Connect to share and comment

Football: Italy oust Dutch to face Spain in U21 final

Italy defeated the Netherlands 1-0 on Saturday to set up a clash with defending champions Spain in the UEFA under-21 championship final. A late goal in the 78th minute by Liverpool's Fabio Borini earned the Italians a date on Tuesday with Spain, who earlier eliminated Norway 3-0 to secure a stab at retaining the title. In a slow-paced first half, Group A winners Italy struggled to make headway against a dominant Netherlands, who were creating chances but not managing to follow through.

Football: Messi puts tax woe behind him to pass Maradona milestone

Lionel Messi surpassed Diego Maradona in the all-time international goalscoring charts for Argentina with a hat-trick in a 4-0 thrashing of Guatemala. The Barcelona superstar found the net in the 14th, 40th and 48th minutes to take his goals tally for Argentina to 35, one better than former captain and 1986 World Cup winner Maradona on 34. Messi now stands level with Hernan Crespo on 35, and the 25-year-old maestro will fancy his chances of reeling in Gabriel Batistuta, who holds the record with 56 goals.

Football: Brazil unchanged for Japan Confed Cup opener

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari named an unchanged side as he sent out the five-time world champions for their Confederations Cup opener in Group A Saturday against Japan in Brasilia. Midfielder Paulinho took his place despite having been an injury doubt before the game after recent ankle trouble, the Corinthians man starting alongside Luiz Gustavo. Fred was in attack looking for his sixth goal in seven internationals after recovering from a cracked rib.

Manchester City confirms Pellegrini as new manger

London, Jun 14 (EFE).- Manchester City announced Friday the signing of Manuel Pellegrini to a three-year contract as manager of the Premier League club. The 59-year-old Chilean had been seen as the leading candidate to replace Roberto Mancini, who was fired last month after the defending champion Citizens finished second in the Premier League and were upset by lowly Wigan in the FA Cup final. "I am delighted to accept this hugely exciting opportunity," Pellegrini said in a statement posted on Man City's Web site.

Football: Italy, Mexico seek Confed Cup catalyst

Italy and Mexico will both be looking for an upturn in recent fortunes when they open their Confederations Cup campaigns against each other in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Italy's last outing was a 2-2 friendly draw with minnows Haiti on Tuesday that coach Cesare Prandelli described as "embarrassing", while Mexico were booed off after a goalless draw with Costa Rica on the same day. The Italian stalemate followed a 0-0 draw with the Czech Republic in a World Cup qualifier, but Mexico's situation is far more troubling.

Football: Pellegrini named Manchester City coach - club

Manchester City on Friday said they had appointed Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini to take over from Roberto Mancini, earmarking him as the man to bring long-term success to the English Premier League club. The confirmation of his appointment came after Pellegrini said he had a verbal agreement to move to northwest England, after nine years in charge at Spanish club Malaga. A statement on the club's website mcfc.co.uk said the 59-year-old Chilean had joined on a three-year contract and would take up his role from June 24.

Football: Balotelli doubtful for Italy opener

Striker Mario Balotelli is a doubt for Italy's Confederations Cup opener against Mexico on Sunday after a thigh injury cut short his training session, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Friday. The AC Milan striker, 22, complained of pain behind his right thigh as coach Cesare Prandelli put his side through their paces at the Joao Havelange Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. "During training this afternoon at Havelange stadium, Azzurri striker Mario Balotelli felt a pain in his right biceps femoris...," the FIGC said in a statement to journalists.

Football: Garcia named as Roma coach

Frenchman Rudi Garcia has been appointed the new coach of Roma, the Serie A club announced on Wednesday. The 49-year-old will leave Lille after five seasons in the north of France to move to the Italian capital on a two-year deal, although the contract has not yet been signed. "We are very excited and confident that Rudi Garcia is the right coach for AS Roma," club president James Pallotta told their official website "He is a proven winner with a great football mind who we believe fits in perfectly with our vision for the future."

Football: Eurozone 2014 World Cup qualifier results - collated

Collated results from 2014 World Cup European Zone qualifiers played on Tuesday: Group B At Copenhagen Denmark 0 Armenia 4 (Movsisyan 1, 59, Ozbiliz 19, Mkhitaryan 82) Group C At Solna, Sweden Sweden 2 (Ibrahimovic 36, 82-pen) Faroe Islands 0 Group I At Minsk Belarus 1 (Verkhovtsov 85) Finland 1 (Pukki 24) afp

Football: Eurozone 2014 World Cup qualifier results

Results from 2014 World Cup European Zone qualifiers played on Tuesday: Group C At Solna, Sweden Sweden 2 (Ibrahimovic 36, 82-pen) Faroe Islands 0 Group I At Minsk Belarus 1 (Verkhovtsov 85) Finland 1 (Pukki 24) afp
Syndicate content