Off the Pitch

We go again. Less than a year after the first season of Ted Lasso dropped on Apple TV+, the Golden Globe award-winning show is scheduled to return on July 23 for a 12-episode second season.

Last we saw of Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) and AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), the club had suffered the embarrassment of relegation to the Championship but the duo pledged to both earn promotion and then win the Premier League immediately after.

After a 19-year absence, Venezia FC clinched its return to Serie A last Thursday after defeating Cittadella in the promotion playoffs final. The result was secured at the world-renowned Stadio Pierluigi Penzo, which is located on the far eastern edge of Venice and easily accessible by boat (or perhaps a fine gondola ride with a bottle of Prosecco).

Marcus Rashford is a national treasure in the UK. The 23-year-old Englishman has taken the mantle as Manchester United’s No. 10 and is beloved for his work campaigning to end homelessness and child hunger in the UK. So it’s rare for Rashford to play second fiddle to anyone, but that’s the case when you get to meet President Barack Obama.