the sports world.

Exciting times are ahead for football fans as tickets for the highly anticipated matches between Juventus and Roma, Napoli, and Benfica are now available for general sale. These prestigious events at the Allianz Stadium promise thrilling action and showcase some of the best teams in European football. It's a great opportunity for fans to witness top-tier matches live, making it a must-attend for anyone passionate about the sport.

Inter Milan is gearing up for a crucial test of their Serie A title ambitions as they face Roma this Saturday, followed by a significant match against Napoli next week. This period will be a true measure of their capabilities under their new coach, who was unexpectedly appointed. The upcoming matches will not only challenge the team's skills but also the coach's strategies against experienced opponents like Gian Piero Gasperini and Antonio Conte.

Forbes has released its annual list of the highest-paid football players, highlighting the lucrative salaries and sponsorship deals that define the sport today. Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list, showcasing not only his on-field talent but also his immense marketability. This ranking is significant as it reflects the growing financial power of football and the increasing influence of athletes in global markets.

Gianluca Mancini, the Roma defender, expressed his optimism ahead of the crucial match against Inter in a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. He highlighted the team's hard-earned victories and emphasized their determination to showcase their capabilities on the field. This match is significant as it not only affects the standings in Serie A but also serves as a test of Roma's resilience and teamwork against a strong rival.

The proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams is facing significant pushback from South American federations, with seven out of ten members of Conmebol expressing their opposition. Their main concern revolves around the potential impact on World Cup qualifying, highlighting the complexities and challenges that come with such a large-scale expansion. This opposition is crucial as it reflects the internal divisions within the confederation and raises questions about the feasibility of the expansion plan.

Roma is actively preparing for their upcoming match against Inter while also focusing on potential reinforcements for the next transfer window. One of the players on their radar is Joshua Zirkzee, indicating the club's commitment to strengthening their squad. This move could significantly impact their performance in the league, making it a crucial development for fans and analysts alike.

AC Milan faces a setback as Adrien Rabiot is expected to be out for a month due to injury, joining other sidelined players like Alexis Saelemaekers and Pervis Estupinan. This news is particularly concerning for coach Massimiliano Allegri as the team prepares for crucial matches, including an upcoming clash against Roma. Rabiot's absence could significantly impact Milan's performance and strategy on the field.

Ivan Juric, who has coached some of the top goalkeepers in Serie A, believes that Marco Carnesecchi has the potential to surpass Mile Svilar. This statement highlights the growing talent in Italian football and Juric's keen eye for promising players. As the league continues to evolve, the development of young goalkeepers like Carnesecchi could significantly impact their teams and the overall competition.

Marcus Thuram will miss the highly anticipated match between Roma and Inter on October 18th, as confirmed by Sky Sport. This is disappointing news for fans and Cristian Chivu, who had hoped to have the talented Frenchman on the field. Thuram's absence could significantly impact Inter's performance, making this match even more crucial for both teams.

The 2026 men's football World Cup is off to an exciting start, with over a million tickets sold since pre-sales began in mid-September. This milestone reflects the global enthusiasm for the tournament, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With fans from 212 countries participating, this event promises to be a historic celebration of football, showcasing the sport's universal appeal and the collaborative spirit of North America.

England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to have discussions with midfielder Jude Bellingham regarding his potential selection for the upcoming World Cup. While Tuchel acknowledges the importance of these talks, he also emphasizes that there are no guarantees for Bellingham's inclusion in the squad. This situation is significant as it highlights the competitive nature of international football and the challenges players face in securing their spots on the national team.

This weekend's football action is heating up with key updates, including Alisson's absence from Liverpool and the latest on Manchester United's stadium situation. Additionally, Maccabi Tel Aviv's visit to Aston Villa is generating buzz, especially as senior government officials plan to meet to discuss reversing a police decision that bans Israeli fans from attending. These developments are crucial as they impact team strategies and fan experiences, making this weekend's matches even more significant.

This week in college football, several unbeaten teams, including Ole Miss and BYU, are gearing up for significant challenges as they aim to maintain their perfect records. These matchups are crucial not only for the teams involved but also for the excitement they bring to fans and the overall landscape of the season. With high stakes on the line, the outcomes could reshape playoff hopes and rankings, making it a thrilling week for college football enthusiasts.

Manchester United has set a £40 million price tag on their captain, Bruno Fernandes, amid growing interest from Bayern Munich. This situation highlights the uncertainty surrounding Fernandes' long-term future with the club, especially as United prepares for potential changes in the summer transfer window. The decision could significantly impact the team's dynamics and strategy moving forward.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has shared encouraging updates on the recovery of key injured players ahead of the highly anticipated clash against Manchester United. This news is significant as it boosts the team's morale and enhances their chances of performing well in the Premier League, especially against a rival like Manchester United.

The upcoming African Super Cup final between Pyramids and RS Berkane will see Mahmood Ismail officiating the match. As a Sudanese referee, Ismail's role is crucial in ensuring a fair game, and his experience will be put to the test in this high-stakes encounter. This match is significant not only for the teams involved but also for showcasing the talent of referees in African football.

Keagan Buchanan, a former midfielder for the Kaizer Chiefs, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33. This marks the end of an era for the player who contributed significantly to the team during his career. His decision to retire is a reminder of the physical demands of professional sports and the inevitable transitions athletes face as they age.