UEFA Cup: Perfect Parma; Livorno shattered

Wednesday 29/Thursday 30 November
Group A: Livorno 1-1 Maccabi Haifa
Livorno's UEFA Cup dreams were shattered in stoppages with a 1-1 draw against Israeli giants Maccabi Haifa. Cristiano Lucarelli's 20th-minute goal appeared to have handed Livorno all three points at home, but three minutes into time added on, Roberto Colautti's close-range header earned the Israelis a draw which guarantees their participation in the Round of 32. The result coupled with Auxerre's 4-1 win over Partizan Belgrade means that the Amaranto will have to beat the French side at the Stade Abbe-Deschamps on December 14 to join Rangers and Maccabi in the knockout stage.

Group D: Lens 1-2 Parma
Parma have made it three wins out of three in Group D after a dramatic 2-1 win at French side Lens. The Serie A strugglers were looking to cement their place in the Round of 32, but it was their Northern French hosts that claimed the lead at Stade Felix-Bollaert on 19 minutes. Daniel Cousin side-footed Seydou Keita's cross from the right home to give the Ligue 1 outfit the lead. The scoreline lasted until 77 minutes when Parma levelled matters through Slovenian striker Zlatko Dedic, who struck home from close range. That allowed Daniele Paponi to strike Parma's winner just before the end to maintain the Gialloblu's 100 percent record in the group stage. Stefano Pioli's young team will be looking to finish the group stage with a fourth victory at home to Osasuna on December 14.

This Week's Other Results
Group A: Partizan Belgrade 1-4 Auxerre.
Group B: Dinamo Bucurest 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen, Besiktas 2-1 Club Brugge.
Group C: Grasshoppers 0-4 Sevilla, AZ Alkmaar 2-2 Slovan Liberec.
Group D: Osasuna 3-1 OB Odense.
Group E: Nancy 3-0 Feyenoord, Wisla Krakow 3-1 FC Basel.
Group F: Ajax 0-2 Espanyol, Austria Vienna 0-1 Sparta Rotterdam.
Group G: Mlada Boleslav 0-0 PSG, Panathinaikos 0-0 Rapid Bucharest.
Group H: Celta Vigo 1-0 Fenerbahce, Eintracht Frankfurt 0-0 Newcastle United.

Cannavaro makes FIFA three

Fabio Cannavaro could add the FIFA World Player of the Year award to his Golden Ball after he was named as one of the three remaining candidates.

The Italy captain has made the final shortlist along with 2005 winner Ronaldinho and the now retired Zinedine Zidane.

The winner of the prestigious honour will be revealed on 18 December. It is voted for by the coach and captain of all 207 national teams, who each pick their top three players of the year.

Cannavaro was this week crowned as Europe’s top player after he beat Gianluigi Buffon and Thierry Henry to the France Football honour.

Barcelona and Brazil forward Ronaldinho is once again a frontrunner after winning it for the last two years.

Zidane, who retired from football following his red card in the World Cup final last summer, could pick up the award for a fourth time, having claimed it in 1998, 2000 and 2003.

Cannavaro, who had never made the final shortlist before, would become the first defender to win the trophy and only the second Italian player after Roberto Baggio in 1993.

The Zurich presentation ceremony will also include prizes for outstanding performances at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The tournament’s three best players – Zidane, Cannavaro and Andrea Pirlo – and three top scorers – Miroslav Klose, Hernan Crespo and Ronaldo – will be presented with awards too. Brazil and Spain will receive recognition for their Fair Play during the tournament and Buffon will be applauded for being named as the World Cup’s best ‘keeper.

Cannavaro wins Ballon d'Or >>>
Fabio Cannavaro, defensive artist >>>
Cannavaro named in FifPro World XI team >>>

Sculli handed eight month ban

Genoa striker Giuseppe Sculli has been banned for eight months after an investigation into a second division game in 2002.

Telephone interceptions involving Sculli discussing a match were published in the Italian media and the Lega Calcio's disciplinary commission handed down the ban on Tuesday to the former Italy Under-21's player.

The investigation focused on a Serie B match in June 2002 between Sculli's side at the time, Crotone, and Sicilian outfit Messina - a game that the Pelaritani won 2-1. The potential outcome of the match was discussed by Sculli during a series of telephone conversations which were intercepted.

The disciplinary commission did not find proof of match-fixing which could've handed Sculli a three and a half year ban, but he - who later played for Messina - was given the ban for "unsporting conduct".

Four other people investigated by the commission - Rocco Cotroneo, Leo Criaco, Nicola Salerno and Raffaele Vrenna - were all cleared of any wrongdoing.

Sculli began his career with Juventus but has never made a top-flight appearance for the club having been loaned out to various teams during the past six seasons.

The forward is the grandson of Giuseppe Morabito head of the 'Ndrangheta', the crime group in southern Italy that has taken over the drug smuggling primacy from the Sicilian Mafia. Morabito was arrested in a police raid in the Calabrian mountains in February 2004.

Goal-line technology to be tested in Serie A

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have confirmed that goal-line camera technology will be experimented during Sunday's Serie A clash between Udinese and Reggina at the Stadio Friuli.

The innovative practice is based on four high-resolution cameras installed roughly 20 metres above each corner flag. Those cameras will be linked up to a central computer system which can then flick through 200 frames of images per second. These will be analysed by the system which will then determine if the ball has crossed the line. The referee can then refer to the technology if he and his assistants are in doubt.

“It’s an automatic system that doesn’t depend on the human eye and is more accurate than putting a microchip inside a ball,” said the director of the project Arcangelo Distante, referring to the ‘smartball’ option.

“Everything will be up and running on Sunday. We will provide the same system for the Under-20 World Championships in Canada and the Under-17 tournament in South Korea next year,” he added.

FIFA, the world's governing body, was considering a "smartball'' in which a microchip is embedded in the ball, sending a signal to the referee whenever the ball crosses the line. The technology was tested at the Under-17 World Championships in Peru last year but the trial proved not to be successful.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter stated this week that he expected to have goal-line technology in place by next year’s World Club Championship in Tokyo. “I am sure that at the end of 2007 we will have some sort of goal-line aid,” he conceded. “But we will not have video technology and stop the game. We have to keep the human factor and that includes refereeing error.”

Cannavaro wins Ballon d'Or

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has been named European Footballer of the Year by France Football magazine.

The 33-year-old Real Madrid defender, who captained the Azzurri to victory at the World Cup in Germany, becomes one of the few defenders to win the prize.

Cannavaro won the 51st edition of the award with 173 points, ahead of Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon (124) and Arsenal's Thierry Henry (121).

The Ballon d'Or award is based on a vote by European football journalists.

France midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who retired after reaching the World Cup finals, was placed fifth with 71 points. Last year's European Footballer award went to Barcelona's Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho, who finished fourth this time around.

Cannavaro is the fifth Italian to win the award after Omar Sivori (1961), Gianni Rivera (1969), Paolo Rossi (1982) and Roberto Baggio (1993).

He also revealed that the award had extra significance as he became the first defender to win since Germany's Mathias Sammer in 1996. "It has a double importance because it's given to the greatest players and as a defender it's rare to have this honour," said the delighted Neapolitan. "The World Cup in Germany was perfect for a defender. I remember in particular the semi-final against Germany."

Capped 105 times for his country, the former Juve defender was one of seven nominated players from the Italian national team that captured its fourth World Cup title.

The prize represents the ideal end to an amazing year for Cannavaro, who won the Scudetto with Juventus before the Bianconeri were stripped of the title, and then led his country to World Cup glory before moving to Real Madrid in the summer.

"I want to thank Real president Raman Calderon and my team-mates from Juve and the national team who had an important part to play in my winning this award," Cannavaro said. "Many people analysed my season with Juve in 2005 for this vote. In that season I played 37 matches and scored four crucial goals."

“I want to bring this trophy to Naples, beacuse it is a town that is living a very particular moment. I also want to tell the Naples children that they must believe in dreams, because sometimes they do come true,” added the 33-year-old.

Top 10:
1) Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid) 173
2) Gainluigi Buffon (Juventus) 124
3) Thierry Henry (Arsenal) 121
4) Ronaldinho (Barcelona) 73
5) Zinedine Zidane (retired) 71
6) Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona) 67
7) Miroslav Klose (Werder Bremen) 29
8) Didier Drogba (Chelsea) 25
9) Andrea Pirlo (Milan) 17
10) Jens Lehmann (Arsenal) 13

Marcello Lippi's reaction >>>
Cannavaro nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year >>>
Cannavaro named in FifPro World XI team >>>

Serie A Wk 13: Review

Saturday 25 November
Milan 1-0 Messina
Paolo Maldini was the unlikely hero for Milan and under-fire coach Carlo Ancelotti as they won for the first time in a month in Serie A against Messina at the San Siro. The veteran defender's 13th minute strike helped the Rossoneri players forget their recent struggles, although they will wake up on Sunday morning still 14th in the table. Since October 25, when they beat Chievo 2-0, Milan had lost three times and drawn once. That poor return all but ended their bid for the Scudetto, with the club having had eight points deducted before the season for their part in the Calciopoli scandal. Coach Carlo Ancelotti also saw his team lose out 1-0 to AEK Athens in the Champions League on Tuesday although that did not prevent them from advancing to the next phase of the competition.

Chievo 2-0 Udinese
Chievo secured their first league win of the season in a lively and entertaining encounter with Udinese at the Stadio Bentegodi in Verona. Their 19-year-old Nigerian striker Victor Obinna was the hero with a two-goal performance, his first strike coming in the 31st minute following an error by Udinese keeper Morgan De Sanctis. His second arrived from the penalty spot with just under 20 minutes remaining, setting the seal on a victory that lifts the club out of the relegation zone.

Sunday 26 November
Palermo 1-2 Inter
Inter extended their lead at the top of Serie A to four points on Sunday after a 2-1 win at fellow high-flyers Palermo. Frenchman Patrick Vieira netted the winner on the hour mark - his first Serie A goal for the club. The champions dominated the match, taking an early lead through Zlatan Ibrahimovic before Palermo's Brazilian striker Amauri equalised on the stroke of halftime. Inter had to endure several late scares however, including substitute Andrea Caracciolo's effort that rebounded off the post two minutes from time. The result means that Inter lead the Serie A standings from second-placed Roma, Palermo fall to third.

Sampdoria 2-4 Roma
A Francesco Totti-inspired Roma moved into second place with an impressive 4-2 win over Sampdoria. The Italy striker not only scored twice, putting Roma in front after 13 minutes and finishing off the scoring in the 74th minute, but he also created the two other Roma goals for Simone Perrotta (33) and Christian Panucci (44). Sergio Volpi had brought the home side level in the 14th minute while Francesco Flachi grabbed a consolation on his return from a two-month suspension in stoppage time, but it was Roma and Totti's day. His second strike in the 74th minute was enough to bring the whole stadium to its feet and Totti enjoyed a standing ovation from both home and away fans alike when he left the field five minutes later.

Siena 1-1 Fiorentina
Fiorentina and Siena shared the spoils in an absorbing Tuscan derby at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Luca Antonini had given the hosts a 17th minute lead before Adrian Mutu levelled the scores for the visitors before half-time. Both teams had numerous chances to take the lead after the re-start but both goalkeepers did well to keep the score unchanged.

Lazio 3-1 Ascoli
In-form Lazio secured their third successive victory against winless Ascoli at the Stadio Olimpico as their push for a top-four finish gained momentum. Manuel Belleri had given the hosts an early lead before Stefano Mauri was unlucky to divert the ball into his own net with 15 minutes played to restore parity. It didn't hinder the Biancoceleste though as Goran Pandev made it 2-1 midway through the first half. The Romans were made to sweat for the entire second period before substitute Pasquale Foggia killed the game off with six minutes remaining. The win lifts Lazio to seventh in the table, while strugglers Ascoli have dropped into the relegation zone for the first time this campaign.

Atalanta 1-2 Torino
Torino won for only the second time this season following a tightly contested 2-1 victory over Atalanta in Bergamo. All the action came in the last 12 minutes with Nikola Lazetic's shot was deflected into his own net by Claudio Rivalta. Alessandro Rosina added a second to secure Toro's first away win of the season. Simone Loria headed in the home side's consolation goal in stoppage time, but it arrived too late to prevent them losing their unbeaten home record.

Empoli 1-0 Cagliari
Empoli extended their unbeaten league run to seven games after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Cagliari at the Stadio Carlo Castellini. Ighli Vannucchi's early free-kick was enough to secure all three points for Empoli and leave Cagliari still searching for their first away win this campaign. Luigi Cagni's side, who have not been beaten since October 15, have now moved into fifth place, while Cagliari are in 11th spot.

Reggina 2-2 Livorno
Reggina finally moved into the black points-wise after coming back from 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw against Livorno in the archetypal game of two halves at the Stadio Oreste Granillo. The Tuscan side seemed well in control as Fabio Galante and Cristiano Lucarelli scored to put them in control at halftime. Reggina, however, pulled level through Rolando Bianchi and Julio Leon. Livorno finished the match with 10 men after Dario Passoni earned a second yellow card 10 minutes from time. It has taken four wins and four draws for Reggina to finally get a positive number in the points column, but they could see that number shoot up later in the week when a verdict is expected from the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) on their appeal over their points deduction in the match-fixing affair.

Catania 2-0 Parma
Catania maintained their impressive start to the Serie A campaign as goals from Gionathan Spinesi and Fabio Caserta earned them a 2-0 win over 10-man Parma. The Sicilian minnows were determined to bounce back from their 7-0 defeat against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico last weekend. And Pasquale Marino's side continued to prove their worth in the top-flight following promotion last season with a professional performance, which maintained their unbeaten home record to leap to sixth - level on points with Empoli. The Gialloblu, who had Vincenzo Grella dismissed just before the break after the midfielder picked up two yellow cards in quick succession, have now suffered three consecutive league defeats which has left Stefana Pioli's side just three points above the relegation zone.

Serie B Wk 13: Review

Friday 24 November
Bologna 3-1 Genoa
Bologna temporarily joined Napoli at the top of the Serie B table after comfortably beating Genoa 3-1 in the Friday evening game. The Rossoblu went into the match desperate for a win after losing 1-0 to the Azzurri last weekend and their home fans were not left disappointed. Bologna took the lead in minute 14 through top marksman Bellucci. The veteran opened the scoring in some style after his long range shot struck the post before setting up home in the net. Genoa’s best response came thanks to Longo’s 25-yard effort but he was unfortunate to hit the woodwork. Bologna then wasted first half efforts through Marazzina and Zauli. Adailton had the away side’s best opportunities after the break, but it was Bologna who capitalised on their chances. They went 2-0 up when a quick Torrisi long-range free-kick caught Genoa ‘keeper Barasso out of position. Bologna made it three soon after when Marazzina headed in a Brioschi cross. Adailton grabbed a consolation late on as Genoa lost their second successive game after defeat to Spezia in Week 12.

Saturday 25 November
Juventus 4-1 Lecce
Valeri Bojinov scored twice against his former club as a youthful Juventus came from behind to destroy Lecce 4-1. The Bianconeri were without 11 first team squad players due to injury and suspension, but the Old Lady kept their heads to send Zdenek Zeman – their eternal rival – packing with no points and now with the threat of the axe.

Juventus controlled the opening period and did threaten with Federico Balzaretti who struck the post, before Bojinov and Pavel Nedved went close. But the away side started the second half well and took the lead through Osvaldo who tapped home a cross from the right.

But just when some Juve fans started to fear the side would lose their first Serie B game ever, the Bojinov show started. The Bulgarian fired in the equaliser after robbing a Lecce defender and he then curled in a stunning 25-yard free-kick to give his side the lead.

The game was basically over for Lecce, who had also been reduced to 10-men after the two yellows handed to Diamoutene. And it was hardly surprising when the Bianconeri extended their lead again. After wasting numerous previous chances Raffaele Palladino scored his second consecutive goal to make it 3-1, while Paolo De Ceglie finished off a wonderful counter-attack in minute 94 with his maiden professional goal.

Bari 0-0 Triestina
Bari and Triestina shared the points in a scoreless draw at the San Nicola. The home side arguably had the better of the opening period, but they failed to convert their territorial advantage into chances. But they lost that edge in the 50th minute when Tabbiani was sent-off for protesting with the assistant referee. Triestina thus took control of the tie but they couldn’t score. Ruopolo hit the post in minute 63 and Gillet tipped a Pesaresi effort on to the bar as the southerners held on for a point.

Brescia 2-2 Crotone
A four-goal thriller ended all square at the Rigamonti. Both sides came into the tie unbeaten in their last three games and the crowd were treated to a cracker. The home boys took the lead through Mannini on four minutes, only for Sedivec to make it 1-1 after sliding in a Cariello cross. Brescia hit back though through Possanzini only for Sedivec to get his second five minutes later. The game ended that way, even if Brescia did strike the woodwork with Mannini and Stankevicius.

Cesena 1-1 Rimini
The Derby Romagnolo concluded 1-1. Rimini started brightly with a Pagano effort, but Cesena took the lead on 17 minutes. Salvetti coolly slotted home a penalty after Porchia fouled Pelle’. The latter then had a goal disallowed soon after, while Porchia was later shown red for two yellow cards. Rimini put up a brave fight though and got a leveller through Jeda just after the hour. Cesena failed to make the most of their one-man advantage with Bracaletti having their best effort of the second period saved by Handanovic.

Pescara 0-1 Napoli
Napoli move clear at the top of Serie B after an Emanuele Calaio spot-kick sealed the points for the second week running. Pescara started brightly with Antonelli and ex-Vesuviano Ferrante looking dangerous, but they were reduced to 10 men by the dismissal of defender Olivieri for a horror tackle on Bogliacino. Edy Reja sent on Trotta at the break and he seemed to inject some life into the Azzurri. After efforts from Calaio and Amodio, the Vesuviani were awarded a penalty when De Martis brought down Pia in the box. Despite protests from the Biancoazzurri players, ex-Pescara man Calaio made no mistake from the spot. Martini continued to threaten for the home side with two impressive individual efforts, but it wasn’t to be for the Delfini who remain without a win this term. In fact Napoli should have secured a more comfortable score-line but a late Sosa goal was wrongly disallowed.

Piacenza 1-1 Albinoleffe
Piacenza lost ground on the leaders after they were held by plucky Albinoleffe. The Papaveri got off to a flying start when the ball broke to Swiss defender Nef after a corner and he dispatched it into the corner. Albinoleffe lacked invention before the break and their sole chance of the first half saw Brazilian striker Joelson dispossessed by ‘keeper Coppola. Emiliano Mondonico’s team talk seemed to spur the visitors into life and it was the Bergamo outfit who found the game’s second goal. Colombo took full advantage of some naïve Piacenza defending to break through and beat Coppola. Both sides chased the win but struggled to create any chances and Albinoleffe returned to Bergamo with a fourth consecutive 1-1 draw. Romanian midfielder Patrascu was dismissed for a second bookable offence in the final minute leaving Piacenza to finish the game with 10 men.

Spezia 0-1 Modena
It was a cruel afternoon for Spezia as a nightmare last-gasp own goal handed inconsistent Modena an undeserved first away win of the campaign. Despite being played at a fast pace, it was a game of few clear-cut chances. The home side dominated, helped by the dismissal of Modena midfielder Bentivoglio, but Guidetti and his ex-Modena strike partner Dionigi couldn’t find a breakthrough. With the fans starting to leave and a stalemate beckoning, a dramatic final two minutes decided the game in favour of Modena. With two minutes of stoppage time already played, Spezia came within inches of taking all three points when a Padoin strike hit the post, before Frara handed the visitors the points when he put an innocuous cross into his own net.

Treviso 1-1 Verona
A late Treviso equaliser ensured that it was honours even in the Veneto derby. The home side started the stronger with Muntasser coming close and Fava seeing a goal disallowed for offside. However, it was Verona who opened the scoring when ex-Glasgow Rangers forward Nieto broke down the right flank and centred for Iunco to poke home. After the break the Scaligeri nearly doubled their lead but Nieto was denied by an excellent Avramov save before Treviso started to take control. Fava was inches away from putting Ezio Rossi’s men level and substitute Vascak forced a great stop from Pegolo within minutes of his introduction. Verona had Pegolo to thank again for a smart stop from a Fava header with seven minutes remaining. However, just as the Mastini began to dream of a valuable victory, Treviso struck. Valdez popped up after a free-kick move with a precise volley which clipped the post on its way into the corner. Verona could have returned home empty-handed but the luckless Fava was again denied by Pegolo in the dying seconds.

Vicenza 2-0 Arezzo
Vicenza eased to their first victory of the season in this relegation dogfight, leaving rock-bottom Arezzo in dire straits. The home side took the lead midway through the first period when veteran striker Schwoch exchanged passes with Zanini before firing home, much to the delight of Berici tactician Angelo Gregucci, in the stands due to a touchline ban. The Tuscan visitors upped the tempo after the interval but didn’t cause any real problems for Vicenza ‘keeper Zancope’ and were made to pay the price when young midfielder Paonessa sealed the points with a cool angled finish from a Padoin through ball.

Monday 27 November
Frosinone 1-1 Mantova
Mantova boss Mimmo Di Carlo’s return home ended in his side’s sixth away draw of the season after an even encounter with Frosinone. The best chance of the first period fell to the home side on the stroke of half-time when Lodi ballooned an effort from close range. Seven minutes after the restart the game got its first goal. Frosinone’s veteran midfielder Fialdini broke into the box and went down after contact with Notari. Margiotta stepped up and converted for his fourth goal of the campaign.Spurred into action, Mantova took control of the game and got their reward with 20 minutes remaining when Altinier struck in only his second outing of the season. Di Carlo’s men went in search of a their first away win of the term but were forced to settle for a draw that extends their unbeaten run to five games.

Source: C4 Football Italia

U-21 Championship: The Finals Draw

The draw for the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship has taken place in Arnhem today. Five-times European Champions Italy, unseeded for this tournament, have been placed in Group B along with Czech Repuclic, England and Serbia.

Group A
1. Netherlands
2. Israel
3. Portugal
4. Belgium

Group B
1. Czech Republic
2. England
3. Serbia
4. Italy

Pierluigi Casiraghi's side will start the campaign against Serbia on Monday 11 June in Nijmegen. That will be followed by England on Thursday 14 June and Czech Republic on Sunday 17 June, both in Arnhem.

The tournament kicks-off in Heerenveen on June 10 2007, with the hosts the Netherlands playing Israel. The Final will take place in Groningen on June 23 2007.


Click here for the full schedule >>>
Click here for reaction to the draw >>>

UEFA Cup: Palermo stuffed in Turkey; Parma win

Thursday 23 November
Group D: Parma 2-1 Heerenveen
Parma are now the only side in Group D with a 100 percent record as they came from behind to beat Heerenveen. The Dutch outfit made a bright start in Italy as Danijel Pranjic fired Heerenveen ahead on 21 minutes. The goal served to sting Parma into action as Igor Budan levelled the scores on 24 minutes with a looping header. And Budan took the game beyond Heerenveen when netting the winner for Parma on 73 minutes, also with his head. Parma can secure their spot in the Last 32 if they get at least a draw at Lens on November 29.

Group H: Fenerbahce 3-0 Palermo
Fenerbahce made home advantage count as they ran out 3-0 winners over Palermo in Group H of the UEFA Cup on Thursday. The Turkish side were beaten by Newcastle United in their first game, but they bounced back in Istanbul. Skilful Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah set the Turks on their way with the opening goal on 20 minutes, finishing with aplomb after linking up with Mateja Kezman. Palermo battled well, but their defence was breached again just past the hour when Diego Lugano found the target from close range. Local hero Tuncay Sanli made the points safe when adding a third on 82 minutes, as Fener revived their hopes of qualifying from Group H. Palermo need to pick up a win in their final game against Celta Vigo in Sicily on December 13 to qualify for the next round.

Today's Other Results
Group A: Auxerre 2-2 Glasgow Rangers, Maccabi Haifa 1-0 Partizan Belgrade.
Group B: Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 Tottenham, Club Brugge 1-1 Dinamo Bucuresti.
Group C: Slovan Liberec 4-1 Grasshoppers, Sevilla 2-0 Braga.
Group D: Odense BK 1-1 Lens.
Group E: FC Basle 2-2 Nancy, Feyenoord 0-0 Blackburn Rovers.
Group F: Espanyol 6-2 Zulte-Waregem, Sparta Prague 0-0 Ajax.
Group G: PSG 4-2 Hapoel Tel-Aviv, Rapid Bucuresti 1-1 Mlada Boleslav.
Group H: Newcastle United 2-1 Celta Vigo.

CL: Matchday 5

Tuesday 21 November
Group H - Matchday 5
Julio Cesar's scorching free-kick gave AEK Athens a memorable victory over Milan at the Olympic Stadium in Athens as the Greek side kept their Champions League dream alive. The Brazilian striker curled home a superb left-footed shot after 32 minutes to secure a battling victory over the Rossoneri - a result which puts Lorenzo Serra Ferrer's team into second place behind their illustrious Italian visitors. Goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino was also a hero for AEK, producing a string of fine first-half saves to deny Filippo Inzaghi in particular. Milan missed a string of great chances in an entertaining match with Inzaghi guilty of some poor finishing.

In the other game, Lille's hopes of making it to the last 16 suffered a blow when they were twice pegged back by Anderlecht. Peter Odemwingie put Claude Puel's side ahead in the 28th minute but Mbo Mpenza levelled 10 minutes later. Nicolas Fauvergue again gave the hosts the upper hand two minutes into the second half but the lead lasted just 60 seconds before Mpenza again equalised. The Belgian champions finished the game with 10 men after Jelle van Damme saw red for a second bookable offence late on, but Lille had no time to make the extra man count. The result sees the French team slip to third and Milan qualify as group winners.

Other Results - Matchday 5
Group E: Real Madrid 2-2 Lyon, Steaua Bucharest 1-1 Dynamo Kiev.
Group F: Benfica 3-1 FC Copenhagen, Celtic 1-0 Manchester United.
Group G: Arsenal 3-1 Hamburg, CSKA Moscow 0-2 FC Porto.

Wednesday 22 November
Group B - Matchday 5
Inter secured their passage to the knockout stage of the Champions League after a tense victory against Sporting Lisbon at the San Siro. Hernan Crespo grabbed the crucial goal for the Serie A leaders nine minutes before the break. The win means the Nerazzurri continue the fine run of form that has seen them put together three consecutive group wins to qualify after a disasterous start which saw them lose their opening two Group B games. Inter now face German champions Bayern Munich in the final match on December 5 as the group's two qualifiers do battle for the top spot.

Two goals from Claudio Pizarro were not enough to ensure Bayern Munich top spot in after they were held by Spartak Moscow in the penultimate round of matches. Bayern needed a victory in Russia to ensure they can not be caught by Inter who they face in the final game, but Spartak kept their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Cup alive with a brave display. Maxim Kalinichenko's first-ever Champions League goal gave the hosts an early lead, before Pizarro looked to have put Bayern on course for an away victory with two superb strikes, only for Radoslav Kovac to equalise with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Group D - Matchday 5
Ciprian Marica's second-half strike gave Shakhtar Donetsk a vital home victory over a toothless Roma side. The Romanian striker scored on the hour mark to revive the Ukrainians' hopes of securing second place in Group D and qualifying for the knockout stages. It also marked the first triumph in Europe this season for Mircea Lucescu's side, who had only managed to register two points in their previous four group matches. Shakhtar dominated the game, with the visitors - who needed just one point to qualify - creating little. The Eternal City giants will nevertheless fancy their chances of progressing as they only need a point at home to Valencia in the last group game, while Shakhtar must win at Olympiakos and also hope the Spaniards triumph at the Stadio Olimpico.

In the groups other game, Valencia ensured they finished top of the pile in Group D after a straightforward victory over Olympiakos at the Mestalla thanks to goals from Miguel Angulo and Fernando Morientes. Quique Sanchez Flores' Spanish outfit went ahead through Angulo's deflected strike just before half-time and Morientes struck just a minute after the restart as the hosts comfortably collected their fourth win in five matches to give themselves an unassailable lead.

Other Results - Matchday 5
Group A: Levski Sofia 0-2 Barcelona, Werder Bremen 1-0 Chelsea.
Group C: Bordeaux 3-1 Galatasaray, Liverpool 2-0 PSV Eindhoven.

Serie A Wk 12: Review

Saturday 18 November
Empoli 0-0 Milan
Milan's dreadful form continued when they were held to a goalless draw by Empoli on Saturday. The Rossoneri have now gone four games without a win in the league and coach Carlo Ancelotti is sure to face more pressure after yet another poor result, this time at the Stadio Castellani. Brazilian striker Ricardo Oliveira had no luck as he went close on three occasions. First, he curled the ball over Empoli keeper Daniele Balli from long range only to watch it come back off the bar and then the forward had a header cleared off the line. The woodwork came to Empoli's rescue a second time when Oliveira angled a shot against the post on the stroke of half time. The point leaves Milan 22 points behind leaders Inter.

Cagliari 1-0 Palermo
Palermo missed the chance to open up a three-point lead in Serie A as they were beaten 1-0 by Cagliari at the Stadio Sant'Elia in Sardinia. An 89th minute strike by substitute Simone Pepe was enough in the battle of the island teams in the Derby delle Isole. Fabio Simplicio's dismissal shortly before half-time, though, hurt the visitors from Sicily and the defeat ended their aim to set a club record of six consecutive Serie A wins. Francesco Guidolin's team were without their inspirational captain Eugenio Corini, who was banned, and his absence was felt in midfield. In the end, it was good work by the tireless Davide Suazo which proved telling as he set up Pepe, who blasted the ball home from close range to steal all three points. Palermo now trail leaders Inter by three points ahead of the summit meeting next Sunday.

Sunday 19 November
Inter 1-0 Reggina
Inter took over sole leadership of Serie A with a narrow 1-0 victory over Reggina on Sunday. Hernan Crespo's fourth-minute effort was the difference between the two teams. The Nerazzurri went into the game knowing a triumph at the San Siro would see them climb three points clear of direct rivals Palermo, who they face next Sunday evening in Sicily. Roberto Mancini's men, the only team yet to be beaten in Italy's top flight this season, were forced to sweat until the final whistle against the bottom side, who never gave up. Reggina's Simone Missiroli hit the post and Honduran striker Leon forced a great save out of Julio Cesar. The game also marked Adriano's return, as he replaced an injured Julio Cruz early in the second half.

Roma 7-0 Catania
Roma sent out a warning to the rest of Italy about their Scudetto ambitions by destroying nine-man Catania 7-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. Already a goal down after Christian Panucci's early header, Catania were forced to play for 75 minutes with 10 men after Giuseppe Mascara was sent off for a wild attempted elbow on Cristian Chivu. The Sicilian side simply could not cope and the Giallorossi were 4-0 up at the break thanks to two goals from Simone Perrotta and an effort from Brazilian Mancini. Luciano Spalletti's side showed no mercy after the break, Panucci added his second, substitute Vincenzo Montella scored on the break and then skipper Francesco Totti drove in the seventh from the edge of the area before Catania had Davide Baiocco sent off near the end for a second yellow card. Roma remain in third, four points behind Inter.

Messina 1-4 Lazio
Delio Rossi's Lazio confirmed their return to form with a humbling of hosts Messina. Last weekend's 5-0 thrashing of Udinese in Rome ended a five-match winless streak for the Eternal City club and Sunday's emphatic win in Sicily confirmed the turnaround. Stefano Mauri, who netted twice against Udinese, did so again against the Sicilians. He opened the scoring only for Messina's prolific striker Christian Rigano to equalise from the penalty spot in the second half. Goran Pandev quickly restored Lazio's lead and goals from Mauri and Stephen Makinwa ensured another comfortable win for Rossi's team.

Ascoli 1-1 Fiorentina
Fiorentina's attempts to pull clear of the relegation zone were scuppered as Sasa Bjelanovic's late equaliser earned Ascoli a point from a 1-1 draw. It looked as if Luca Toni's 45th-minute effort would be enough to lift the Viola above Ascoli and out of the bottom three for the first time this season. But Croatia forward Bjelanovic had other ideas, and his scrappy, close-range effort six minutes from time secured his team a draw that keeps them fourth from bottom. Nedo Sonetti, who was taking charge of Ascoli for the first time since being appointed as a replacement for the sacked Attilio Tesser, will be buoyed by the team's fighting qualities after going a goal down but the club remain without a league win so far this campaign.

Udinese 3-0 Siena
Udinese responded to owner Giampaolo Pozzo's strict training regime with a welcome home win to leapfrog Siena in the standings. Pozzo had punished his players after last weekend's 5-0 humiliation at Lazio - their third defeat in as many games - with a strict regime in the town of Peschiera del Garda, which now could become part of Udinese's preparations on a regular basis if results like this continue. An impressive win began with a 19th minute Asamoah Gyan goal - the Ghana striker heading in a cross from strike partner Vincenzo Iaquinta. Iaquinta then made it 2-0 with a 44th minute penalty after Siena keeper Alex Manninger was ruled to have brought down the forward. Iaquinta added his second and Udinese's third with a delicate finish in the 79th minute. The win moves the home side up to seventh, while Siena slipped to eighth after suffering consecutive defeats following the narrow defeat against Reggina last weekend which brought to an end their eight-game unbeaten run.

Torino 1-0 Sampdoria
Struggling Torino picked up only their second victory of the season against a Sampdoria side who have yet to win on the road. The winning goal came 10 minutes from the end when Torino's Elvis Abbruscato was pulled down by defender Luigi Sala and Alessandro Rosina converted the penalty. The victory should take some of the pressure off Alberto Zaccheroni who has had a difficult time since being appointed at the Turin club.

Livorno 3-0 Parma
Livorno restated their European ambitions with a comprehensive 3-0 win over 10-man Parma at the Stadio Armando Picchi. The Tuscan side took the lead through Marc Pfertzel's close range effort and then in the 51st minute Parma went down to 10 men with the sending off of Igor Budan. An own goal from Damiano Ferronetti made it 2-0 before Cristiano Lucarelli headed in Livorno's third eight minutes from the end. Daniele Arrigoni's team maintain their unbeaten home record while Parma still search for their first three points on the road this season.

Chievo 2-2 Atalanta
Atalanta came back from two goals down to frustrate Chievo who had looked well poised for their first win of the season. Andrea Zanchetta put the Verona side ahead with a superb 25-metre free kick and then set up Sergio Pellisier who doubled the advantage in the 57th minute. But Atalanta pulled one back through Riccardo Zampagna, who slotted home from close range, before a spectacular bicycle kick from Simone Loria gave the Bergamo side a point. Despite a point, it will be home coach Luigi Del Neri who will be livid after his team threw away a game which they totally dominated.

Serie B Wk 12: Review

Friday 17 November
Triestina 2-1 Pescara
Triestina closed in on the play-off places with this victory, but Pescara are deeper embroiled in the relegation battle. Pesaresi broke through on the half-hour mark with a left-foot strike from distance, but Rossi only parried Antonelli’s free kick into the path of Martini for the equaliser. Piovaccari eventually sealed the points when he sprung the offside trap and took two attempts to beat Spadavecchia. Yet the visitors could’ve come away with a draw when Ferrante clipped the crossbar.

Saturday 18 November
Albinoleffe 1-1 Juventus
Gianluigi Buffon was sent off as Juve's march on the top spots took an unexpected turn in Bergamo. Buffon’s week went from bad to worse, as he saw Fabio Cannavaro pip him to the Ballon d’Or before giving away a penalty and earning a red card just 24 minutes into this game. Ferrari had gone past Jean-Alain Boumsong and Buffon had no choice but to haul down Garlini inside the area. Antonio Mirante replaced the shot-stopper and his first action was taking Joelson’s penalty out of the net.

With Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet injured, things were looking bleak for the Bianconeri. Still they went close with Raffaele Palladino and a save on Pavel Nedved, though Belingheri’s fierce free kick threatened to increase Albinoleffe’s lead. They managed to equalise straight after the break with Palladino pushing in a Federico Balzaretti cross that had gone straight past a distracted Acerbis. It was an even match as Gori’s header skimmed the upright from close range, but neither side could find another goal.

Arezzo 0-2 Brescia
Brescia picked up their second away win of the season, but Arezzo are increasingly rock bottom and still one point away from eliminating their Calciopoli penalty. Mannini’s header thumped the upright and Possanzini also went close before the turning point just before the break. Galeoto brought down Mannini, possibly outside the area, so the Arezzo player was sent off and Hamsik converted the debatable penalty. Stankevicius secured the victory with a right-foot strike.

Frosinone 1-0 Bari
This is the third victory in the last four games for Serie B newcomers Frosinone, while Bari have to surrender once again after last week’s home defeat against Napoli. It took only 14 minutes for Di Venanzio to score the winning goal, nodding Fialdini’s cross past Gillet. Former Bari midfielder Anaclerio was sent off soon after and, although the Pugliesi attacked for the rest of the match, they didn’t manage to score an equaliser. The greatest opportunity came at the 92nd minute with Ganci, whose penalty was brilliantly saved by Zoppino.

Genoa 1-2 Spezia
Genoa lost the leadership last week and their form shows no sign of improvement in this fiery local derby defeat against hated rivals Spezia. Adailton had nearly latched on to a Greco assist and Sculli failed to take advantage of a defensive error, but it was the visitors who broke through when Sculli’s controversial handling offence allowed Saverino to convert a penalty. The Rossoblu poured forward, but a woeful Biasi mistake left Guidoni with a motorway to run straight at Barasso and beat the ‘keeper. Genoa got back into it in the closing stages, as another debatable penalty for Scarlato’s challenge on Longo was scored by Adailton and Giuliano saw red immediately afterwards for a crunching foul on the ex-Verona striker. Marassi held its breath at the 92nd minute with Stellini clear on goal, but Santoni performed a match-winning save for Spezia.

Lecce 0-1 Crotone
A second defeat in a row for Lecce and the playoff positions now seem very far away, so Coach Zdenek Zeman risks the axe. This, however was a great result for Crotone, as the Rossoblu are starting to move away from the bottom of the table. At the 24th minute Crotone had the chance to go ahead, but Sedivec’s penalty was saved by Benussi. Three minutes later Lecce responded with a short-distance header from Juliano, which was deflected by Soviero. At the 58th minute Carriello netted the winning goal after Dante Lopez’s short-cross. Lecce really tried to get back in the game, but Babù’s left-foot shot hit the post. The 80th minute was the last great chance for the Salentini, but once again a penalty failed to be converted. Valdes’ spot-kick was too high, throwing away what would’ve been a deserved point.

Modena 0-1 Cesena
Cesena conquered the Stadio Braglia as the Canarini continue to slide down the standings. Papa Waigo, Bentivoglio and Pelle had good scoring opportunities and the visitors had penalty appeals rejected for an apparent Campedelli foul on Piccoli. The winner finally arrived on 68 minutes when Pelle got his header on to a Salvetti cross to finalise a counter-attack.

Napoli 1-0 Bologna
This was a head to head battle for Serie A places played out in the heated atmosphere of the Stadio San Paolo. Bologna were more aggressive to begin with, as Iezzo closed down Marazzina when he sprung the offside trap, while at the other end Pia’s left-foot strike was comfortably smothered. The turning point came just before half-time, when the referee awarded a dubious spot-kick for Costa’s challenge on Calaio, who got back up to convert into the bottom corner. There was a fine save on Bellucci and the Capocannoniere then thumped the upright with a splendid effort from 25 metres. Napoli also struck the woodwork in stoppages with a Bucchi free kick, as Edy Reja’s men emerged with the points.

Rimini 3-0 Verona
Rimini needed only four minutes to beat Verona at the Stadio Neri. After 20 minutes of supremacy by the visitors, Cascione’s header from a corner kick put the home side in front. Just 60 seconds later, while Verona was still recovering from that blow, a counter attack from Jeda made it 2-0. At that point Ficcadenti’s men lost their minds and were subsequently knocked out. Perticone was sent off for a last man foul and Porchia showed off all his abilities scoring a wonderful free kick to the right of goalkeeper Pegolo.

Vicenza 2-2 Treviso
It was an entertaining and controversial derby between Vicenza and Treviso. The Biancorossi had a great start with Padoin, who was quick to put a good assist from Schwoch into the net. Treviso didn’t give up and Russotto found the equaliser with a powerful right-foot shot. The game then slowed down, but Schwoch’s effort slotted under the bar to restore Vicenza’s lead. In the second half Treviso attacked constantly looking for the equaliser and deep into stoppages there was the decisive moment. Fissore touched the ball with his hand outside the box, the referee at first didn’t do anything but then changed his mind and awarded a penalty to Treviso. A thankful Beghetto converted, and the game was over surrounded by the Biancorossi’s protests.

Monday 20 November
Mantova 1-0 Piacenza
Piacenza missed out on the chance to move clear at the top of the Serie B table after falling to a 1-0 loss at Mantova in the Monday night game. Piacenza were hoping to move three points ahead of Napoli with a victory, but fell to their third defeat in six away games this term. A goal from Sommese on the stroke of half-time settled the match as Mantova themselves are now just two points shy of top spot. The home side arguably deserved the win and went close on six minutes through Noselli, before Piacenza wasted a golden opportunity in minute 44. Padalino, assisted by Cacia, found himself in front of the ‘keeper but fired over. It was a costly error as Sommese volley home soon after. The away men instantly threatened after the break through Nef, before Bernacci wasted a host of chances for Mantova to make the game safe.

Source: C4 Football Italia

Cannavaro wins Ballon d'Or - reports

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has been named European Footballer of the Year by France Football magazine, according to Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon.

"The joy at Cannavaro winning the Ballon d'Or has been overshadowed by the sad news of the death of Ferenc Puskas," said Calderon.

The 33-year-old centre-back, who captained the Azzurri to victory at the World Cup in Germany, joined Real in July.

The European Footballer of the Year award is based on a vote by European football journalists. France Football is due to officially name the award winner on 27 November.

Cannavaro, who will replace Barcelona's Ronaldinho as last year's winner, will become only the third defender to be awarded the title after Franz Beckenbauer and Matthias Sammer.

Earlier on Friday Spanish daily Marca had claimed France Football's editor had visited the former Parma and inter defender to confirm he had won the award.

After winning the Scudetto with Juventus before it was revoked, he led his country to World Cup glory against France in Berlin, and then completed a move to the Spanish giants.

The Italian media also reported he had won the award, with the Gazzetta dello Sport announcing: "Cannavaro, it's all true." The Corriere della Sera declared: "Golden Ball to Cannavaro".

Cannavaro is one of seven nominated players from the Italian team that captured its fourth World Cup title. He would be the fourth Italian to win the award after Gianni Rivera (1969), Paolo Rossi (1982) and Roberto Baggio (1993).

"If Cannavaro has really won it, it would be absolutely deserved," Rossi was quoted as saying by Gazzetta.

Former AC Milan legend Rivera said: "I would have chosen Gianluigi Buffon but if it is true that Fabio is to win it, I'm happy anyway."

Siena appeal rejected

Siena are furious after their appeal against a one-point penalty for financial irregularities was rejected.

The club was docked one point from the 2006-07 standings after handing in their financial documents a day after the deadline.

The Bianconeri lodged an appeal to the CAF court this week, but the outcome confirmed the original verdict.

“We will keep going in our legal challenge to have our reasons heard,” said President Paolo De Luca (pictured). “I consider it a mistake to punish us so harshly for what was basically a loophole. We democratically accept decisions like this, that we consider profoundly unjust, but will continue the battle to get our point across.”

The club's lawyer Roberto Martini told the official website he has already faxed over a new appeal. “A.C. Siena reserves the right to take every step necessary to defend itself.”

Despite the one-point penalty, the Tuscan outfit are still in fourth place going into this weekend.

Serie B outfit Pescara were also deducted one point for the same reason at the end of October.

Every side in Serie A and B must prove its financial stability before it can be registered for the new campaign and Siena were punished for handing in the documentation after the deadline.

Sonetti is new Ascoli boss

Ascoli have this morning confirmed the appointment of Nedo Sonetti following the dismissal of Attilio Tesser on Monday.

The 65-year-old will be officially unveiled later today and will take charge of his first training session this afternoon.

Sonetti returns to Serie A after guiding Cagliari to safety during the 2005-06 campaign after their dreadful start to the season.

Ironically, Sonetti joined the Sardinian club after 11 games and has now done the same with Ascoli this year.

The minnows are yet to win this season and have only collected four points out of a possible 33 so far.

The Piombino native has actually already taken charge of the outfit in the past when he led them to top-flight promotion back in 1990-91.

Ascoli axe Tesser

Ascoli have fired coach Attilio Tesser after the 1-0 home defeat to Empoli on Sunday, which left them just one place above the relegation zone.

The Bianconeri have earned only four points after 11 matches and the latest slip up convinced President Roberto Benigni to show the tactician the door.

This was despite him saying on Sunday that the Coach would stay at least until the end of the season, seeing as he was doing all he could in the circumstances.

Tesser has worked with the Udinese and Venezia youth teams, before taking charge at Triestina and Cagliari. He landed in Ascoli in May 2006, where he replaced Marco Giampaolo.

The outfit has not yet named his replacement, but for the time being assistant manager Mark Strukelj has been promoted.

Nedo Sonetti is currently the favourite to replace Tesser on the Ascoli bench.

[Serie A 2006-07 Managerial Changes]

Serie A Wk 11: Review

Saturday 11 November
Milan 1-2 Roma
Francesco Totti struck twice as Roma clinched their first win at the San Siro in 20 years for Milan's fourth defeat in five Serie A games. Totti's goals, which came at the beginning and near the end of the game, were enough for the Romans who put up a strong defensive display in an entertaining encounter. The home side did hit the woodwork twice before Cristian Brocchi had equalised for the hosts shortly before the hour mark, when he hit a powerful shot into the bottom right hand corner. The triumph capped up a perfect week for the Giallorossi, who last time out in Serie A overcame Fiorentina 3-1 and then won 2-1 at Triestina in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday. The defeat, which is Milan's third home loss on the trot, piles more pressure on coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Fiorentina 3-1 Atalanta
Giampaolo Pazzini scored twice in the dying stages as Fiorentina came from behind to secure a crucial 3-1 victory over high-flying Atalanta. Giulio Migliaccio gave the away side the lead, before Adrian Mutu levelled for Fiorentina almost immediately. Pazzini then struck in the 89th minute and again deep into stoppage time to secure Fiorentina's sixth league win of the season. The Viola - who were hit with a 15-point deduction for their involvement in the Calciopoli scandal - now have three points and appear certain to move out of the relegation zone.

Sunday 12 November
Palermo 3-0 Torino
Palermo crushed Torino 3-0 at the Stadio Renzo Barbera to stay top of the Serie A standings on 27 points and continue their Scudetto hopes. Eugenio Corini gave the hosts a 43rd-minute lead before David Di Michele doubled his team's advantage shortly after the hour mark. Carvalho Amauri wrapped up a wonderful afternoon for the Sicilians with a 78th-minute strike. Alberto Zaccheroni's men, still looking for their first triumph on the road, have just eight points from 11 games.

Parma 1-2 Inter
Substitute Julio Cruz's last-minute goal sank Parma as Inter rejoined Palermo at the top of Serie A on Sunday evening. Parma looked to have secured a point after Igor Budan's 25th-minute goal had cancelled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic's opener. But Inter struck deep into injury time for a dramatic triumph to silence the fans at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. The Nerazzurri finished the game down to 10 men after Ibrahimovic was sent off with seconds remaining for a second bookable offence.

Lazio 5-0 Udinese
Classy Lazio thrashed 10-man Udinese 5-0 to return to winning ways at the Stadio Olimpico. The Biancoceleste's last victory was on September 30 but Delio Rossi's men finally gave their fans something to smile about with a wonderful display. Tommaso Rocchi and Stefano Mauri both struck twice while captain Massimo Oddo added his team's fourth in the 78th minute. A toothless Udinese were forced to play with a numerical inferiority for the last 12 minutes of the game after Felipe was sent off for two bookable offences.

Catania 3-2 Livorno
Catania have climbed into the top six after an entertaining 3-2 victory over Livorno at the Stadio Massimino. An injury time strike by Giorgio Corona was enough for the Sicilians, who were trailing on the hour mark after goals by Ibrahima Bakayoko and Paulo Sergio Betanin had put the visitors ahead. Pasquale Marino's men had themselves taken the lead 10 minutes before half-time through Gionatha Spinesi and equalised when Fabio Caserta struck after 61 minutes, but in the end the coach would have been thrilled to claim all the points. The victory means his team continue their impressive home run which has seen them remain unbeaten with two wins and three draws even though they had to play two of those games on neutral soil.

Messina 2-2 Cagliari
Daniele Conti struck in injury time to earn draw specialists Cagliari a point against Messina in the battle of the islands in the Derby delle Isole at the Stadio San Filippo. Conti was somewhat fortunate to find the net with a cross-cum-shot two minutes into stoppage time but he will not care one jot as the Sardinians claimed their eighth draw in their last nine Serie A games. Christian Rigano, the league's leading scorer, looked to have given the Sicilians maximum points when he added another goal to his burgeoning collection in the 63rd minute. Rigano had put his side 2-1 ahead with a deft lob after he left the Cagliari defence for dead with a powerful run. The strike was the 32-year-old's eighth of the campaign and added to Messina's opener, scored by Nicolas Cordova in the 35th minute with a well-taken free-kick. That had been cancelled out eight minutes into the second half by Mauro Esposito, who opened his account for the season two months into the campaign with a low diagonal drive.

Siena 0-1 Reggina
Rolando Bianchi's second-half penalty saw Reggina move out of the red with a narrow 1-0 triumph at high-flying Siena. Walter Mazzari's side remain rooted to the bottom of the Serie A standings, but have now erased the 15-point deduction imposed on them for their part in the Calciopoli scandal. Surprise package Siena, who began the day in fourth spot, still sit pretty a healthy 16 points better off than their opponents, although they too would be doing even better had they not had a single point chalked off for missing a tax deadline.

Sampdoria 3-0 Chievo
Sampdoria built on their midweek Coppa Italia win over Palermo with a comfortable 3-0 win over Chievo at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. After Emiliano Bonazzoli gave Samp a 19th-minute lead, Fabio Quagliarella took centre stage with two fine goals before half time to decide the match. Chievo lost Federico Cossato to a second yellow card just four minutes into the second half and the 10 men could not make any inroads on the result while Samp were happy to defend their lead. The Flying Donkeys are still without a victory this season.

Ascoli 0-1 Empoli
Antonio Busce's solitary early strike fired Empoli up the Serie A table and left Ascoli still searching for their first win of the season. Ascoli deserved to take a point from the encounter, but lacked ideas in the attacking third. Busce's seventh-minute header moved Luigi Cagni's side into eighth, ending a six-game winless streak in Serie A, and built on the midweek Coppa Italia win over Genoa, while Ascoli remain fourth bottom a point clear of Fiorentina, who occupy the final spot in the relegation zone.

Serie B Wk 11: Review

Friday 10 November
Treviso 1-0 Rimini
Treviso made a triumphant debut under Coach Ezio Rossi, who returned to the bench a year after he was sacked in a shock win over third-placed Rimini. The game picked up in the second half, when Handanovic parried a Baseggio free kick and Russotto’s follow-up. Soon after, Quadrini took advantage of a defensive error to give the home side victory, although Rimini had several chances to earn a point in the final stages.

Saturday 11 November
Juventus 2-0 Pescara
Juventus continued to climb towards the top of the table, but lost Alessandro Del Piero to a suspected thigh strain. The Bianconeri’s run of eight consecutive victories was halted with a draw at Napoli last week, but it was business as usual when Pescara came to visit.

David Trezeguet, Pavel Nedved and Giorgio Chiellini returned to the side and it took just 18 minutes to break through with the Czech midfielder. Nedved hooked down a long ball forward, adjusted his position and smashed a right-foot shot under the bar from the edge of the box. However, there was bad news soon after when Del Piero pulled up with a suspected thigh strain, making way for Valeri Bojinov. Trezeguet had a couple of good chances set up by Mauro Camoranesi and Federico Balzaretti, while Gigi Buffon blocked two Rigoni attempts.

Nedved was the star of the show, having missed the Napoli game with flu, and completed his brace with a low drive to finish off a team move involving Camoranesi and Cristiano Zanetti, although goalkeeper Michele Tardioli could’ve done better. The shot-stopper made up for his error by rushing out to close down Camoranesi and Trezeguet fired just wide.

Pescara barely threatened the Bianconeri, but in stoppages Camoranesi lost concentration and set up Carmine Gautieri for a chance that was wasted with only Buffon to beat.

Albinoleffe 1-1 Genoa
Genoa notched up their third consecutive draw and lost the leadership to Piacenza. Goalkeeper Barasso performed a series of saves on Joelson and Ferrari before his team took the lead against the run of play with Adailton’s splendid free kick from 20 metres. A Santos header and dangerous Ferrari cross that missed both Cellini and Cristiano again tested Barasso until Albinoleffe finally snatched a deserved equaliser. Blasi slipped and Cellini took advantage of the extra space to beat the goalkeeper. There wasn’t time for celebration, as a furious Coach Emiliano Mondonico was sent off following a row with a spectator who had insulted him from behind the bench.

Bologna 1-0 Arezzo
Bologna took their time to break down bottom of the table Arezzo at the Stadio Dall’Ara. A desperate Capelli tackle stopped Marazzina early on, the first of several opportunities for the former Chievo striker, while Bellucci also threatened in the first half. The visitors had a great chance straight after the break with Antonioli saving Martinetti’s strike, but Bologna sealed the victory nine minutes from time. Goalkeeper Bressan fumbled Bellucci’s effort into the path of Zauli for a simple tap-in.

Brescia 0-0 Mantova
The Lombardy derby failed to give either side bragging rights, as the points were shared at the Stadio Rigamonti. It was a very tactical game that both teams feared losing, though the best chances fell to Serafini for Brescia and Mantova’s Bernacci.

Cesena 2-1 Frosinone
Cesena continued their encouraging start to the season with a win over inconsistent Frosinone. The Emilia-Romagna side got off to a flying start and went ahead after 10 minutes through a Sabato free-kick from just outside the box. Cesena’s second goal was a scrappy one, as the ball bobbled around in the box after a corner, allowing Salvetti to pounce. The game went off the boil in the second half with very little goal-mouth action, but Margiotta secured a consolation goal for Frosinone beating Turci with a smart finish.

Crotone 3-0 Modena
Crotone’s resurgence gathered momentum with a crushing victory over a struggling Modena side. The Calabrian outfit opened the scoring on 17 minutes when Argentine marksman Veron found the bottom corner from outside the box and continued to dominate against the lacklustre visitors. Before half-time Elio Gustinetti’s men doubled the lead through a well-taken Cariello free-kick. The afternoon went from bad to worse for Modena when Crotone were awarded a dubious penalty with 15 minutes remaining and Czech striker Sedivec coolly converted.

Piacenza 3-2 Lecce
Piacenza became the new Serie B leaders with their fifth consecutive victory and Genoa’s struggling form, sending Lecce further away from the promotion places after this very entertaining game. Zdenek Zeman’s men had taken the lead after just six minutes with a curling Babu left-foot gem, but just before the break Campagnaro’s effort came off the upright and into the path of Miglionico’s header. The second half was dominated by the Biancorossi as Stamilla’s header and a Nocerino missile put the result beyond doubt. Yet even after Giacomazzi’s dismissal for a reaction foul on Stamilla, Lecce made the scoreline less embarrassing with Polenghi volleying in Cozzolino’s corner.

Spezia 1-0 Vicenza
Vicenza are a side in crisis after a late Varricchio goal sentenced them to a third straight defeat. Angelo Gregucci’s visitors found themselves on the back foot for most of the first half as Spezia enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. Goalkeeper Zancope’ had to be alert to stop a Frara through ball reaching Varricchio after half an hour, and a minute later a header from ex-Vicenza man Dionigi clipped the post. However, Vicenza improved after the break and Spezia custodian Santoni had to be at his best to deny Cavalli, turning his effort round the post. Just when a stalemate looked to be on the cards, Varricchio unexpectedly controlled an Alessi free-kick and slotted home to send the Alberto Picco crowd home happy.

Verona 0-1 Triestina
The pressure continues to build on Verona Coach Massimo Ficcadenti as Triestina claimed Saturday’s only away win in Serie B. The visitors started brightly and got their reward when Piovaccari met a Pivotto cross after 11 minutes to head the Alabardati ahead. The goal sparked a reaction from the Scaligeri but, much to the frustration of the Bentegodi faithful, they failed to trouble Triestina ‘keeper Rossi before the interval. However, with Ficcadenti’s words ringing in their ears, Verona started the second period the stronger. Iunco had the best chances to level, but had a frustrating afternoon with two shots easily saved and a goal disallowed for a clear offside. Piovaccari went close to doubling Verona’s misery with ten minutes left after a promising individual run, but the damage was done as the home side left the pitch to a chorus of jeers.

Monday 13 November
Bari 0-1 Napoli
Napoli have moved into joint fourth after beating Bari 1-0 in Monday’s Derby del Sud tie at the San Nicola. Azzurri boss Edy Reja decided to bring Roberto De Zerbi into the side after his fine substitute showing against Juventus, while misfiring striker Cristian Bucchi was dropped to the bench. There was also no starting shirt for Sam Dalla Bona.

Napoli went close on 10 minutes through De Zerbi, before taking the lead they arguably deserved on 43. Calaio controlled a cross from the left and unleashed his unstoppable diagonal drive past goalkeeper Gillet.

Bari came out for the second period in search of an equaliser which never arrived. Tabbiani had their best effort with a header, but it was the San Paolo travellers who should have made the game safe with Savini and Calaio missing late chances. That almost cost them dearly as Bari sub Di Vicino struck the post with a free-kick on 88 minutes. Napoli move on to 19 points, Bari remain on 17.

Source: C4 Football Italia

Coppa Italia, Last 16: First Leg Review

Livorno and Parma were the only Serie A sides to fall to first leg defeats against Serie B oposition in the Last 16 of the Coppa Italia. Milan were looking at another shock home defeat to Brescia, but scored four goals in the last half-hour, while Roma and holders Inter take first leg leads into the return matches in December. Joint Serie A leaders Palermo fell to a defeat in Genoa.

The Last 16 stage of the Coppa Italia threw up some intriguing ties, among them a local showdown in Tuscany. Arezzo, who are propping up the Serie B table without a single win this season, and firing Coach Antonio Conte last week, earned a surprise victory over Livorno. Daniele Martinetti was the hero, opening the scoring with a precise header on Stefano Lombardi’s cross and after the break converting a penalty for goalkeeper Emanuele Manitta’s foul on Roberto Chiappara. It was a special moment for Martinetti, who hadn’t netted since his return from a serious injury. Livorno gave themselves a chance of passage to the quarter-finals with Andrea Giallombardo’s solo effort, sealing the 2-1 scoreline.

Napoli have taken control of their tie with Parma following a 1-0 first leg win. After denying Juventus a ninth consecutive League win on Monday, the Azzurri collected a Last 16 victory against Stefano Pioli’s men this evening. The Ennio Tardini outfit did come into the game in relatively good form after collecting two wins and a draw from their last four Serie A matches. Nevertheless, they fell at the Stadio San Paolo this evening after a Cristian Bucchi penalty in the second half, given for a foul on Roberto De Zerbi, condemned them to defeat.

Milan had a dismal start to their tie against Brescia after a run of poor Serie A results, falling 2-0 by half-time thanks to two Zeljko Kalac howlers. Matteo Serafini had opened the scoring on 34 minutes by getting on the end of a Marius Stankevicius free kick and moments later Luis Alfageme took advantage of another Kalac error on a relatively simple ball to double the Serie B outfit’s lead. Fielding a weakened side, Carlo Ancelotti threw on Pippo Inzaghi and it made all the difference to the performance. Dario Simic began the comeback on the hour mark by nodding in Marcos Cafu's cross and Cristian Brocchi drew the giants level with a splendid strike from distance. Inzaghi put Milan into the lead for the first time 12 minutes from the end before Marco Borriello sealed the scoreline with a chest and angled drive.

Inter are still on course to win their third straight Coppa Italia after collecting a 1-0 win at Messina. The Nerazzurri grabbed a potentially crucial 1-0 first leg victory thanks to a goal from in-form Argentine ace Julio Ricardo Cruz. Roberto Mancini’s men started the game brightly in Sicily and eventually took the lead on 40 minutes after wasting a host of early chances. Cruz was the man who broke the deadlock and he did so in some style with an accurate curling free-kick before the break. Messina started the second period brightly against a second string Inter side. Mitsuo Ogasawara, Ivica Iliev and Salvatore Sullo all seriously tested Francesco Toldo but the veteran survived.

Joint Serie A leaders Palermo beat Sampdoria in Serie A on Sunday, but the Blucerchiati took revenge at the Stadio Marassi. The Sicilians brought some tough saves out of goalkeeper Gianluca Berti in the first half with Andrea Caracciolo, Gianni Munari and Franco Brienza. However, it was Emiliano Bonazzoli who broke through for the home side in the final stages, turning in Danilo Soddimo’s cross from the left. Palermo, who are also competing in the UEFA Cup, rested several key players.

Vincenzo Montella’s brace gave Roma victory in Trieste. The Giallorossi got back on track in Serie A this weekend and were also successful in the Coppa away to Serie B outfit Triestina. Their two injury-prone hitmen, Montella and Mirko Vucinic, combined for the opener just before the break. Goalkeeper David Dei managed to parry the first effort, but L’Aeroplanino pounced on the rebound.The second half started in a similar vein, as Montella nodded in Amantino Mancini’s cross from the left. Triestina managed to pull one back with Lorenzo Rossetti at full stretch to meet Mattia Graffiedi’s assist and give them some hope of turning the situation around in the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico.

Empoli saw off Serie B leaders Genoa in a hard-fought encounter at the Stadio Castellani. Simone Iacopini snatched the only goal of the match on the stroke of half-time, unleashing a powerful right-foot effort from the edge of the area. Nicola Pozzi also had a good opportunity for the Tuscans and ballooned it over the bar, but Genoa were on the whole disappointing

Chievo came from two goals down to collect a precious 2-2 draw at Reggina. It had looked as if the home side would have a comfortable 90 minutes, yet Gigi Del Neri’s men hit back to seemingly put themselves in control of the tie with the Verona leg still to come. The Stadio Granillo boys took the lead midway through the opening period when Nickie Nielsen scored 11 minutes before Palmiro Di Dio doubled their advantage. However Chievo, who are desperately struggling in Serie A, hit back through Victor Obinna. The Nigerian, who made his return from lengthy suspension at the weekend, slotted home a 75th minute penalty. Paolo Sammarco completed the scoring when he rippled the net with just five minutes remaining to ensure a draw.

The second leg matches of the Last 16 stage will either take place on November 29 or December 6.


View all the Last 16 results here >>>
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