It does sound like a movie but it is anything but fantasy as the rumours surrounding Cristiano Ronaldos departure to Real Madrid takes another new twist.

It has been reported that Banco Santander, the largest bank in the Euro region who are also the main corporate sponsors for the McLaren-Mercedes F1 team and the Copa Libertadores, have approved of Madrids application for a massive loan.

According to an informer, Jose Ramon de la Morena, who spoke to Cadena SER radio programme, El Larguero, the Santander-based group have already granted Los Blancos a whopping 70 million credit to assist them in signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United this coming June.

It does not mean, however, that that amount is the set price-tag for the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year, but it is the maximum credit limit for Madrid, as the club cannot exceed 20 per cent of their budget expenses.

The White House are expected to have enough in their own pockets to cover the rest of the transfer fee, which will more likely than hit close to the 100 million mark.

And according to Spanish sports daily, AS, United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, will have to release the Portuguese this time around if a fee can be reached between the two clubs and if the player himself decides to leave.

Ronaldo had made Ferguson sign a written agreement during their meeting in Lisbon last August and it stipulates that the winger will be allowed to leave in June 2009 should the opportunity arise.

But the Madrid-based paper also believes that the Red Devils have included a confidentiality clause in the pact, whereby the agreement can be unilaterally broken if the details are leaked to the press and it harms the Old Trafford club.

Los Blancos current interim chief, Vicente Boluda, will hand all relevant information, from the credit concession from Santander to the written agreement with Ronaldo, to the candidate to be elected as Madrids next president.

Italy and Brazil took part in an international friendly match at the Emirates Stadium in London earlier tonight, a match that ended 2-0 in favour of the South Americans.

Goals from Elano and Robinho were enough for them to overcome the current World champions, despite the fact that they too found the back of the net on two occasions, only for both goals to be ruled out for differing reasons.

At the completion of the contest, Udineses Simone Pepe, a man who earned his fourth successive cap for the Azzurri, made it clear that despite being disappointed with their performance, he and his team-mates gave their all against an impressive Brazilian outfit.

Tonight Brazil had a lot of the possession, and they made it difficult for us to get into the match, Pepe affirmed in an interview with Rai.

Through the midfield we tried to work our way into it, but they were very strong in this area.

Had we taken our opportunities however, then the result may have been very different, he added.

Lippi is right by saying that in a year and a half, things will be different for us.

Pepe had a final comment to make in regards to Fabio Grossos goal that was disallowed for offside early in the first half.

The goal scored in the opening stages by Grosso was normal, and it should have stood.

The referee decided to cancel it however, and soon after, Brazil went ahead and the game was changed.

Unfortunately things did not go our way tonight, but we certainly gave our all.

Now we must look to the future, and hope that we can bounce back from this result, he concluded.

The Italians have been drawn in the same group alongside Brazil at the Confederations Cup, which will be played in South Africa later this year, and they will have the opportunity to redeem themselves then.

Milan managed a disappointing 1-1 draw with Reggina at the weekend, a result that leaves them eight points off the pace set by their cross town rivals Inter.

The poor home performance was worsened by the fact that the clubs star man Kaka injured his foot, and was forced to withdraw from the field as a result, in the closing stages.

The initial medical tests confirmed that the Brazilian had suffered a badly sprained left foot, and required two weeks on the sidelines in order to recover from the injury.

Having said this though, the latest reports to come from the Milan training camp suggest that the 26-year-old has made great progress, and could be a chance to take part in the crucial derby against Inter this weekend.

The positive news has been reported by Corriere dello Sport that also go on to suggest that his absence from the Brazilian national teams match against Italy, was crucial to his rapid recovery.

If Kaka is to take part in the derby this round, then it will be interesting to see what Carlo Ancelotti does with Ronaldinho, who has been tipped to play from the start over the past few days, as a result of the absence of his fellow Brazilian.

Rio Ferdiand gave an impression of extreme professionalism in his press conference this afternoon, ahead of England's friendly with Spain in Seville on Wednesday night.

Speaking to reporters in front of the Sky Sports News cameras, the Manchester United man was calm and focused as he fielded questions ranging from the topic of potential racism at the game, to David Beckham's marvellous achievement in returning to play a significant role in the national squad once more.

The fixture itself, although a friendly, was clearly being taken seriously by Ferdinand, who maintained its importance to England continuing their current good run that has seen them surge to the top of their qualifying group.

"It's definitely important," he said. "We need to keep the run going, performance and results wise.

"It's a massive test, we all know what qualities they've got. They've got some of the best players in Europe and the world."

As for the new recruits to the England squad, Ferdinand was very positive, saying that their call-ups were "fully deserved", highlighting West Ham United striker Carlton Cole in particular as a positive addition to the national set-up.

"Carlton Cole's scoring goals for West Ham and he's in a rich vein of form. Good luck to him," he added.

With the first anniversary of Fabio Capello's time in charge of the England team occurring about now, Ferdinand was quizzed abut his feelings on the coach, and whether he felt the Italian was 'the best' coach that the defender had experienced with England.

"It's too early to talk about who's the best and who's the worst. He's doing a good job at the moment and long may it continue," Ferdinand added, before explaining that he felt that results in tournaments were the criteria by which history would judge the Italian.

The Manchester United defender preferred not to discuss the issue of potential racism in Seville, after black English players had been the subject of racist abuse the last time the two nations met in Madrid, saying, "We're just going there fully concentrating on playing football. Anything else can be dealt with after the game."

As for the choice of venue being influenced by potential racism, Ferdinand 'dead-batted' the issue, claiming, "We play where we are told to play."

But it was on the subject of the returning Beckham that Ferdinand was at his most effusive, hailing the former skipper's return as a fabulous achievement, particularly as he looks set to equal  Booby Moore's 108 England caps, a record for an outfield player.

"He's had a lot of challenges throughout his career," Ferdinand added. "Becks is a fantastic footballer. There is a zest about him. His quality is undoubted.

"Just to get to 100 [caps] is an achievement, but to equal a man of the stature of Bobby Moore is unbelievable.

"Long may it continue. Becks fully deserves it."

Behind every great player is at least one coach. Not necessarily a great one, nor even a good one, but a coach nonetheless. After all, someone has to throw the young talent in at the deep end. Someone has to stand and nod and say to themselves, the boy is ready. Someone has to dish out the pats on the back, the hairdryer treatment, the ignominious substitution. Someone has to choose.

In Diego Maradona's case, it was Cesar Luis Menotti, the 1978 World Cup coach, who gave the Argentinos Juniors ace his big break by offering him his international debut in 1977, and although he did not take part in the World Cup the following year, this show of faith was enough to inspire Diego to greater successes.

Unlike Maradona, though, Barcelona forward Lionel Messi needs no such *lo**ing for the Albiceleste. That was already taken care of, with Leo already a part of the furniture at the AFA following his debut under Jose Pekerman in 2005. Thirty-two further appearances have followed, with the vast majority of them being impressive, to say the least.

But something is missing. The best player in the world-elect requires more. With Argentina having suffered something of a dry spell in 2006 and 2007 - and the 2008 Olympic Gold medal failing to silence the clamour for the World Cup - the stage is set for someone to pull the Albiceleste back to what is regarded as their rightful level. For the AFA, Maradona is the man to do so from the bench. And for Maradona, Messi is the one who will make it happen.

Man With The Plan

From one master to another come words of advice, encouragement - and high expectations. Maradona has made it abundantly clear that he regards Messi as the true attacking engine of his Argentina side ahead of the midweek friendly with France.

"I want him as a goalscorer, a passer, everything. his best position is the one he has at Barcelona, on the right, looking for the ball and then pushing along the flank. That's where he feels most comfortable," he told the AFP.

This is no case of lip service. Maradona has gone to significant lengths to field Messi on Wednesday night, meeting with Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola to (successfully) look into abandoning the accord between the AFA and the Blaugrana that prevented Lionel from taking part in friendlies. It would have been all too easy for Maradona to point to the earlier agreement, shrug his shoulders, and pick someone else. Yet this was not an option for him.

Indeed, any international manager will tell you that, friendly or no, one must have one's full squad available whenever possible, and Messi not only comprises a part of this group, but almost embodies it whole. And while Maradona grumbles about the absence of Juan Roman Riquelme and Sebastian Veron, he eventually allowed these two to remain on domestic duty. For Leo, there was no such respite.

The Leader

That's because Maradona needs Leo to lead by example if he is to fulfill his appointed mission as guarantor of the Argentine success story. As Maradona said today, "I want to be Argentina coach. I live, dream and wake up asking myself how I can improve this team. I want to improve the Argentinian players."

Nowhere is this more true than in the coach of Leo, for whom Maradona already has a plan. The youngster is already - by February! - said to be a stick-on for the Ballon d'Or if he continues his current run of form at club level, and to bring it to the international table even in a year without a major international tournament is the cherry on top.

For while Maradona will forever be remembered as a legendary number 10 at club level, it is on the international stage that he well and truly shone. Even non-football fans can tell you about his goal - and his "goal" - against England at Mexico '86. No single person has defined an international tournament to such a great extent since, and it could be decades before they do so again... or it could be next year if Messi hits stride.

To see the two on the training pitch today, both clad in Argentine tracksuits, gives an odd impression. Having such similar heights and tendencies, they stand next to each other almost as equals, and an easy smile on each face complicates the mentor-pupil arrangement that would probably be considered appropriate. But in fact it makes sense: in this case there is something more. Say what you will about Maradona but, unlike that other giant of the global game, Pele, he does tend to know a player when he sees one. To find one so close to home is not exactly serendipitous when one considers Argentina's legacy. But nonetheless, the grins and the shared jokes... well, to paraphrase Mark Twain, the truly great make others feel that they, too, can become great. And if there's one thing the shy, unassuming Messi needs, it is that level of inspiration.

Rough Redemption

Not only will this give Messi the elevation that his talent deserves, but it'll also dispel any remaining doubt - and there's plenty of it - that Maradona is a man cut out for coaching. Let's not forget, his only managerial experience prior to last year came with two brief and frankly embarra**ing spells with minor clubs back home. Perhaps rightly, he was then thought of as too eccentric for the bench. Sure, he may be the (un)disputed greatest player of all time, but when the old adage 'good players aren't always good coaches' was wheeled out, Maradona's name was seldom far from the mind.

Indeed, the mid-to-late 90s formed the nadir of his career, and probably his life. Public figures queued up to denounce this fat, smirking layabout, who couldn't control his cocaine addiction long enough to give his career the dignified ending it deserved. Ephedrine at USA '94? Well, what else would you expect from Maradona? It's hardly unprecedented in any field of human endeavour, but nonetheless to see someone so built up and then almost immediately shot down again is quite a stunning thing to reflect on, and in Maradona's case it remains a source of division between himself and the press that will probably never quite be overcome.

Still, as coach he is - contrary to some expectations - at least making a fist of keeping things calm. Sure, he'll complain about the organisational abilities of the Argentine FA. He'll strut around the most foreign of foreign stadia as if he owns them. But it would take the most cynical man of all to say that the Albiceleste are not at the front of his mind - and Messi further ahead than them all.

But it's not just about Maradona the coach. It's about Maradona the man. No matter what happens, he will leave behind one of the greatest on-pitch legacies in the history of the game, and if Argentina succeed under him he will become one of the pantheon of global figures to make it both as a player and a coach - years after it was said that he was, in fact, finished. But if he does this and has a decisive role in moulding his successor, he will be player, coach, mentor, father - legend. He will have done it all, and put Messi on the road to doing the same.

Who else can say the same?

First-Half

Had Fabio Grosso not netted a third-minute offside goal, one would have had the feeling that Brazil had embarked on the latest round of a Harlem Globetrotters style tour, with the fabled Azzurri playing the part of the fall-guy in the first-half.

Riccardo Montolivo's pass found the clever run of Grosso behind a static Maicon and the Lyon full-back finished confidently over Julio Cesar before the strike was dubiously annulled.

However, after that, it was samba time at the Emirates, with Brazil's attacking quartet making a lasting impression on the vociferous and appreciative support.

Robinho, supplied by the marauding Maicon, fired a volley on target after 10 minutes, that incident coming soon after the Manchester City man almost picked the pocket of Fabio Cannavaro inside the Italy area.

Brazil moved up a gear, and within three minutes they were into a deserved lead. Ronaldinho played a pass into the feet of Elano, who laid off to Robinho and continued his box-bound run.

Robinho's first-time pass was almost reached by Nicola Legrottaglie before Elano smashed a cool finish over Gigi Buffon for an attractive opening goal.

Fourteen minutes later and Brazil had cantered into a two-goal lead. Lucio led a characteristic break forward and fed Ronaldinho on the right. His cross found only Andrea Pirlo, but the Milan playmaker was leaden-footed in his own area and meekly relinquished possession to Robinho.

What followed was a moment of unbridled genius. Robinho skipped past Pirlo and bam***bozled Gianluca Zambrotta with a flurry of step-overs, before arrowing a low, accurate drive to the far corner.

It took Italy until then to rouse themselves into a response with Daniele De Rossi, the only functioning component of a slipshod midfield, forcing Julio Cesar into a save on the half hour.

There was time for Elano to reply for the Brazilians just before half time   with an exquisite effort that flew just over.

Second half

It was an altogether more competitive Italy that took to the field for the second half, with Marcello Lippi introducing four substitutes at the break in a bid to stimulate his attacking talent.

Giuseppe Rossi almost dragged his side into contention with a left-footed effort immediately after his bow; his angled drive found only the side-netting.

Brazil were still intent on progression up the field though, with Maicon's cross forcing Zambrotta into an uncomfortable clearance inside his own six-yard box.

A more even second half continued, with the presence of Luca Toni providing a handful for Juan and Lucio. The Bayern Munich forward had the ball in the net on 65 minutes following a fine pass from Pirlo. However, before bundling the ball past Julio Cesar, the burly frontman controlled Pirlo's pass with his arm and the effort was correctly ruled out by Howard Webb.

There followed a lull, with a number among the Italy contingent acquiring yellows for some archetypal Calcio tackling. Brazil were unable to breach the opposition defensive lines, as a somewhat cynical rigidity was instilled in La Nazionale. 

Indeed, as the spectacle ebbed towards its conclusion, Italy almost halved the deficit. A lively Rossi reached the byline following a quick throw-in and centred for Toni. The striker had half a yard of space and steered his shot on target, but was repelled by a terrific instinctive save from Julio Cesar.

Italy pressed to the last; Grosso, the best in show for the Azzurri on the night, forced Julio Cesar to save a goal-bound free-kick and from the resulting corner, Toni was again on target.

However, this was a night that belonged to those in yellow; Dunga's side threw off the shackles to record an impressive win, and end Lippi's quest for a record 32-game undefeated streak.

Line-Ups:

Brazil (4-2-2-2): Julio Cesar - Maicon, Marcelo, Juan (Thiago Silva 77'), Lucio - Gilberto (Josue 89'), Melo - Elano (Dani Alves 70') , Ronaldinho - Robinho (Julio Baptista 89'), Adriano (Pato 80')

Italy (4-3-3): Buffon - Zambrotta, Grosso, Cannavaro, Legorttaglie - Pirlo (Dossena 75'), Montolivo (Perrotta h/t), De Rossi (Aquilani 58')- Pepe (Camoranesi h/t), Di Natale (Rossi h/t), Gilardino (Toni h/t)

Goals:

Brazil: Elano 13', Robinho 27'

Italy:

Cards:

Brazil:

Italy: Perrotta, Grosso 68', Zambrotta 76'

Referee: Howard Webb

The latest Italy squad has a touch of the Donadonis about it. It is totally and utterly unremarkable. Form players have been left out while tried, tested, dried up old fruits have found their way into selection. Again.

The most startling is, of course, the Azzurri's decline in production of defensive talent. There just aren't the stars available there once were and there is little sign of any emerging in time for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

That is, of course, besides Fabiano Santacroce. It would not be an exaggeration to suggest that the Brazil native established himself as one of the best defenders in Italy when he had only just turned 21, still playing for Brescia.

He is now very much at home in a Napoli side eager to bring back the glory days; he's still only 22, has grown immensely popular with the fans, yet was inexplicably overlooked for selection. Instead, Marcello Lippi has called on the likes of Andrea Dossena and Daniele Bonera, both of whom have been average at best for Liverpool and AC Milan respectively.

At the other end of the pitch, the Azzurri's curse of an abundance of 'good' strikers but a severe lack of 'greats' has continued. In this instance, Lippi's failing has been not giving the form players a chance. Vincenzo Iaquinta, who at best, slips in and out of the Juventus team, has made the squad, as has Simone Pepe, who is also struggling to get a string of starts at Udinese.

Omitted, inexplicably, is Sergio Floccari. The 27-year-old late *la*hmer remains uncapped, but is undisputedly one of the form strikers in Serie A. Antonio Cassano has been left behind as well, possibly for reasons other than a lack of quality - but is it for the best? Italy need a bit of magic, and few forwards provide that quite like 'Il Talentino'.

Could it not be seen as a failing of the great Lippi that he will not even try to man manage the fiery forward and instead simply neglect such an incredible talent? The likes of Fernando Redondo and Eric Cantona are not viewed as legends of the game because they never made a mark on the international stage, but football should always come first, shouldn't it? Or are we asking too much?

If Italy avoid defeat tonight, Lippi will have set a new world record for games unbeaten as an international manager - but closer analysis shows that of the 31 games unbeaten so far, a massive 13 of them have been draws - and many were draws against very, very average teams.

This record doesn't hold the same resonance as Spain's current streak, which should tell Lippi and Italy all they need to know about the work they need to do to get back to the top - or even come close. There are less than 18 months between now and the beginning of the showpiece in South Africa. Time will fly between now and then; Lippi needs to inject some energy and inspiration into his selection, and soon.

For this re-marriage to have a happy ending, the Italy team needs the perfect balance. Think of it as a wedding dress: Lippi is something old, but he's in desperate need of something new. Amauri must be the something borrowed, and the shirt, of course, is Azzurri blue.

Former Juventus striker Fabrizio Ravanelli believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi are the best strikers in the world.

Goal.com caught up with the 'White Feather' for an exclusive chat on all things Calcio. Ravanelli knows what it takes to become one of the best hitmen in the world having led Juventus to Scudetto, Champions League, UEFA Cup, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana glories.

The former striker still follows the game closely and he has picked out his top finishers.

"I think Ibrahimovic is surely one of the best," Ravanelli told Goal.com.

"I also like Rooney, even though his play has not been brilliant recently, also, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi.

"However, I also want to talk about Robert Acquafresca, I think he has everything to make it at a big club.

"But I believe that Messi is the best second striker around at the moment, without any doubts."

Having won major honours with Juventus during the mid 1990s, Ravanelli spared a few words for his former team.

"I think Juventus are a great team with character, but I think they are lacking something extra in midfield," added the former striker.

"However, they have players who have the will to win and make sacrifices."

Aston Villa are definitely well equipped to finish in the top four of the Premier League this season, according to a man who earlier on in the campaign felt that they lacked sufficient quality to do so.

David Platt, who played for the Birmingham outfit between 1988 and 1991, scoring 50 goals in 121 appearances before moving to Italy to play for Juventus and Sampdoria amongst others, had felt that predictions of Champions League qualification for Villa were a little premature this season, but has now changed his mind.

"Villa keep grinding results out and adding points to their total," the man who ended his career in north London with Arsene Wenger's Arsenal told The Birmingham Post.

"I was somebody who thought that when the 38th game was played wed still see the same top four in there.

"But Villa keep answering the doubters and I was one of those doubters until a couple of weeks ago. I actually fancied Arsenal to get back into the top four and thought theyd be a very good price down at the bookmakers, now theyll be an even better price because theyre not picking points up and Villa are."

Platt, who enjoyed little success in his forays into management in this country that included a spell at Nottingham Forest, thinks that, despite their impressive progress, challenging for the title is still a task just a little beyond the Villans.

"They keep winning football matches," he went on.

"If they can go the next four of five games and stay in the position where theres five or six points between them and Arsenal or Chelsea then you would find it hard to say theyre not going to come in that top four.

"But I think theyre too far away from Manchester United."

Jussi Jaaskelainen has urged his Bolton Wanderers team-mates to shake themselves and improve their performances quickly, otherwise they could be facing the stark prospect of relegation from the Premier League.

Added to recent warnings on a similar theme delivered by Trotters manager Gary Megson and defender Gary Cahill in recent days, it adds to an impression of gloom at the Reebok that hasn't much prospect of lifting any time soon.

The ongoing attempts by certain sections of the Wanderers' support to oust the unpopular Megson from his role as manager has not helped matters, and Jaaskelainen knows that the players must respond by lifting their game, before the situation becomes a crisis.

"I think the experience has been lacking in the last few games. Not individually but as a team," the veteran Finn told The Manchester Evening News earlier.

"We were 2-0 up against Blackburn and Spurs but we let both sides come back at us.

"When you play week-in, week-out against quality teams they will punish your mistakes. But everybody knows deep inside what we need to do."

Hard work is identified as the key factor by the goalkeeper, although the lack of appropriate effort isn't something one readily associates with the Trotters in recent years.

"We didn't work hard enough against Everton. When we come up against teams who have played a lot of games, we know they will tire. So, we must keep a clean sheet as long as possible," Jaaskelainen concluded.

1) England Are Criminally Under-Rated
All too often one hears cries of England's lack of home grown talent, c****ined with the dire state of the national team. While foreign imports outweigh home product in the domestic league, the most consistent performers from the past five seasons have still been English (Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard). The Champions League final in Moscow last season had 10 Anglican starters so talent has never been an issue, it's the organisation of it that has been of question. Under Fabio Capello though the national side have continued to grind out results, have lost only once - in a friendly, against France (1-0) - and are slowly beginning to look the polished article. The most recent fixture, the 2-1 win over the Germans, was a greater triumph than the 4-1 destruction of Croatia as the team possessed balance despite the selection of fringe players. England are again without a number of their stars but the depth is often overlooked. Under-rate them if you wish, but the Lions will continue to roar.

2) The Scion Of Paul Scholes Is Coming Of Age
It is true. England have sorely missed the playmaking capabilities of the audacious passer; Paul Scholes. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are individually outstanding midfielders and indeed assured passers of the football, but a descendant from the school of Scholes they are not. Michael Carrick on the other hand, is. If one were to assess the key positions from Manchester United's success this season - that sees them still battling on four fronts - then defence and Nemanja Vidic would be all too often spoken of, neglecting the contributions of Carrick. He sits well, can pass accurately all day, make play after play, and could prove to be a good partner for disciplined shield (and sound passer himself) Gareth Barry, while one of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard is employed further forward. Carrick's last game in an England shirt was against Germany, where he dominated Simon Rolfes. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder though did play his way back into the game, but while his passes were occasionally misplaced, Carrick's were uncomplicated and effective.

3) Translating Club Form To The International Arena
Goal.com's Ewan Macdonald pointed out that Gabriel Agbonlahor could be too green for a game of this stature and, in the absence of Jermain Defoe, Michael Owen, and Wayne Rooney, is likely to get the nod to start the game, especially considering he was found the favourable option for the Germany game. Fabio Capello even stated that the electric pace of Agbonlahor would be the perfect tonic to Carrick's deep-lying passing. Gabriel is the top-ranked Englishman in the goal-scoring charts, and fourth overall in the Premier League table of goals tallied. An all Aston Villa forward line with Emile Heskey though is now an unlikelihood as the latter has pulled up injured, but this provides an opportune moment for an in-form Carlton Cole - five goals in seven games  - to shine. Cole may be sneered at by some for his failure to establish himself in a Chelsea team, but since Gianfranco Zola took charge of West Ham the 25-year-old has displayed hot form. His confidence is high, his strength on and off the ball has improved, and he could prove to be just as big a nuisance as Heskey would have been. Both Agbonlahor and Cole should take solace and self-assurance from the fact that Spain will not be fielding a first-choice defensive pairing.

4) Defensive Rigidity
In nine Fabio Capello instructed internationals, England have conceded seven times. However, when facing teams of a high standard (France, Croatia, Germany), they have shown that - as a team - they can *u*k the pace out of a game. Capello has the luxury of picking a near enough full strength rearguard. They possess dynamic overlapping full-backs like Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson, and strong defenders in Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. The Spanish boast a plethora of players who are capable of producing a moment of magic without forewarning - whether that be a pass or a shot, yet if they start to dominate possession and passages of play on home soil, then England can employ the tactic that saw them shut out the French for long periods of play last March. Les Bleus won by a solitary converted goal, but England have progressed significantly since then, and have prompted Cesc Fabregas and Iker Casillas to step back and take a note.

5) Solidarity
 The team have had questions fired their way during press conferences and before, about how the team will react if England's black players are subjected to racial abuse like the vile monkey chants that were aired at Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole in 2004 in Madrid. Vice-captain Rio Ferdinand replied that they would concentrate on the pitch. A point, and perhaps a statement of intent, could be made by out-performing the European Champions on their own yard.*
*Fabio Capello was quick to point out that as a former resident of Spain he knew that the people - as a whole - were not racist.

Denis Irwin was the player who was leaving the field when a 17-year-old Ryan Giggs replaced him to make his Manchester United debut in March 1991. The Welshman has now made his 787th senior appearance for the Red Devils, and marked the occasion with a goal at West Ham United on Sunday.

Irwin went on to play as a left-back behind Giggs for most of the early part of Giggs's United career, and he is better qualified than most to offer some perspective on the winger's achievements and longevity.

"As United's left-back, I played behind Ryan for years and right from the beginning what was great for me was that he wasn't frightened of, nor did he shirk, his defensive duties," Irwin explained in today's Manchester Evening News.

"He never left me exposed and I knew that if I ever went on an overlap, he would track back. I didn't have to think twice about making a forward run because I knew Giggsy would cover for me. I could depend on him 100 per cent.

"That is not often the case with your typical out-and-out winger."

Irwin has also hailed Giggs' versatility, as after being considered very much a winger throughout most of his career, the Cardiff-born player has been moved into central midfield by United manger Sir Alex Ferguson in recent weeks.

"Ryan has had to re-invent himself," added Irwin.

"I wouldn't say his legs have gone but it is a more athletic game these days and there are plenty of players around who can now match his speed.

"When that time arrives you have to have something else to keep going. Ryan has, and always had, a footballing brain.

"He's intelligent and knows exactly how to move into spaces. It is those areas that are a nightmare for defenders as you just don't know how to pick him up.

"It's as difficult to handle that as it was attempting to stop him when he was bearing down on you on the wing. He'll be enjoying this new role. Life changes and you have to adapt.

"When you get older as a player there is a tendency to start worrying about your future and worrying about other people taking your place. But outwardly that doesn't seem to have bothered Ryan, if it has even come into his head at all."

And the former Republic of Ireland international had a few nostalgic words with which to conclude, as he cast a look back over Giggs' lengthy career, adding, "When you think back to that slip of a lad who made his debut as a winger to the experienced central midfielder Ryan is now, you have to say he really is an all-round player, and long may it continue."

ohn Terry is trying not to let his shock at the surprise sacking of club manager Luiz Felipe Scolari yesterday cast a shadow over his preparations for England's friendly with Spain in Seville on Wednesday night.

However, the Chelsea skipper is clearly deeply affected by the sudeen removal of the Brazilian from the Stamford Bridge dugout.

"I was very shocked by what's happened," Terry told BBC Sport earlier.

"He had my full support, that's for sure, and I'm sure two or three of the other players would say the same.

"He's a great man but we weren't playing well and that unfortunately falls on his head. Maybe it should have fallen more on us, the players.

"At end of the day it's all about results, and unfortunately for Scolari they didn't come."

Although many England supporters might fear that the situation back home in London could prove a damaging diversion to preparations for what is an important international friendly, Terry insists that being away with England provides him with the perfect distraction to take his mind off the unsettled club situation.

"What's happening back home is at the back of my mind but I am focusing on the game ahead," he added.

"It is a bit of a relief to get away for a couple of days because my main concern should now be England.

"The manager [Fabio Capello] has stressed he wants everyone focused on the game ahead. I want to put in a good performance personally and hopefully the squad can do the same."

Argentina coach Diego Maradona today praised his former club Barcelona, describing them as the best side he has seen lately.

Maradona, who played for Barcelona during his illustrious career, is in Europe preparing for a friendly match against France tomorrow evening, and he praised the club and the coach.

"Barcelona are the best team I have seen in recent times. There are squads behind like Manchester United, Inter, Liverpool or even Real Madrid, and they are good, but Barcelona have shown the are a little bit better than all of them," he told Marca.

"With the little experience that he [Pep Guardiola] has, the work that he has done with that group seems exceptional."

Unsurprisingly, Maradona also had praise for the Argentinian who is also Barcelona's brightest star, Lionel Messi - who has drawn plenty of comparisons to the coach in his short career.

Maradona revealed that even though he could not train properly yesterday due to a slight knock, Messi was "lively, happy and wanting to play" and will do so on the right side.

"He knows what I did, and he wants to surpass that. If he achieves everything with Argentina that he is aiming [for] at Barcelona, we are talking about one of the best players in the world," he mused.

"I was speaking with him last night and he told me that it is an important game because it is his first under me, and that he will give his all so Argentina show the power they have.

"It would be stupid to play him elsewhere, if Messi plays as he does with Barcelona, it is pointless changing position."

Sergio Batista, the coach of the Argentine U-20 squad affirmed that they didn't qualify for the World Cup of Egypt because they had "bad luck" and he said "no team" were better than them.

"No team proved superior to us. We had bad luck, like with the referee against Brazil, but I'm not putting any excuses, we didn't play well and something was missing," admitted Batista, a couple of days after his side were eliminated from the World Cup of Egypt.

"It isn't the moment to analyse, but something must have happened because we had a good team. The group tried to do the best possible. Sometimes things go well, and other times, badly."

Finally, Batista, who guided Argentina to the Olympic gold medal in Beijing last year, stated that he was responsible for Argentina's failure to qualify for the World Cup.

"I think I chose good players, they were all very good and most of them have played in the First Division, but they had a bad tournament. We couldn't give them the right mentality to confront the matches. As the conductor of the team I take full responsibility," he concluded.

In declarations to the press on Monday, Diego Maradona, the coach of the Argentine senior team stated that the elimination "doesn't change" his opinion about Batista.

International friendly week arrives once more to clog up the football calendar, and leave club bosses across the world on the edge of their seats as their prize assets set off to put themselves in the firing line for their countrys honour.

There is a full card of national fixtures, throwing together some interesting pairings, but for Portugal the need to maximise the benefits of this friendly is greater than most.

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has selected a reasonably strong squad for the friendly match against Finland, which is understandable given the pressure mounting on the former Real Madrid manager. His side have hardly made the most inspiring of starts in their World Cup Qualifying section, picking up just one win from four matches played and sitting two points behind group leaders Denmark in the race to South Africa in 2010.

As a result Queiroz understandably wants to spend as much time as possible with his full strength squad so that any issues can be ironed out before the next crucial match against Sweden, where anything other than a victory would put the former Manchester United assistant's position in severe jeopardy.

The squad has been freshened up slightly however, with three new faces seeing their performances for their club sides rewarded with inaugural call-ups. Eliseu (Malaga), Goncalo Brandao (Siena) and Orlando Sa (Braga) should offer healthy competition and may be in with a chance of making their debuts. Queiroz has already stated that the introduction of these three new additions represents fresh air in the team, and that they represent the future for Portugal.

Finnish Flair

Finland meanwhile have made a solid enough start in their World Cup section, with a win, draw and loss in the opening three fixtures, and coach Stuart Baxter has named his strongest squad for the match.

Their next fixture is against Wales in Cardiff, and with John Toshacks side sitting two points in front Finland absolutely must get a result to stay in touch with the leaders, Russia and Germany. Indeed, their 3-3 draw against the Euro 2008 finalists last year proved that they can compete with more established sides at this level, and they have players starring at reputable clubs across Europe.

The likes of Jussi Jaaskelainen at Bolton, Sami Hyypia at Liverpool and Petri Pasanen at Werder Bremen are all involved against high-quality opposition on a regular basis, and a match against a side of the standard of Portugal can only help Finland prepare for their tough qualifying fixtures ahead.

Despite the fact that Baxter's side were humbled 5-1 by Japan in their last outing, the Englishman fielded an inexperienced and experimental team in that fixture and he is likely to play close to a full-strength line-up on Wednesday evening.


FORM GUIDE

Portugal:

20 Nov Brazil 6-2 Portugal (Friendly)
15 Oct Portugal 0-0 Albania (WCQ)
11 Oct Sweden 0-0 Portugal (WCQ)
10 Sep Portugal 2-3 Denmark (WCQ)
06 Sep Malta 0-4 Portugal (WCQ)

Finland:

04 Feb Japan 5-1 Finland (Friendly)
15 Oct Russia 3-0 Finland (WCQ)
11 Oct Finland 1-0 Azerbaijan (WCQ)
10 Sep Finland 3-3 Germany (WCQ)


TEAM NEWS

Portugal Squad:

Daniel Fernandes, Eduardo, Bruno Alves, Goncalo Brandao, Pepe, Miguel, Paulo Ferreira, Rolando, Deco, Joao Moutinho, Maniche, Raul Meireles, Duda, Tiago, Eliseu, Danny, Hugo Almeida, Nani, Orlando Sa, Cristiano Ronaldo

Finland Squad:

Jaaskelainen, Enckelman, Lampi, Tihinen, Hyypia, Pasanen, Kallio, Pasoja, Heikkinen, Eremenko, Kolkka, Ptrescu, Litmanen, Sjolund, Johansson, Forssell, Kuqi, Sadik, Hakola


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portugal:

Zenit St Petersburgs Danny may be given a start through the middle as Portugal continue to search for an answer to the striking problem which has troubled them for years.  Danny needs games after the Russian season ended, and he should be raring to go at the Finnish on Wednesday.

Finland:

Evergreen Jari Litmanen truly is a legendary figure in European football, and the fact that he can still make his way into the national team at 37 years of age speaks volumes for his professionalism and fitness. He has been capped 130 times in his glittering career, and still has one of the sharpest brains in the modern game.


PREDICTION

Queiroz needs a positive result after the mauling from Brazil last time out, and he should get one with new additions desperate to impress.

Portugal 2-0 Finland

Fabio Capello is relishing the prospect of facing Spain with a fit squad on Wednesday evening, and also thinks that the rejuvenated David Beckham is better suited to Serie A than the less challenging surroundings of the MLS.

Speaking at a press conference in front of the Sky Sports cameras, the urbane Italian also clarified the injury situation in his squad currently, saying, "We have a little problem with Heskey, but I think today he's training and will be fit for tomorrow.

"The other players will be okay."

As for the challenge posed by facing the Euro 2008 winners, Capello was viewing this as a good opportunity to test his side against one of the best teams in the world.

"It will be a very interesting game for me because we play against the European champions," he said, before explaining that the style of the Spaniards would be completely different to England's other recent friendly opponents, Germany.

"The style of the two teams is completely different," he explained.

"The style of Spain is to have long possession of the ball and technically fantastic players."

The Italian also asserted that Spain's midfield was "one of the best midfield's in the world" and that in order to compete successfully against them, his own players would need to apply "pressure" and retain the ball

The coach also explained that it was "not for sympathy" that he made his decision to recall David Beckham to the national colours, though he appeared politely relieved that the iconic midfielder was playing in a European league once more.

"I choose the best players in the best form," Capello stated. "Now he's [Beckham] playing, he's here."

And the Italian went on to say that "it is for David Beckham to choose" whether to move from LA Galaxy to AC Milan, hinting that he feels the MLS is too weak a competition for Becks to be playing in.

Capello refused to be drawn on the issue of Guus Hiddink jointly managing Chelsea and Russia, asserting, "Chelsea's problem is not my problem. I prefer to think about one job, not two jobs."

He also refused to be drawn on the issue of potential racist behaviour at the game, which marred the occasion the last time these two sides met in Spain, confidently concluding, "The Spanish people are not racist."

Stoke City fans must have been fearing the worst after news on Saturday that their top scorer, Jamaican international Ricardo Fuller, had dislocated his shoulder and would miss most of the rest of the season.

Fuller was injured after falling awkwardly in the Potters' defeat to Sunderland on Wearside at the weekend, and was expected to be out for three months, a big loss to a side determined to avoid the relegation so many had predicted for them prior to the season beginning.

The player underwent an x-ray in Sunderland on Saturday, Stoke's official website reports, before having further scans on the damaged shoulder yesterday. These examinations revealed no further damage or fractures.

The player will therefore miss a predicted four to six weeks of action, beginning with Jamaica's friendly with Nigeria tomorrow, and will require at least a month of non-contact training before he will be ready for the rigours of Premier League action again.

Fuller's Stoke team-mates Andy Wilkinson and Ryan Shawcross, both of whom were also substituted due to injury in the weekned's game at Sunderland, also provided a boost for City on the injury front,  as it was confirmed that they both should be fit for the Potters' next game, at home to Portsmouth on February 21.

Spain's top two clubs are reportedly interested in signing young Brazilian talent, Douglas Costa, who currently plays for Gremio.

Sport reports that plenty of scouts were watching the attacking midfielder at the recent South American Under-20 Championships, and that Barcelona and Real Madrid were among the most interested parties.

The 18-year-old has inevitably attracted plenty of comparisons with  Ronaldinho because of his style of play, and he impressed in Venezuela for Brazil.

Playing for Gremio, Costa currently has a buy-out clause of 28 million but his agent has said that no-one has made an offer for him yet.

"We have not spoken with any team. We only know that a range of talent scouts have been watching him, but for the time being there is nothing official," Cesar Bottega told calciomercato.it.

Costa is a left-footed midfielder who has plenty of technical ability and talent and has also been praised for his free-kick taking.

As an emerging talent Gremio were keen to tie him down for the foreseeable future and he currently has a contract with them until 2013.

He is yet to play many matches for the Brazilian side and if either Real Madrid or Barcelona are going to pay his buy-out clause next summer, it could be a big risk.

The Catalan side have already had Ronaldinho in their ranks though, so it would not be a surprise to see them lure another talented Brazilian midfielder.

10/02/2009 13:15
Pierluigi Casiraghi Furious With Inter's Mario Balotelli
The head of the Italian under-21 team is not too happy with Balotelli and he has warned the youngster about his behaviour...
»Comments (9) Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Jose Mourinho is not the only coach who has been let down by Mario Balotelli this season, as Italy under-21 tactician Pierluigi Casiraghi is furious with the Inter striker.

'Super Mario' turned up late for his scheduled meeting with the rest of the squad on Monday as they prepare for a friendly with Sweden in midweek.

The 18-year-old stayed out late on Sunday night and into the early hours of Monday morning. As a result, he was unable to get up and he subsequently missed his flight to Trieste.

Casiraghi is not impressed; Balotelli only just patched up his relationship with Mourinho last week, but it seems as if he has torn it with the Italian coach.

"Seeing a player with his talent behaving in this way gets me furious," Casiraghi told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"I hope Balotelli changes, it will be for his own good.

"I spoke to him for quite some time and I hope he understands me, but I am not sure he did.

"The national team is unlike a club, if you have the chance then you need to take it.

"It's the first time he has made a mistake with us and I always give chances, but this could be the last chance."

Italy and Brazil have not met since 1997; however, they will come face-to-face in a friendly game at the Emirates Stadium in London this evening.

Milan ace Ronaldinho is expected to be in the Selecaos starting XI and is hoping to prove his critics wrong after being benched by Carlo Ancelotti for four straight games in Serie A recently.

I am in good shape, Im working well at Milan and I feel better than during my last months at Barcelona, Dinho told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

If I play more consistently, Ill be able to prove myself. Better yet, you will get a glimpse of my condition in the game with Italy. And Ill make a promise: Ill net at least one goal.

Inter will host Milan in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday night, providing the Rossoneri will a golden opportunity to cut the gap on the leaders to five points.

The season is long, but it would be very important to reduce the gap, admitted the 28-year-old.

The Italian league is tough and its difficult to overcome even the small teams. In the end, the team that has had less ups and downs will prevail.

But there is a positive atmosphere at Milan and I would like to lift some trophies in Italy. We can achieve all of our targets.

Liverpool will take on Real Madrid over two legs in one of several mouthwatering match-ups in the last 16 of the Champions League.

However, Fernando Torres reckons this particular pairing is a standout.

"It is the most attractive tie of the Champions League," he said on the Reds' official website. "One of the teams with the best history in Europe against one with the greatest in England and only one can remain in the competition."

The clash will carry special significance for Torres, who had spent his entire career with Atletico Madrid prior to his big-money move to Anfield in 2007.

The 24-year-old forward never once claimed an away victory in el Derbi during his time at the Vicente Calderon, a statistic that clearly does not sit well with him.
 
"For me it's not just another game and that's not just for my Atletico past: it is an extra motivation for anyone to face Madrid in Europe," Torres said.
 
"I have never won in the Bernabeu and with all the respect that I deserve and they have for us, I really want go and look like equals against Real."

While Juande Ramos' Blancos approach the tie on the back of an impressive run of results, Rafael Benitez's Reds have only just returned to winning ways after a shaky opening to 2009.
 
But Torres said, "There is no favourite, apart from maybe each team at home. That the second leg is at our place might be an advantage, but that doesn't always prove true.
 
"I am well aware that they will be very dangerous in the Champions League. They always have been.
 
"But in cup games, and the other day [last Wednesday's FA Cup defeat to Everton] is the exception that proves the rule, we are like a fish in water."

Since cracking the Manchester United first team as a shaggy-haired teen in 1990, Ryan Giggs has won everything there is to be won in English football.

The veteran winger boasts ten Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, four FA Cups, two League Cups and a smattering of other European and intercontinental triumphs.

Then there are the individual accolades, of which these are just a few: seven times the PFA Player of the Year, after winning the Young Player award twice; named in the Premier League's best XI of the '90s; and, in 2005, inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.

But, in Sir Alex Ferguson's opinion, there is one title for which Giggs has been grossly overlooked: the one affixed to the front of the United manager's name.

The Scot said in The Sun, When you consider how the English rugby team, when they won three or four matches to win the World Cup, were given knighthoods and MBEs, Giggs has performed like a star for 20 years.

Hes won 10 league medals I hope its 11 this year and two European Cups and what has he got, an MBE [OBE, in fact]? It doesnt seem right. Longevity must surely surpass short-term success.

The Mirror has claimed that Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked because the Chelsea players wanted him thrown out.

Long-serving pair John Terry, the skipper, and Frank Lampard sparked the revolt when they started slamming Scolari's training methods.

Stopper Terry never really eased up on his frank assessments and numerous other problems, including favouritism - mainly involving Deco - behind-the-scenes arguments about transfers and the Nicolas Anelka versus. Didier Drogba debate were all nails in the gaffer's coffin, as positive results failed to come naturally or regularly enough.

However, Ivorian hitman Drogba has moved quickly to play down such rumblings, instead focussing on poor form. He told the tabloid, "Results havent been the best, but we had time to put things right and enough fighting qualities [to do so].

"Our bad results, though, have been decisive.

"I didnt know much about the sacking. No-one was talking about this happening and the club never spoke to the players."

Scolari's alleged 'Golden Boy', Deco, added grimly in The Star, "I was shocked when I heard the news. The reason I came to Chelsea was to play for Scolari.

"Scolari is a good coach and he should have been given more time to get the project right."

Full-back Jose Bosingwa admitted that the boss wasn't happy in the final days.

"Ive noticed a difference in Scolari," he noted. "He's been without the usual smile on his face.

"It's just the same here as in any country with managers being sacked. I didn't think it was like this in England before I came."

Despite his past performances for Sevilla and his current dazzling displays with Barcelona, Dani Alves has yet to claim sole ownership of the right-back position with the Brazilian national team.

Inters Maicon has so far been Selecao coach Dungas first choice, but the Blaugrana dynamite has found support from one of Brazils iconic figures, Cafu, who made the right wing-back role his own during his playing days.

At the moment, Maicon is the regular starter with the national team but Dani has more skill and the position will be his one day. He just has to be a little patient for now, he said during an interview with Catalan radio station RAC-1.

Without a doubt, he is my natural heir in the Selecao because we have very similar playing styles. And Im proud that a compatriot is doing so well at a club like Barcelona.

Speaking of the Catalan juggernauts, the 38-year-old and two-time World Cup winner also praised Blaugrana coach Pep Guardiola.

He said, If Barca are the best team in the world right now, it is because Guardiola knows how to c****ine young players with outrageous talents with the more experienced players.

Pep was a great player himself and now he will become a great coach.

Finally, Cafu touched briefly on three of the games current superstars: I dont know what happened to Ronaldinho at Barca, but I hope he returns to his best in Italy.

For me, the two best players in the word at the moment are [Lionel] Messi and [Alexandre] Pato. They are phenomenons.

According to a report in The Daily Mail, Barcelona could launch an ambitious summer campaign to bring Fernando Torres, a former Atletico Madrid forward, back to Spain. This has been echoed in Spain by Sport.

The Liverpool striker will be very much in the public eye in his homeland over the next few weeks. The striker is preparing for a friendly clash with England in Seville and also a Champions League knock-out tie against Real Madrid.

However, it was at the FIFA World Player of the Year dinner that Joan Laporta, the president of the Catalan giants, is alleged to have laid the groundwork for an end of season pursuit. Lionel Messi and Xavi are also said to have hobnobbed with the Euro 2008 winner.

Any deal is likely to be dependant on the future of Barca's current top scorer, Samuel Eto'o, which is looking decidedly unclear at present.

Eto'o Uncertainty

The Blaugrana are holding several rounds of meetings this month regarding their plans for next term and contract renewals have been on top of the agenda.

Along with ensuring that Victor Valdes, Rafael Marquez and Carles Puyol are tied down to long-term deals, sorting out Eto'o is becoming a matter of priority.

While the free-scoring striker has a contract until the summer of 2010, Barcelona are not prepared to let that run down and to see him leave on a free transfer. Etoo, however, does not appear to be in a rush to renew his deal.

"If Laporta and [technical secretary Txiki] Begiristain asked me to sit down and negotiate now, I would ask them not to distract me and that we can wait until the summer," Eto'o told La Vanguardia.

That will not have gone down well with either Begiristain or coach Josep Guardiola, both of whom are keen to have all their plans in place before the end of the current season.

Plans to cash in on Eto'o could be in place given his reluctance to talk, his expected wage demands and the fact that he could be away at the African Cup of Nations for six weeks of next season.

With that in mind, Sport believe that the names of David Villa and Karim Benzema have been superseded by an even more ambitious target: Torres is now the player that club want.

With the blessing of Guardiola and Laporta, Txiki Begiristain will now start to consider ways to force 'Pool into a sale.

It won't be easy, of course, but behind-the-scenes unrest at Anfield and a less-than-certain financial future could work in the favour of Barcelona.

MilanNews.it reports that central defender Alessandro Nesta will join the rest of his team-mates for todays training session at Milanello in a crucial test ahead of the grudge derby game against Inter on Sunday night.

The former Lazio captain has yet to make an official appearance this season, however, he could sensationally be handed a starting shirt at the weekend.

The 32-year-old has only featured in a friendly game in Albania last October and sat on the bench for the home game with Sampdoria. But his back problems flared up again and he travelled to Miami, where he has a home, for treatment.

He returned to Italy on January 21, insisting that he would be back in action within a month. True to his word, he now seems to have finally shaken off his problems and could have a starring role in Sundays make or break Derby della Madonnina.

Roma striker Julio Baptista cannot wait to play against Italy, believing it to be a chance for the Giallorossi-based players to show their worth.

The Lupi have been outstanding in Serie A lately and their objective of a top four spot is seemingly within reach. Baptista has hailed his club side as he prepares for the prestigious friendly later tonight.

"There will be six Roma players involved in this game that demonstrates the qualities and values of the Giallorossi at the moment," Baptista told Il Corriere Dello Sport.

"It's always special playing for the national team and I am sure it will be a great game. Everyone wants to be involved in fixtures like these.

"The Italian experience is very important to me and I am showing my quality at Roma. I am really happy to have chosen them."

Baptista is likely to feature at some point during tonight's game.

Meanwhile, the Giallorossi are locked in a three-way fight for fourth place with Fiorentina and Genoa. Luciano Spalletti's men are just a point off their target heading into this weekend's clash with Atalanta. A win will see them move closer to the Champions League places as they attempt to continue their impressive run.

There is no denying that Robinho has had a significant impact on the Premier League. Despite Manchester City's underwhelming positioning, the Brazilian forward has found the net 11 times and is tied second on the goal-scoring charts along with Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Robinho's alleged off-the-pitch exploits have become as common knowledge as his on-field flair, and the 25-year-old was last month questioned and released without charge following an accusation of sexual assault.

Throughout that time Robinho has remained a key part in Brazil boss Dunga's plans, and is set to start the "World Derby" this evening against Italy in Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

"I'm happy I can count on that. It's confirmation that I'm doing well. It really helps," Robinho is quoted as saying by Fox Soccer.

"I'm happy that [Dunga] is also showing confidence in the team. The trust he has in us shows the quality of the team. There is a very good atmosphere indeed in the dressing room and among the team.

"We are all like friends and family," he said. "We might all be in different countries normally but it's great when we meet up."

Regarding the outcome of the glamour friendly this evening, he warned, "We expect to win.

"We'll give everything we have and expect the fans to do the same.

"I'm here to do my best just like everyone else, but the Italy team will present a tough test - they are a great team, with great players and a great history."

Selecao coach Dunga added, "We must stop this craze of judging people without seeing the facts. He is a great kid and never had any problems wherever he has gone."

Ronaldinho does not possess Robinho's self assurance when it comes to defeating the Italians. The former FIFA World Player of the Year - who currently is playing in Italy's Serie A with Milan stated, "It's a really great test. It will be really difficult but we'll do our best and give even more than we have been doing. I hope we overcome the obstacles.

"I love the responsibility I have in the team - this is why I play football."

Brazil underwent a fairly laid back training session last night, where they were seen joking, relaxing, stretching, and working on their skills and keep-ups on the pitch at Ashburton Grove.

Serie A giants Juventus are preparing to face Chelsea in the last 16 of the Champions League in a couple of weeks. The Blues have, of course, sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari in order to keep their silverware push on track - or that's the story, at least.

Juve boss Claudio Ranieri, himself a previous recipient of the Stamford Bridge boot, now has to rip up most of the pages of his dossier following the Brazilian's exit.

The wily coach thought he had a pretty good idea of how to beat his old side but now admits that the water has been muddied.

"We could have done without this change," said Ranieri told the press ahead of the February 25 first leg in London

"I had studied Scolari's team intently but now we will have to start from the beginning.

"It will be another Chelsea and I will only have two weeks to get to know it."

Bianconeri goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has also been monitoring events in England, displaying a nonchalance towards the departure that borders on ice cold.

"It would have been better if [Scolari] had been sacked after they hadn't got through to the next round, he smiled.

"However, a change of manager means the team aren't doing well. Usually this would mean they'd be weak. [They will now be] full of desire so we'll see.

"I don't know if it's in our favour. I think it might have a positive effect."

Talismanic Togolese target-man Emmanuel Adebayor had to be substituted during the north London derby due to a hamstring injury and later tests revealed the striker would be out for around three weeks.

There are claims that Adebayor has not come close to repeating his 30-goal season of last term, however, the 24-year-old has already struck 12 times (eight in the Premier League), in addition to playing provider eight times. This means that he has had a hand in 20 Arsenal goals this season from 24 appearances.

During a time when Arsenal are struggling to find the net his absence could be crucial, however, Nicklas Bendtner is hoping to prove a capable understudy.

"Of course, chances for me have improved with someone else out injured," the Dane explained to BT.

"But I still hope that he will be back soon, as we need him in the team. I still feel that, when I play my best, I should start, regardless of who is fit or who is injured.

"I have the same attitude every time, and each game I try to prove that I should start.

Nicklas Bendtner is expected to be asked to spearhead Arsenal's attack for the FA Cup fourth round replay against Cardiff City at the Emirates Stadium next Monday evening.

David Beckham's mooted permanent stay at AC Milan has angered the American media, and a number of news agencies have launched campaigns against the on-loan Englishman.

Tuttosport claims that only LA Galaxy want Beckham to stay in North America; a number of anti-Beckham editorials have appeared on news websites around the United States, many of which are angled towards pushing 'Golden Balls' to a permanent exit.

An article on the news site Northjersey.com, as reported by Tuttosport, is clearly against Beckham's return as accusations begin to fly.

"Thanks For Nothing Beckham," reads the headline.

The article continues, "Beckham only came to America for the money because his career was in decline. He saw his future as an actor rather than value the league. Now he has understood he can still play football and he doesn't want to return.

"He has turned his back on the MLS, a league which helped him so much.

"There is no other choice but to let him go. However, the next time Beckham asks for help, slam the door in his face."

It seems as if there is a Beckham backlash afoot across the pond; this, perhaps, can only be seen as something positive for Milan as speculation over his future continues to grow.

The Rossoneri have until March 9 to convince the Galaxy with an offer.

For many years it appeared that James Milner was destined to remain at under-21 level until he was over-age, before disappearing from the international scene altogether.

He holds the record for most caps won with the u21s, and the old adage that if you are good enough, you're old enough, played against him as he was continuously overlooked for the full side.

That soon changed as Aston Villa started flying high in the league with Milner proving a key component in their attacking fluency.

The 23-year-old Yorkshire-man could be in line to make a dream national team debut against Spain tomorrow, and hopes his presence in the full squad, together with his club form, is no flash in the pan.

"Ive played for England at various levels and hopefully I will get on the pitch at some point," he explained to the Birmingham Mail. "It is great to be here. I have got to go out there and prove that I should be here. I want to stay in there.

"I have been playing all this time and the aim was to play for England. Now to finally get the chance to meet up with the squad, and to train with players who I have watched for years, is great.

"I am enjoying my football at the moment and hopefully I will keep improving and keep learning. To get this call-up and play with the players here is great. It is now about me going out there and proving that."

Milner went on to pay tribute to club boss Martin O'Neill who, he claims, knows how to get the best out of each of his footballers, and get them playing and gelling well as a team unit.

When Martin O'Neill first saddled up at the midlands club there were zero representatives on the English stage, yet six were recently called up to Fabio Capello's latest squad.

"You can see from Martin ONeills track record how well he has done with players, the players he has brought on.

"During my first spell with Villa, Gabby Agbonlahor was in and out of the team but you look at how much he has come on since, how much more he has added to his game.

"Thats no fluke," he added. "That is obviously down to the manager and his staff and the players at Villa.

"It is obviously a great club to be playing at at the moment. I am enjoying my football and am lucky enough to be part of that.

Milner believes that the key to their success this season has been the enjoyment of their brand of football.

"You can see from the run we have been on this season that if you are enjoying your football you will play your best football. We have been doing that."

James Milner received an astonishing 40 caps at under-21 level, scoring eight times.

Jordi Codina, Real Madrids substitute goalkeeper, believes that Iker Casillas is possibly the best goalkeeper in the world right now.

The Real Madrid youngster told Marca how the current Spanish No 1 is a player for all the members of the youth team setup to look up to but acknowledges that Casillas brilliance is a reason why he might have to leave the club soon.

"Casillas is an icon for any goalkeeper in the youth teams and for any Spanish goalkeeper, he mused to the assembled press. The fact that he has equalled the record of [Francisco] Buyo at his age is historic - and he will surpass it too. The youngsters have to wait behind possibly the best goalkeeper in the world.

"I have a year of my contract left and I will see what the club wants then. There were very good options [in the winter] and we were looking at them, but they [Real Madrid] wanted me to stay and here I am. In the summer we will see."

Codina was questioned repeatedly about the future of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar at the club following reports yesterday that claimed the Dutch forward would be leaving.

The goalkeeper said that he doesn't believe the stories are true, stating that Huntelaar seems happy at the club.

"It [is] something that has happened in the press, he declared. We do not know anything or think he wants to go. I believe he is comfortable and happy here. He has not had many minutes but with work they will come.

"I have not seen his statements and in the dressing room he has not said anything. He might think it but he has not said it to us. I do not think that those statements are from him. When one is angry, it is best not to react like that and, by the little I know of him, he is not the type to say those things."

Meanwhile, Codina is still hopeful that Barcelona can slip up and allow los Blancos a shot at the title.

"We are in good form, and Barcelona are in excellent form, he admitted. We are going to win our games and if they do [the same] we will congratulate them. We are pressing a lot and we expect them to have a slip, which will allow us to get closer.

"Some day they will have to lose. We will see if we can cut the gap then."

Roberto Di Matteo is growing in stature as a boss in lower league football, a fact reflected in his recent League Manager's Association quarterly award - in which his early season success was deemed to be of more significance than that of either Sir Alex Ferguson or Rafa Benitez.

The former Chelsea midfielder has only been a club manager for six months, occupying the position at Milton Keynes Dons formerly held by Paul Ince.

Like Ince, Di Matteo has been thriving in the lower divisions.

However, unlike Ince, it appears that Di Matteo is not keen on progressing to the Premier League post-haste, and he has quashed rumours suggesting that he will be replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge - though he is "flattered" by the link.

"It's flattering that the fans still remember you in good terms," he told the MK Dons' official website in reference to the fans who had posted his name on banners along with Gianfranco Zola's.

"I always had a good relationship with the fans, but that's it as far as I am concerned. I haven't even thought about it [the Chelsea position]. There's a lot that I have to do here, that I want to do here, and my ambition is to be successful."

The Football Union of Russia have recently confirmed that Chelsea have approached them about the possibility of temporarily appointing Guus Hiddink as club manager at Stamford Bridge.

It is expected that Hiddink will continue his work with Russia, while also controlling club affairs at Chelsea, should the deal go ahead. Meanwhile, Di Matteo will happily pursue his mission at MK Dons.

Considering the plight and the reckless relinquishing of much-needed points by Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal, c****ined with the affirmation that Aston Villa lack depth and staying power, it is no surprise why some observers are indicating that Manchester United are about to run away with the Premier League crown.

The reigning title holders are on an indomitable defensive run, looking awesomely strong at the back, and that confidence translates through the team to the midfield and attack.

Rafael Benitez, though, discredits this belief, and insists that it is not just Liverpool who are still in the race for league glory.

"Aston Villa are in a good position also," Benitez is quoted by the club's official website as saying.

"I think it's too soon to say it's a two horse race. We have to keep going and then maybe at the end it could be down to two teams. I'm not surprised Villa are doing well because they have good players. They are working really hard and are in a good position, and that makes motivation for each game easier.
 
"The important thing is we are still in a fantastic position," he said.

Regarding the manner in which the club beat Portsmouth by coming from behind, twice, Benitez said, "The character of the players at Portsmouth was very good and the way we came back showed we have the right mentality. We have done that so many times this season.
 
"We have more confidence now because we are winning. If we keep winning it will be easier to keep our focus and keep going to the end."
 
Benitez concluded by stating that he was sorry to hear of the charismatic Brazilian boss Luiz Felipe Scolari's departure from Chelsea.
 
"I was really surprised and disappointed," he said. "He is a nice man, a fantastic manager and a good professional."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he is surprised by the dismissal from his post today of Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Chelsea this afternoon confirmed that they had sacked the Brazilian, who had overseen something of a slump in form, especially at home, that looks like it might prove terminal as far as the Blues' title challenge is concerned.

One might expect the Red Devils' manager, famed for his use of psychology and the underhand dark arts of 'mind games', to be rubbing his hands with glee as he watches one of United's main rivals for the Premier League crown implode.

Instead, the wily Scotsman, speaking to Manchester United's official website, appears surprised by the Chelsea board's decision, especially given the Brazilian's relatively brief time at the club.

"I'm very surprised. It's a shock that one. He only took the job seven months ago," said Ferguson.

"Scolari's a man of great experience. He took Brazil to the World Cup final and won it and he was the obvious choice to replace Avram Grant seven months ago."

And the sacking was held up by Ferguson as further evidence of the creeping malaise of impatience that is currently infecting football as well as society at large.

"Really it's a sign of the times, I'm afraid. There's absolutely no patience in the world today," he added.

"Football seems more volatile now. You can't always blame the press but they play a part. The way tabloid journalism is today, they're competing against the internet, they're competing against Sky News so therefore there is sensationalism every time there's a bad result. We've all been subjected to that over the years."

Ferguson also pointed to the brief time that Chelsea had actually struggled whilst Scolari was at the helm, another factor in the sacking that he found surprising.

"Having lost the European Cup final, there were still expectations for Chelsea to do well this year. It's really only in the last month that they've had a bad spell. So I feel the judgement [to sack Scolari] is really based on the last month, not the previous six months. It is a surprise," he concluded.

Talismanic Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard had recently been ruled out of action for up to three weeks after scans revealed he had torn his hamstring.

Silky striker Fernando Torres though has indicated that this is an absence that the Reds can ill afford as they aim to maintain the pressure on league leaders Manchester United.

'El Nino' believes that Gerrard is irreplaceable, and even stated that Liverpool is "Gerrard and ten others."

Torres is currently linking up with his Spanish squad as the current European Champions host England in an international friendly.

He told The Daily Telegraph, "There is simply no substitute for Gerrard. Every great team has a talisman, the player who has been at the club for ever he is ours.

"People come and go but he is always here. He is everything to us. Liverpool is Gerrard and 10 others. They talk about him being out for three weeks but hopefully it will be less.

"I am encouraged by the fact that he asked for the change as soon as he felt the pull. I hope that he will be out for less time than originally thought," he said.

Regarding the Anfield reception that Torres is subject to, the modest Spaniard revealed that he remains overwhelmed by the adulation, adding, "It is wonderful when they sing my name. I am not Gerrard or Carragher, I am not one of theirs.

"But when you get so much support so soon it is very special. And it drives you on to achieve things for those fans with goals and titles.

"The other day I was walking the dogs in the street and I walked past two men. Once I was ten metres ahead they started singing my name. Its a great feeling," the hitman concluded.

The Rule of Reason applied to the dismissal of football managers requires the satisfaction of the following three tests:

1) Was it a 'good time' to sack the manager?

2) Was the manager given the backing of his superiors in the transfer market?

3) Was the manager given enough time?

Chelsea's sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari fails to meet even one of the above stipulations for what would be deemed a 'fair' or 'reasonable' dismissal in the football world - but here's the thing: he was never the man for the job anyway.

The Blues went out of the domestic cups with a whimper, scraped into the Champions League knockout stage and are falling away in the Premier League, facing defeat after defeat at the hands of their fellow title contenders.

It may not have been a 'good time' to axe the big Brazilian, but is there ever such a thing? Not really. Any managerial change made mid-season is a risk and the success rate of such a drastic measure is far from convincing one way or another. It is, if nothing else, a sign of desperation and a gamble to try and salvage something from a campaign that most know is already a lost cause. The building will start in the summer.

The unwritten rule for so long has been that a manager is judged by a season's work, but that policy is facing amendment in the Premier League and beyond. Now, you're lucky if you get half a year to deliver - particularly at the highest level - and so rapid has been Chelsea's regression that the Blues board were of the belief that any further time spent would be time wasted. Maybe they were right.

True, Scolari didn't get Robinho or a player of a similar mould as he desired; true, Michael Essien and now Joe Cole have been ruled out for the season; and, true, money was not made available for him to reinforce in January as he would have liked. But he nevertheless had the strongest squad in the league, at least on paper, and did not do nearly enough with it. Deco, as expected, flattered to deceive; Mineiro may as well have not been signed; and there was a general failing in the transfer market to keep the squad appropriately balanced.

The ponderous, forever-shrugging demeanour of Felipao in the Chelsea dugout did little to ever inspire any kind of confidence. His was a reputation that was almost forced upon us. He is great, he will bring success - he's a World Cup winner, after all. Chelsea's parading of their new boss in the summer as their first, their last and their everything now seems so far away and has made a mockery of their entire sporting project.

There have been rumours circulating for weeks and months that the former Portugal and Brazil coach could not handle the squad. There were numerous fallings out and mutual disdain for his training methods amongst several members of the club. Chelsea has certainly proven to be a Bridge too far for the tactician, as shown by a series of irritable interviews with the press and high-profile bust-ups with a few players.

His shortcomings were compounded by a hierarchy that were way off the mark appointing him to begin with and failed to work with him for the duration of his tenure. A hierarchy that mistreated a man who, not to oversell him in the slightest, really was the perfect man for a club such as Chelsea. They drove away their 'Special One' and are unlikely to ever be able to replace him.

What Chelsea need is a complete overhaul: to abandon many members of the current squad in similar fashion to Real Madrid's post-Galacticos era and begin a brand new project with a brand new approach under brand new management. Whether the club's needs will be met by the owner is another matter entirely. Roman Abramovich is a billionaire short on cash and overhauls don't come cheap.

Crisis? Almost. This is a club caught on a cliff's edge, running the risk of falling back into relative obscurity due to a catalogue of errors from the very top right down to the bottom. Mourinho was once the unmovable man in the middle of it all, but no successor can fill his loafers and don his scarf-overcoat c****ination with quite so much finesse. That era has been and gone.

What's left is a club ear-deep in debt, pole-axed by problems of their own making and left clinging to the vain hope that an even richer buyer than the one that blessed them almost six years ago emerges from the shadows to preserve what's left of the club's integrity.

 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes Luiz Felipe Scolari's dismissal will turn Chelsea into even tougher opposition in their Champions League clash.

The two teams meet in two weeks' time at Stamford Bridge with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

Who will be in charge of the Premier League side then is not yet clear but Buffon believes whoever succeeds Scolari, who paid the price for a poor run of results, Chelsea will have an added edge.

"It would have been better if he had been sacked after they hadn't got through to the next round,'' said the Italy number one. "However, in my opinion a change of manager means the team aren't doing well, that's what normally happens.

"Usually when a team changes manager they're weakened but their desire isn't, so we'll have to see.

"I don't know if it will favour Juve. You will only be able to tell that after the game unfortunately,

"But a change in manager normally provokes a reaction and in this case, looking at the players Chelsea have, I think it will have a positive effect.''

Buffon is in London with his Italy team-mates as they prepare for a mouth-watering international against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium this evening, a clash between the reigning world champions and the most successful international side in history.

Buffon is relishing the challenge which has been dubbed 'the derby of the world'.

"For the prestige and our image it would be a huge pleasure for us to take home a good result against a team of the quality and with as many titles as Brazil,'' said Buffon.

"I like the term 'the derby of the world', it's a good description.''

Adriano's agent Gilmar Rinaldi has revealed that sacked Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari made several attempts to sign the Inter striker, but had everyone of them rejected by the Italians.

Scolari was sacked by the west London-based outfit on Monday afternoon following a string of poor results.

It has now been revealed that the former Brazil coach tried to sign Adriano from Jose Mourinho's side, but the Portuguese tactician said no.

"He [Scolari] really wanted Adriano, we spoke about him many times,'' Gilmar Rinaldi told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"But overall he [Scolari] spoke with Marco Branca [Inter Milan sporting director], and in the end they decided together that they would allow Adriano to remain at Inter.''

Adriano was on the verge of leaving the Nerazzurri after getting on the wrong side of Mourinho who just about had enough of the Brazilian.

However, the 'Special One' was adamant not to give into Chelsea and Scolari's request and he scuppered the deal by telling the Nerazzurri not to put Adriano for sale in the January transfer window.

Critics believe Scolari's failures to make the right signings, Robinho and Adriano to name a few, as well as the poor run in form led to his sacking.

Brazil coach Carlos Dunga admits his disappointment at having to play friendly international matches on the continent rather than at home, leaving a sour taste ahead of the big match.

The 1994 World Cup winner will see his side clash with world champions Italy in tonight's friendly match at the Emirates stadium in London.

Globoesporte.com claims Brazil have an agreement with FIFA to play international friendlies in Europe to facilitate the movement of the Brazilian players, most of whom play for major European clubs.

However, the coach is not happy as three of the last five friendlies involving Brazil have been played at the Emirates.

Dunga feels it's only right to play at home.

"It's different when playing in Brazil. I feel at home in my own country," Dunga told Globoesporte.com

"Here in England I feel like a foreigner and I am sure Italy feel like that also."

Dunga was asked what he thought about the Brazilian FA (CBF) as it is the federation who has the final say on where games are played.

However, the coach didn't want to get involved in a battle against his employers and tried to skip the question.

"Maybe I shouldn't have been so clear. All I said is that I prefer playing in my own country. Preference is one thing, agreeing to it is another," added the coach.

Real Madrid midfielder Guti, has declared that he believes Raul will be president of the club one day.

The Spaniard also admitted that he would like to take up a coaching role when he has finished playing in a revealing interview with Don Balon.

"Raul is such a strong icon for the club, that, in the future, I can see him as the president of Real Madrid, which will start a new era," he began.

"My desire is to be a coach, and to one day be in the dug-out at Real Madrid. Madrid is like any other club in La Primera, except with big players, so doing the team here is a lot easier than at other places."

Certainly having Raul and Guti involved in such important positions at the club would be an interesting prospect, and with the current situation Madrid are in, one gets the feeling it couldn't be much worse than it is now.

The midfielder admitted that what has happened in recent months has not been good for the overall reputation of Real Madrid.

"It has all be very ugly. A club such as Real Madrid should do things better, but it has passed now and we hope it won't happen again. It is a shame that someone has not come to do things well and signed players to make Real Madrid great," he mused.

The last man to suffer at the hands of the old regime was Bernd Schuster, and Guti acknowledged that perhaps some of his talk to the media was not well planned.

"When you are the coach of Real Madrid, you must think about what you say very carefully, and with the position you have to speak to the press a lot," he concluded.

Barcelona might have set Spain and Europe alight this season, but for all their plaudits, they are yet to win any silverware.

With the Catalans still alive in all three competitions though, Lionel Messi told Sport today how badly they want to pick up trophies this year.

"We all form part of a group that has many important desires to achieve things for the club and for the fans. We have many desires to win titles at the end of this season and I believe that if we continue as we are now, the success will arrive," he mused.

"We are adapting very well to the style of play and I believe that we can continue with our system of rotation to maintain this level until the end of the season."

Messi has been one of the star players for Barcelona this season, scoring plenty of goals himself and setting up his team-mates for others.

On a personal level, though, he doesn't believe that this year feels any different from the last.

"The truth is that I feel equally as important as always. Last year I was away from the pitch for a lot of time and I value being able to play," he declared.

Along with Messi, Dani Alves has been one of the best performers for Barcelona, and the Argentine praised his Brazilian club-mate today.

"Dani is an impressive player and it is fantastic to play with him with the qualities that he has and the options he gives on the pitch," he concluded.

There has been much controversy surrounding the relationship between Inter coach Jose Mourinho and troubled Brazilian striker Adriano, but now it seems all is well, according to the players agent.

Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss, one time Brazilian international keeper now football agent, Gilmar Rinaldi talked of transfer rumours, his clients physical and mental state and his relationship with the 'Special One.

He [Adriano] could have gone to Chelsea, but when I told everyone last year that he was staying put, nobody believed me.

The powerful forward has yet to really shine at Inter, but Rinaldi believes he soon will.

Adriano is now fully recovered and you can tell, his agent stated. He had some troubles when he was younger, as every young player does, but he is now 27 years-old and knows exactly what is expected of him.

On the relationship with Mourinho, Rinaldi said, There was never any problem, the relationship has always been good because Jose talks to people man to man and that is always the best way.

Adriano should be in Brazil's starting XI  for tonights game against Italy, and it could be the beginning of his road to recovery.

Fernando Morientes has admitted today that he does not know the solution to Valencia's current problems, and more specifically the fact that they are conceding so many goals.

Los Che have really struggled this year since beating Atletico Madrid in their first match, and Morientes told Marca that he does not know the solution, but the players need to address the problem.

"I do not know the answer to stop us conceding goals. I believe it is the problem that everyone is thinking about at Valencia, but the only thing we can do is to follow the orders of the coach and to improve in that sense," he mused.

"We have gone a long time conceding goals that have cost us points and moved us away from our objectives. It is something to think about because already it means we have fewer points and it reduces expectations, something that is not good half way through a season.

"The problem is with the players, in the same way that the ones who play make the decisions and execute them, we assume the criticism and the praise."

One of the main worries at Valencia lately, aside from their form on the pitch, has been financial trouble off it, which has meant players have not been paid all they are owed.

However, Morientes says that this is not a problem, and that they are not worried by the situation.

"We are not worried, the captain has told us what the club have told him. He is thinking more about the team than that. When they pay, they pay, I do not believe there will be a problem, I have always thought Valencia are an important club and they will not have problems in this sense," he declared.

Next up for Valencia is a key clash with Malaga, who have been the surprise package this season, and Morientes knows they have to take all three points.

"They are a team in form, playing well always, they are in a good position, and are seeing things differently, but for us there can be nothing else than three points. A draw or a loss would be more than painful," he concluded.

Marcello Lippi has been full of compliments for the Italian mentality, Francesco Totti and Inter, ahead of his sides big match against Brazil in London tonight.

Speaking to Il Corriere Della Sera, the World Cup winning manager praised Italian players for their work ethic.

They are the best in the world in terms of professional mentality, Lippi began.But they are often bad mannered, and have too much to say to referees.

What about [Francesco] Totti? One does not deprive oneself of a player of his charisma and class without thinking about it a lot.

Lippi is going for a world record tonight, if the Azzurri win or draw, it will be 32 games unbeaten under Lippi, and it will be the longest run of matches without a defeat any international manager has ever had.

The man on the cusp of history then turned his thoughts to the Scudetto.I think Inter will win it, but they will have to work hard. They have the most complete squad.

I also believe the leagues surprise player has been Alexandre Pato, there is no one under 20 better then him.

The world champions should face Pato tonight as Italy attempt the world record.

There are reports that Giuseppe Rossi could start the game instead of Antonio Di Natale.

Iker Casillas believes that England will be a very good team under Fabio Capello because the Italian has raised the level of the side. And he is sure the Three Lions will give Spain a stern test this week.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper worked under the demanding Italian at the Bernabeu and is aware of the level of commitment that he insists upon  from the eleven that he chooses.

England take on the European champions in Sevilla on Wednesday and Casillas is expecting a difficult match that Capello will want to win.

"He is a different type of coach and demands the absolute maximum from his players," AS quote him as saying.

"I know that he brings a lot of character and discipline to the team. He is very passionate in every game and shows it.

"He makes sure that there is competition in the team and wants a lot from the players."

The last time Spain entertained England the encounter was marred by racist chanting following a problematic build-up, but Casillas does not foresee a repeat.

"The game in Madrid was spoiled by a group of people who do not represent the majority in Spain," he said. "We received a lot of criticism but it was unfair because Spain is not a racist country.

"I have had friends of many races who have played for Real Madrid and they have never had any problems. I am convinced the game in Seville will pass without any problems."

Casillas then added that he recognised both sides of the debate regarding Fernando Torres playing in the game and was not prepared to take sides.

"Each one has his own interests. Benitez will defend his club, like any other coach would. It is understandable that a coach is concerned about his players," he stated.

Theo Walcott has been forced to watch Arsenal's stuttering progress through this season from the Emirates stands, after he damaged his shoulder whilst on England duty in November.

However, the young winger claims the Arsenal fans should be readying themselves to welcome him back, as the injury has nearly healed, and he is looking at returning to action for the Champions League fixtures on February 24 and March 11, when Arsenal take on Roma in the last 16 of the competition.

"I am nearly there, and hopefully [will be back] by the end of this month," the former Southampton player told The Daily Telegraph.

"I am doing a lot of rehab work now with the shoulder, landing on it, and also in the gym with a lot of weights to build the muscle strength back.

"I just feel it will be when I am ready. Obviously I do not want to do it again, so I have got to be 100 per cent fit."

During his absence, the north Londonders of course signed Russian superstar Andrey Arshavin, and Walcott is looking forward to starring alongside the new boy, even if he has had to rely on the internet to see the former Zenit St. Petersburg playmaker in action.

"Hopefully when I am back fit again, I can play a lot of football with him," Walcott continued.

"When he gets his [match] fitness back up, he will be a top player for us, definitely.

"I have seen him on YouTube a lot, watching how he plays, the balls he can spot. He can do unbelievable passes.

"He is going to be a good addition to the squad."

Arsenal were also boosted by the news today that the effects felt by left-back Gael Clichy following his head injury in Sunday's north London derby have cleared sufficiently to allow him to return to training by Thursday this week, and he should be fit to face Cardiff City in the FA Cup on Monday evening.

Manchester United have now gone an incredible three months without conceding a Premier League goal, leaving their tally at ten from 24 games in total.

That puts Sir Alex Ferguson's men well on the way toward breaking Chelsea's record of 15 goals shipped in a season, set when they won the 2004-05 crown under Jose Mourinho.

Edwin van der Sar has been central to the Red Devils' stinginess, and he reckons the rest of England's top flight are shaking in their boots at the very thought of trying breach United's back line.

The Dutch goalkeeper said in The Sun, When we go 1-0 up, teams think Oh s**t here we go.

Thats what we want fear in the opposition. Thats what we want fear in the opposition.

Its a great achievement for the whole team.

United currently lead the league, with two points and a game in hand on second-placed Liverpool.