Columns - Irish Examiner

David Shonfield

Belgium v Italy - UEFA Euro 2020: Quarter-final

Despite the international plaudits why is Belgian football struggling to get its house in order?

The international side may be the envy of Europe but Belgium's domestic league is beset by uncertainties and controversies

Thu, 24 Mar, 2022

David Shonfield: How Italy lurched from humiliation to ecstasy at The Legendary Wembley

Every football nation goes through its nights of ecstasy and nights where it plumbs the depths.

Tue, 13 Jul, 2021

David Shonfield: English clubs and English managers — a contrasting tale

The last Englishman to win any major European title was Bobby Robson with Barcelona in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1997

Tue, 04 May, 2021

David Shonfield: Super League battle may be won but the war wages on

Fear is now the motivation behind the Super League as much as greed for control of the global TV audience. But none of the Shameless Six or the Dirty Dozen deserve any sympathy

Fri, 23 Apr, 2021

What if Roma really fight back tonight?

Jim Pallotta is worried, writes David Shonfield.

Wed, 02 May, 2018

Post-Moneyball business models go head-to-head

Pallotta’s backroom group is focusing more on computer analysis of players and opponents, using methods developed by an American data team, writes David Shonfield

Tue, 24 Apr, 2018

Football equivalent of the gunfight at the OK Corral

It has been billed as the Battle of Britain – or at least England. But tonight’s showdown in Manchester is more than simply a contest to decide the best English side in Europe, or even which of two rival cities has this season’s bragging rights, writes David Shonfield.

Tue, 10 Apr, 2018

Can Italian nous match Spanish flair in Champions League?

There is always an edge to matches between the Spanish and the Italians, and football is only part of it.

Tue, 03 Apr, 2018

ACF Fiorentina Fans Fans Pay Their Respects to Davide Astori

Italian football struggles to come to terms with Davide Astori tragedy

Flags flew at half-mast in Italy yesterday: At the Italian football federation in Rome, and at other buildings and grounds, including the national coaching centre in Florence that overlooks the stadium where Davide Astori used to play. Professional football in Italy came to a halt on Sunday and teams will be wearing black armbands this week.

Tue, 06 Mar, 2018

When football and politics collide

When Catalonia went to the polls eight weeks ago there was a sense among Barcelona fans that this was a defining moment for their club as well as the country.

Tue, 20 Feb, 2018