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Montreal Impact have dismissed suggestions that Didier Drogba will complete a loan move to Bologna when the MLS play-offs come to a close in December.
The former Ivory Coast international has been heavily linked with the Serie A side in recent weeks - with reports suggesting a short-term move to the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara could be on the cards.
Since arriving at Montreal, the 37-year-old has scored 12 times in 13 appearances and will be tasked with helping his side through Sunday's MLS play-off semi-final second leg with Columbus Crew.
And an Impact statement sought to put paid to any rumours of a post-season move elsewhere, specifically to the Serie A strugglers.
"Rumours coming from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean suggested that Didier Drogba would play in Italy, more precisely on loan with Italian club Bologna F.C. after the MLS playoffs," it read.
"The Impact denied those rumours on Tuesday, originally reported by Italian media and newspapers who cover soccer almost exclusively and on a daily basis.
"The Italian club, the Impact, nor Drogba have ever discussed this possibility."
Impact are on course to reach the MLS Conference finals thanks to a 2-1 first-leg lead over Columbus Crew with DC United and New York Red Bulls competing in the other Eastern Conference semi.
AC Milan v Atalanta: De Sciglio aiming for fourth straight win
5 November 2015
Mattia De Sciglio feels AC Milan's defensive improvements in recent weeks have created tranquillity in the squad as Sinisa Mihajlovic's men aim for a fourth straight Serie A win when Atalanta visit San Siro this weekend.
After an inconsistent start to the season, Mihajlovic has masterminded successive victories over Sassuolo, Chievo and Lazio - they have not won four consecutive league matches since April 2014.
As a result, Milan have moved up to sixth in Serie A, just five points off leaders Fiorentina.
Defender De Sciglio believes things are starting to click and praised the work of Mihajlovic, who took charge in June, in turning things around.
"There is certainly a much more relaxed atmosphere than before, winning helps you win and that's what we want to do on Saturday," De Sciglio told Milan Channel.
"Saturday will require a lot of attention and concentration. We should replicate the game against Lazio in the sense that in some situations we will be less beautiful and more concrete, as we were in Rome.
"Mihajlovic has immediately brought his mentality, his ideas too. In the difficult times we experienced he has always worked hard and has done his best to try to pull the team out of that situation.
"In the last games we have shown greater defensive solidity and I think through working with the new arrivals each day we are getting to know each other even better and this improves robustness."
Milan have won six of their last seven Serie A home games carrying over to last season, but Atalanta emerged 1-0 victors on their last visit in January.
The Bergamo side have not managed consecutive victories over Milan at San Siro since 1943, but Guglielmo Stendardo thinks Atalanta have a chance of doing just that.
"The match against Milan will be tough because they are in great form, but we want to show that we can have our say - even away from home," he told Sport Orobico.
Giacomo Bonaventura received a late booking against Lazio that means he will be suspended for the visit of his former club.
Stendardo said: "The absence of Bonaventura will definitely be an advantage."
Milan will also be without Mario Balotelli as he recovers from injury, while Alex missed training on Wednesday after being knocked unconscious in a collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma at the weekend.
Andrea Bertolacci suffered a thigh tear 35 minutes into the win at the Stadio Olimpico and will also miss out.
Atalanta will be without defender Boukary Drame (hamstring), who continues to train separately after sitting out last weekend's 3-0 loss at Bologna.
Melo reveals he took a pay cut to join Inter from Gala
4 November 2015
Felipe Melo has insisted he did not leave Galatasaray for Inter for financial reasons, claiming that he earned twice as much at the Turkish giants as he makes at the Serie A club.
The Brazilian midfielder enjoyed a successful spell with the Istanbul side between 2011 and 2015, winning three Super Lig titles.
Nevertheless, he opted to return to Italy ahead of the 2015-16 campaign as he felt he needed a new challenge.
"I felt that a cycle had come to an end. I said that I wanted to make history and win trophies when I joined Galatasaray. I did just that. We won a lot and I feel my time at the club ended in the best way possible," the 32-year-old told Trt Spor.
"It is a lie that I left Galatasaray for the money. I am not even making half as much money at Inter as I made in Turkey.
"I have already said before that the reason behind my departure was that I needed a new challenge."
Verona 0 Bologna 2: Donsah and Giaccherini on target
7 November 2015
Bologna recorded an important 2-0 away win over Verona in Saturday's Serie A encounter at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi courtesy of goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Godfred Donsah.
Roberto Donadoni's men were high on confidence heading into the game following last week's 3-0 victory against Atalanta and netted twice within the opening 14 minutes.
Verona created a number of chances to get back into the game, but their profligacy cost them as they failed to beat Antonio Mirante.
The result moves Bologna three points clear of the relegation zone, while the home side remain in a precarious situation with a mere six points.
Bologna made a sublime start to the match and needed just six minutes to break the deadlock. Adam Masina found Giaccherini and the former Juventus man beat Verona goalkeeper Rafael to open the scoring.
The visitors immediately pushed for a second and were rewarded in the 14th minute when striker Mattia Destro set up Donsah and the Ghanaian midfielder doubled his side's lead with a fine finish.
Andrea Mandorlini's men refused to give up, yet Mirante proved to be too much of an obstacle in the away goal.
Mancini opens up on potential Inter move for Pirlo
7 November 2015
Roberto Mancini has insisted there has not yet been contact between Inter and Andrea Pirlo, but suggested the club could make a move for the experienced playmaker come January.
The 36-year-old left Juventus for New York City earlier this year, but has been heavily linked with a temporary return to Serie A now that the MLS season has come to an end for his side.
Inter have reportedly already been in touch to discuss a loan spell, but Mancini has made it clear such reports are premature.
"It is not true that we have already been in touch with Pirlo. I have never spoken with him," Mancini said at a news conference.
"Anything can happen in football, but there is nothing in those rumours for now.
"The MLS campaign has ended for him, but I don't know what his intentions are, whether he is interested in returning to Serie A for a few months. He could return to Serie A and would definitely be an important player for any team.
"Pirlo is a real champion. He is not a normal player. He understands what's happening on the pitch before anyone else.
"We are always looking at players with his abilities, because we have enough midfielders who are very strong physically and he could add something."
Pirlo was previously at Inter between 1998 and 2001, a spell which included loans to Reggina and Brescia.
Serie A Review: Roma claim derby spoils as Inter, Fiorentina win again
8 November 2015
Goals from Edin Dzeko and Gervinho settled the Rome derby in Serie A on Sunday as Roma claimed a 2-0 win over rivals Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio had not won the derby in six attempts prior to the teams' meeting this weekend and failed to halt that run as goals in either half ensured Roma stay within a point of joint leaders Fiorentina and Inter.
Rudi Garcia's men were beaten 1-0 by Inter at San Siro last time out in the league but showed no signs of fatigue from their 3-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, as Dzeko opened the scoring from the spot 10 minutes in.
An ankle injury for Mohamed Salah soured the derby win somewhat but Gervinho made sure of the points after the hour - Stefano Pioli's side beaten for a third consecutive league game.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Geoffrey Kondogbia gave Inter their seventh 1-0 win of the league campaign before Fiorentina returned to top spot with a 2-0 success at Sampdoria - Josip Ilicic and Nikola Kalinic on target in either half.
Gonzalo Higuain joined Sampdoria striker Eder on nine Serie A goals for the campaign with an expert finish following positive work by Jorginho in Napoli's 1-0 win against Udinese.
Higuain's 200th club career goal kept Napoli fourth just ahead of Sassuolo, whose solid recent form continued with a 1-0 win over Carpi courtesy of Nicola Sansone's goal.
Juventus' recovery continued with a 3-1 win at Empoli; Mario Mandzukic, Patrice Evra and Paulo Dybala securing a second consecutive league win to move the champions into seventh spot after their dismal start to the campaign.
Leonardo Blanchard's acrobatic effort was the pick of the goals in Frosinone's 2-2 draw against 10-man Genoa while Alberto Gilardino gave Palermo a first win in four.
The striker struck 19 minutes from time to see off Chievo 1-0 at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.
Lazio coach Stefano Pioli feels the referee got it wrong in the Rome derby, claiming Roma should not have been awarded a first-half penalty.
Edin Dzeko's early spot-kick and Gervinho's strike after the break condemned Lazio to a 2-0 defeat and their third successive loss in Serie A on Sunday.
Dzeko's 10th-minute penalty at the Stadio Olimpico was controversial, referee Paolo Tagliavento pointing to the spot despite Lazio defender Santiago Gentiletti appearing to have made contact outside the area.
"Today we weren't short of drive, but the game started out on the wrong foot, with a nonexistent penalty," Pioli said.
"There can be no doubt that the contact took place outside the box. I'll say this again: there was no penalty.
"Episodes like these are decisive. There were many people who could have seen the situation, even though it was difficult for the referee from his position.
"But if he wasn't certain, it would have been best to take a different decision."
Lazio dropped to ninth in the standings, nine points adrift of joint leaders Inter and Fiorentina following the derby loss.
Pioli added: "The third defeat in a row worries me. The derby was an important game. Emerging without a positive result makes things more difficult.
"Now we just have to keep our heads low and charge forward to get out of this situation."
The Serie A side have turned to the former Fiorentina boss following the departure of the Italian coach after a poor run of form
Vincenzo Montella has been appointed as the new Sampdoria head coach, succeeding Walter Zenga.
The Serie A side have completed negotiations with Montella's former club Fiorentina, where he was still on the payroll despite having been sacked at the end of last season.
Montella, who has also had a spell as interim boss of Roma, guided Fiorentina to three consecutive fourth-place finishes in Serie A during his three years in charge, as well as leading them to a Coppa Italia final and a Europa League semi-final.
He was replaced by Paulo Sousa in the close-season after disagreeing with Fiorentina's hierarchy over the club's future direction.
Montella takes over from Zenga, who lasted less than half a season at Sampdoria after replacing Sinisa Mihajlovic at the helm.
Zenga was removed from his role on Tuesday after winning just one of his last seven Serie A games in a start to the season that also saw Samp suffer an embarrassing loss to Serbian side Vojvodina in the Europa League qualifiers.
Montella, who had two spells with Sampdoria during his playing career, has signed a contract until June 2018 after president Massimo Ferrero revealed a deal was close earlier on Sunday.
The new coach's first game in charge will be an away game against Udinese next Sunday and he will be unveiled to the media on Monday.
The Old Lady goalkeeper could miss the crunch match with Sinisa Mihajlovic's side through injury
Juventus could be without goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon for Saturday's clash with AC Milan after he picked up a thigh problem playing for Italy.
The defending Serie A champions welcome Sinisa Mihajlovic's side to Turin knowing victory will take them above their opponents and continue their recovery following a poor start to the season.
However, they could be without a host of first-team members for the clash, with Buffon heading that list after he was substituted after 69 minutes of Italy's 2-2 draw with Romania.
"Gigi Buffon complained of flexor muscle fatigue in their right thighs following matches with their respective countries," the club said. "The goalkeeper will undergo medical tests to determine his availability for Saturday’s contest against the Rossoneri."
He could be joined on the sidelines by Stephan Lichtsteiner, Martin Caceres (both thigh) and Mario Mandzukic (ankle).
A statement added: "Lichsteiner's condition will be monitored again tomorrow after receiving therapy today. Tests await Mario Mandzukic too after the forward sprained his left ankle during Croatia’s win over Russia.
"Martin Caceres was substituted during Uruguay’s 3-0 win against Chile last night after feeling pain in the flexor muscle of his right thigh and will undergo an MRI scan before returning to Italy."
AC Milan will have to make do without the services of Mario Balotelli for an additional four weeks after the striker successfully underwent groin surgery on Wednesday.
Balotelli - on loan from Liverpool - has not featured for the San Siro side since their 1-0 Serie A defeat at the hands of Genoa on September 27.
Milan were initially hopeful Balotelli would be able to shake off the injury by resting, but the Italy international has gone under the knife and will be sidelined for another month or so.
A club statement read: "AC Milan would like to communicate that Mario Balotelli has undergone surgery in Munich.
"The surgery was successful and the recovery process will last four weeks, unless there are any complications."
Balotelli has netted once in four Serie A appearances since his return to Milan.
Davide Santon is unlikely to feature for Inter against Frosinone this weekend after suffering an Achilles injury, the club have confirmed.
The full-back has been a regular for Roberto Mancini's side this season as they have climbed to the top of Serie A – where they sit level with Fiorentina on 27 points from 12 games.
Santon has started nine of those matches in, but looks set for a period of rehabilitation after a scan on Tuesday revealed a slight problem with his heel.
"Davide #Santon undergoes ultrasound scan that reveals a small haematoma in his right Achilles tendon," the club announced on Twitter. "More tests to come in following days."
Inter welcome Frosinone to San Siro on Saturday looking to record a fourth successive league win, while Fiorentina host Empoli.
The Frenchman has tipped Juan Iturbe and Iago Falque to step up in the absence of the former Chelsea winger, who injured his ankle in the derby against Lazio
Rudi Garcia is confident Roma have what it takes to cope without the injured Mohamed Salah.
The Egypt international has become a key figure for Roma since joining them from Chelsea, but faces a spell on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury in the derby win over Lazio.
However, Garcia pointed to a number of alternatives at his disposal.
"Salah is getting there," he told reporters. "There will be a chance for the others. I'm confident, we have options.
"We're not short. [Iago] Falque is an excellent player, as is [Juan] Iturbe who has the attributes to replace Salah."
Roma sit third in the Serie A table after 12 games, trailing leaders Fiorentina and Inter by just one point.
"We have to be entirely focused on tomorrow's match to try and win and secure the three points," Garcia added. "There are some strong sides up near the top. The title race will go down to the wire."
Buffon to undergo fitness test ahead of Milan clash
By Stefan Coerts
Nov 20, 2015 13:52:14
The Italian goalkeeper remains doubtful for Juventus' match against AC Milan, but Paulo Dybala is ready to go
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed Gianluigi Buffon will undergo a fitness test on Friday before a decision is made on whether he will start Saturday's Serie A encounter with AC Milan.
The 37-year-old goalkeeper was being plagued by a hip injury earlier this week, but Juventus are hopeful he will be able to feature this weekend.
"We'll look over Buffon before confirming whether he'll definitely play on Saturday," said Allegri at a media conference on Friday.
Meanwhile, Allegri also had good news about Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Martin Caceres and Stephan Lichtsteiner ahead of the clash in Turin.
"Dybala is in decent shape, he underwent a full session with the team and I'll look over him Friday," he added.
"Caceres returned this morning [Friday], while Lichtsteiner and Mandzukic are already back training with the group."
Juve will have to make do without the services of Kwadwo Asamoah and Simone Padoin.
Allegri said: "Asamoah will miss out with an inflamed knee, while Padoin returns towards the end of next week."
Juventus forced to wait on Evra, Hernanes injuries
22 November 2015 15:36
Juventus face an anxious wait over the fitness of Patrice Evra and Hernanes ahead of their clash with Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Evra was forced off in the first half of Juve's 1-0 win over AC Milan on Saturday. Playmaker Hernanes picked up a groin problem and was replaced at half-time.
"Patrice Evra suffered a light twisted ankle during last night's game with Milan and his condition will be monitored over the course of the coming days," Juventus confirmed via their official website following a training session on Sunday.
"Also on the sidelines was Hernanes, who reported discomfort in his adductor muscle and will undergo tests tomorrow.
"Meanwhile, Sami Khedira is still feeling the effects of a muscle injury sustained before the international break, meaning he will train separately next week. Martin Caceres' condition will continue to be assessed on a daily basis as he bids to shake off a thigh strain."
Juve face a key Champions League clash at home to City on Wednesday knowing a victory will take them top of the group and into the knockout stages.
Mihajlovic abandoned me but Montella is the best - Ferrero
Nov 26, 2015 18:55:53
The Sampdoria president is looking forward to seeing his side take on former coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, who is now at AC Milan
Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero says AC Milan boss Sinisa Mihajlovic abandoned him, but is happy with how it worked out after eventually landing Vincenzo Montella as his head coach.
Mihajlovic left Samp after just under two years in charge to join the San Siro side in the close-season and was replaced by Walter Zenga, who lasted less than half a season under Ferrero before being sacked.
Montella – who lost his first match in charge 1-0 at Udinese - takes his new side to Milan in Serie A on Saturday, leading Ferrero to discuss his past and present head coach.
"I am very fond of Sinisa, before the game I will say Ciao and may the best man win," the president told Sky Italia.
"Coaches are like wives, though. He has found another and has abandoned me. But I am a lucky man because I found Montella and he is the best.
"Certainly in Montella I have found someone who has a great desire to do well. He is showing that he wants to work and build, plus he is a great motivator."
Sampdoria are down in 12th in the table, while Mihajlovic's Milan are four points better off in seventh spot.
Juventus can hold their own against anyone - Buffon
26 November 2015
Gianluigi Buffon feels Juventus have shown they can hold their own against anyone in Europe following their 1-0 Champions League win over Manchester City on Wednesday.
A goal from Mario Mandzukic was enough for the reigning Serie A champions to see off City in Turin and book their ticket for the knockout stages of the competition with 11 points from five games.
Massimiliano Allegri's men are one of only four teams that are still unbeaten in the Champions League - Real Madrid, Barcelona and Zenit being the other three - and Buffon has stressed the beaten 2015 finalists do not fear anyone.
"When we turn in performances like Wednesday's, we look a top-rate team and one that can hold its own against pretty much anyone," Buffon told reporters.
The goalkeeper does not see the Italian champions as the favourites to win the competition, though, singling out holders Barcelona and Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich as the teams to beat.
"After Barcelona and Bayern there is a group of important sides, of which we are part," he added.
Serie A Review: Juve revival continues as Roma stutter
29 November 2015 23:49
Serie A champions Juventus appear well on course to challenge for a fifth consecutive Scudetto after easing to a 3-0 win over Palermo on Sunday.
Massimiliano Allegri's men arrived at the Stadio Renzo Barbera unbeaten in five matches following a rocky start to their defence but left with maximum points courtesy of a clinical second-half display.
Former Palermo favourite Paulo Dybala assisted Mario Mandzukic's opener shortly before the hour with Stefano Sturaro and Simone Zaza on target in the latter stages as Juve moved fifth.
Earlier in the day, Atalanta compounded a miserable week for Roma, winning 2-0 in an ill-tempered encounter at the Stadio Olimpico.
Rudi Garcia's side were thrashed 6-1 by Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek and the French coach, who was booed loudly by the home fans prior to kick-off, now finds himself under huge pressure.
Edin Dzeko spurned two first-half chances before Atalanta led through a fine curled effort from Alejandro Gomez - the Argentine then brought down by Maicon with eight minutes remaining, allowing German Denis to double the lead from the spot.
Maicon was given a straight red card to make matters worse for Roma, with Guglielmo Stendardo and Alberto Grassi's late dismissals mattering little.
City rivals Lazio were beaten 1-0 away to Empoli, Lorenzo Tonelli heading home Leandro Paredes' cross in the fifth minute as Marco Giampaolo's side increased the pressure on Lazio boss Stefano Pioli.
Frosinone survived a Verona fightback to move out of the bottom three with a 3-2 victory at Stadio Matusa.
Daniel Ciofani's 22nd-minute penalty put the home side ahead after Rafael had been sent off, before the 30-year-old doubled his tally just before the break with a well-placed header.
Federico Dionisi made it three just after half-time and, despite a Federico Viviani free-kick and a Vangelis Moras header, Frosinone held on for the win.
Udinese triumphed by the same scoreline to move above Chievo in the table thanks to two goals from Cyril Thereau.
Alberto Paloschi put Chievo ahead on 26 minutes but a Nicolas Frey own goal and Thereau's close-range finish had the visitors in front, before Roberto Inglese's superb strike levelled the match in the 72nd minute.
Substitute Antonio Di Natale gifted Thereau the chance for his second with 10 minutes to play, however, and the French striker made no mistake in securing maximum points.
Cristian Zaccardo scored a late goal to give struggling Carpi a vital 2-1 win away to Genoa, who had Leonardo Pavoletti sent off after just six minutes.
Defiant Garcia refuses to resign despite Roma slump
30 November 2015 08:53
Rudi Garcia insists he will not resign as Roma head coach despite a damaging run of results.
The injury-ravaged capital club were beaten 2-0 at home by Atalanta in an ill-tempered clash on Sunday, meaning they could be six points off the top of the table should Inter defeat Napoli on Monday, and Garcia was booed by a large number of home fans prior to kick-off.
That defeat followed a humbling 6-1 thrashing by Barcelona in the Champions League and a draw with Bologna on November 21, but Garcia is determined to stay at the Stadio Olimpico.
"I won't give in," he is quoted by Corriere dello Sport. "I'm angry, disappointed, and we have to fight to get out of this situation.
"We must stay united, the boys can't lose confidence. We can still be the same Roma with the best attack in Serie A.
"I will fight, I'll give my whole heart for Roma. Whoever thinks I'll resign doesn't know me.
"It's not the worst time since I've been here, even last season there was a difficult period. Our goals are still within reach - to progress from the Champions League group and stay in the upper reaches of the table.
"I take responsibility but we must remain united to overcome this. I'm sure the sky is blue behind the clouds.
"We're all disappointed and angry about the performance, we're all responsible. If we recover our injured players then we'll be stronger, but this is not an excuse."
Director of football Walter Sabatini has lent his support to Garcia and believes the whole club must rally together in order to overcome their current difficulties.
"We're not thinking about a change of coach," he said. "Sometimes Rudi and I have different opinions but we're all in this together. He deserves to coach Roma."
Verona have sacked Andrea Mandorlini with the club bottom of Serie A and without a win this season.
The 55-year-old took over at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi in 2010, guiding the club from the third tier back into the top flight.
A 3-2 loss to Frosinone on Sunday coincided with Carpi overcoming Genoa 2-1 to send Verona to the foot of the table.
It proved to be the final straw, with the coach now relieved of his duties.
"Verona informs it has sacked coach Andrea Mandorlini and his associates," a club statement said.
"Andrea and his staff have the thanks of the club, through dedication, unquestionable professionalism and intense passion, shared joys, sorrows, but also victories, on and off the field.
"The coach and his staff have our most sincere wishes for their professional futures."
Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini believes Bayern Munich have no intention of selling Medhi Benatia in January amid ongoing speculation the defender could be on his way back to Serie A.
The Morocco international left Roma for Bayern in August 2014, but has since been linked with a return to the Stadio Olimpico on more than one occasion.
However, Sabatini has ruled out a transfer in the upcoming window.
"Benatia is one of my idols and I really like him," Sabatini said at a fans' event.
"It took most people at Roma about two to three months to realise how good he was. Some said he was too slow.
"Bayern Munich will not sell him, though. You can remove his name from any lists. Bayern will not let go of him now.
"He is already thinking about the transfer window at the end of the season.
"Benatia is thinking about July, because Bayern will not sell in January."
The 28-year-old, who has a contract with Bayern until June 2019, has made eight appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga champions so far this campaign.
