Rossoneri Round-up for 19 June: AC Milan striker Nikola Kalinic sent home from the World Cup

So yeah, that happened.

Milan striker Nikola Kalinic was sent home from the World Cup by Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic after he refused to enter the match against Nigeria for Mario Mandzukic.

Kalinic claimed that his back hurt from an injury and was unable to come on, so he has bee sent home to recover.

Croatia’s football federation put out a statement that said:

In agreement with his coaching staff, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić decided to exclude Nikola Kalinić from the World Cup squad. Kalinić leaves Croatia basecamp in Roshchino on Monday and returns to Croatia.

So yeah, after disappearing for months at a time for Milan all season, Kalinic has gotten himself sent home from the World Cup.

What a guy.

On to the links.

AC Milan and Italian Football Links

Milan’s Cristian Zapata is rumored to be on his way to Boca Juniors. [Football-Italia.net]

Italy will play a friendly against Ukraine in Genoa on 10 October. [Football-Italia.net]

World Football Links

A look at a fan of the Philadelphia Union, who was saved on Father’s Day after his car went into the river, reflects on the friendship he forged with the man that called the authorities to save him. [Brotherly Game]

Rui Patricio signed for Wolverhampton from Sporting Clube de Portugal. [Sky Sports]

Mexico’s Rafa Marquez made his fifth appearance in a World Cup. [FMF State of Mind]

It took Belgium awhile, but they finally broke down Panama and won 3-0. [ESPN.com]

Atlético Madrid confirmed extensions to Lucas Hernandez and Antoine Griezmann, and confirmed the signing of Thomas Lemarr. [Into The Calderon]

Harry Kane scored two goals and England beat Tunisia 2-1. [BBC.com]