Defoe dreams of emulating Barnes against Brazil

England striker Jermain Defoe says he hopes to emulate John Barnes' famous performance at the Maracana when the Three Lions face Brazil on Sunday.

Barnes scored a wonder goal against the five-time world champions at the famous stadium in 1984, dribbling from inside his own half, and the striker confessed he dreams of such a moment during the upcoming friendly.

"That was an unbelievable goal," Defoe told the Daily Mirror. "The fact that we’re still talking about it nearly 30 years later tells you how good a goal it was.

"Who knows? Maybe one of us can score one like it on Sunday. If you can score a goal like that against them, make that sort of impact, it will be talked about for ever.

"If there is a single team in international football you’d want to play against it’s Brazil - even more so in Rio."

Defoe would become only the 21st player to score 20 goals for England if he were to notch against Brazil, joining the likes of Geoff Hurst, Alan Shearer and Nat Lofthouse on the list.

And the striker, who is struggling with an Achilles injury ahead of the game, feels reaching the target against Selacao would be a "great achievement".

Goal number 20 is his first target. He added: "At the moment, I’ve got 19 goals. If I can get that goal and get to 20, it will be a great feeling. I know that there are only so many strikers who’ve done it, so to join them would be a big feeling for me and a big achievement.

"If I could get to 20 for my country, I’d feel that was a great achievement. It would be fantastic for me and I would be really proud of that. There have been some great players who haven’t got there and some really big ones who have."

Mourinho will be a disaster at Chelsea

Barcelona vice-president Carles Vilarrubi has warned Chelsea that bringing Jose Mourinho back to the club could end in disaster.

Goal understands the former Real Madrid boss is on the verge of returning to Stamford Bridge for a second spell in charge and will have his appointment confirmed in a matter of days.

But Vilarrubi believes his second stint with the club will only spell trouble for the Europa League winners.

"It's not good for English football; there is nothing positive in what he leaves in Spain," he told The Telegraph.

"Chelsea can think they had a good time with him, but now is when they will see the real Mourinho. If he acts the same way he has done in Spain, the relationship between them will be just unhappy.

"Mourinho will be a disaster at Chelsea; he is not going to change at his age. I don't talk this way only because he was a rival, but also because how he acted and what he did. His three years in Spain only left us arguments and disagreements."

The Barcelona official dislikes Mourinho's mentality against his opponents, saying the Portuguese is too often out on a personal mission for vengeance.

"He has always been like this," he continued. "What kind of coach wins the Champions League twice and does not fly home on the same aeroplane as his players?"
"A coach you would think he wants to celebrate with his players, enjoy the moment. Not him. He is thinking of himself. I don’t know what is wrong with him. In his mind there is something wrong."

Abidal announces Barcelona exit

Eric Abidal has announced that he will leave Barcelona this summer after a six-year spell at Camp Nou.

The 33-year-old joined the club from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2007 and had since made nearly 200 official appearances for the Blaugrana, winning four Liga titles and two Champions Leagues in the process.

However, health problems largely kept Abidal out of action in the past two seasons as he was diagnosed with a tumour in his liver in March 2011 and underwent a transplant last year.

"This is a difficult day for me. I have spent six years at Barcelona and it has been a very intense period together with my team-mates," Abidal said at a press conference.

"I was keen to continue at Barcelona, but the club have different plans and I have to respect that. I am leaving the club this summer, but I will be back here."

Club president Sandro Rosell, meanwhile, stressed that he hopes Abidal will return to Barcelona once he hangs up his boots.

"Abidal has been at Barcelona for six years and he's part of our history. This is not a goodbye. The doors will always be open for Eric.

"When Eric retires, he will become the director of Barcelona's schools around the world."

Abidal has been linked with a return to Lyon this summer, while Monaco have also shown an interest in signing the left-back, but he has yet to make a final decision on where he will continue his career.

"I have a number of offers, but I need more time to think about them," the Frenchman stated

Julio Cesar confirms talks with English clubs amid Arsenal rumours

The 33-year-old is eager to seal his place in the Brazil squad ahead of the 2014 World Cup and has been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners

QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar has confirmed he is in talks with English clubs over a move away from Loftus Road this summer.

Hoops boss Harry Redknapp indicated recently that the Brazil international would be allowed to leave, rather than spend the season prior to the 2014 World Cup in his home nation playing in the Championship.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with the 33-year-old, and Cesar has now fuelled speculation that the Gunners are among the clubs pursuing his signature.
"There are indeed talks with some teams, but nothing definitive,” he told Globo Esporte. “This is the Confederations Cup moment, I have to focus on doing a good work for the national team.

"I won't name the teams as it would not be ethical since I am under contract with Queens Park Rangers. I let people responsible for my career deal with it."

Cesar is in the Brazil squad for the Confederations Cup and could be in the side to face England in Rio on June 2.

Madrid right to get rid of Mourinho - Figo

Former Real Madrid midfielder Luis Figo believes that Jose Mourinho deserved to be ditched by the Santiago Bernabeu side.

The Portuguese will part ways with the Blancos in June after three years in charge, having joined from Inter in the summer of 2010 and taken the club to three Champions League semi-finals, one league triumph and one Copa del Rey trophy.

However, his fall-out with a number of high-profile Madrid players - most notably captain Iker Casillas - has contributed to his exit from the Bernabeu dugout, and Figo believes it is the right time for his compatriot to move on as he nears a return to the Premier League with Chelsea.

"It was to be expected," he told reporters at a charity event. "I believe it is right for them to bid farewell [to Mourinho].

"Some people will not like it, others will think it's the right thing, but the reality in life is you cannot please all the people. The fans should try to be fair and wait to see what happens next."

Mourinho's benching of Casillas in favour of January signing Diego Lopez has resulted in a lengthy dressing-room dispute but Figo thinks the facts have been exaggerated and that the coach had legitimate reasons for his actions.

"They are my friends," he said of Mourinho and the Spain goalkeeper. "They are of the age to be able to work things out.

"Mourinho's decisions were professionally and technically sound. You might not like it but [as a player] you have to accept and take it in the best way possible for the good of the club."

Madrid face Osasuna on Sunday in their final game of the Primera Division season, having already secured second place behind champions Barcelona.

Transfers season gears up as Managers transfers heats up

The league seasons in major leagues have ended, with Bayern Munich  lifting the Champions League at last. The end of a season is usually followed by transfer of players, by teams who want to strengthen their teams for the next season and players who want regular football. This transfer Season, however seems to be made more interesting with the sacking  of Managers and consequent movements of managers to other clubs. Mind you, this  movement of managers usually happens at the end of the season as well, only that this time around, it is of a higher scale. HERE ARE THE LIST OF MANAGERS THAT HAVE EITHER BEEN SACKED,RETIRED,LEFT AFTER END OF CONTRACT OR RESIGNED AND MANAGERS THAT ARE REPLACING THEM

1. Rafael Benitez

was interim manager of Chelsea FC, led them to the Europa League trophy before leaving Stamford Bridge.He is now the manager of Napoli FC
2. Roberto Mancini

Managed Manchester City for three years. Won a Super cup(Community Shield),Premier  League title  and a FA cup with them. was sacked after losing this  season's FA cup Final to Wigan .
3.Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson  retired from the job of been the Manager at Machester United, after winning the Premier league again, which made it almost 40 trophies that the club has won under him. Sir alex is now serving as a director at  Manchester United and a club ambassador.
4.Roberto Martinez

he left Wigan after leading them to an FA cup victory against Manchester City, their first in the Premier League. Unfortunately, Wigan were relegated and he left ,citing that he don't think that he can lead them back to the Premier League. he is currently in discussion with Everton.
5. David Moyes

David Moyes left Everton to coach Manchester United after staying at Everton for quite some time.
6.Jupp Heynckes

Heycnkes retired from Bayern Munich afterb leading them to their fifth Champions league trophy.
7. Pep Guardiola

brought in to replace Jupp Heynckes after a sabbatical from football management.
8. Andrea Stramaccioni

Sacked after a season in charge of Internationale FC. Reason: led Inter to their worst ever finish in the Serie A for a long time, Finishing 9th and without a place in Europe
10.Walter Mazzari

Walter Mazzari left Napoli after leading them to second position in the Serie A and running out nhis contract. He has already been employed as the Coach of Internationale.

that is it and we expect more as Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Massimo Allegeri are expected to be sacked after under performing. We wait to see what happens though

Carvalho signs for Monaco

The 35-year-old former Real Madrid defender has agreed a 12-month deal with the newly-promoted Ligue 1 side Ricardo Carvalho is the latest player to sign for Monaco after agreeing a one-year deal with the French club.
The 35-year-old defender, who spent three seasons at Real Madrid before his switch to Claudio Ranieri's side, completed his move to the Principality on Tuesday where he will join Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez, who recently completed a €70m switch from Porto.

Carvalho told the official club website: "I'm very happy to join Monaco and to be part of the new adventure. This is a new challenge for me."

The newly-promoted Ligue 1 side backed by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev are also close to finalising a deal for Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, who was in Monaco for a medical on Tuesday, and Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes is reportedly close to sealing a move.

Carvalho was in the Champions League-winning Porto side which beat Monaco 3-0 in the 2004 final.

Mazzarri the right choice for Inter, says Vialli

The 48-year-old has little doubt that the former Napoli boss can help the Nerazzurri back to the top again next season after Andrea Stramaccioni's sacking

Gianluca Vialli is confident that Walter Mazzarri has what it takes to succeed at Inter after he was appointed as the new man in charge at the Giuseppe Meazza side last week.

The Nerazzurri opted to part company with Andrea Stramaccioni after a disappointing 2012-13 campaign, naming the former Napoli trainer as their new head coach shortly after, and the former Italy star believes the 51-year-old will succeed at San Siro.

"Mazzarri is the right man for Inter in my opinion," Vialli was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"Inter picked him for a reason. He has shown at Napoli that he has plenty of charisma and quality. He did a fine job at Napoli.

"Inter will have taken that into consideration when they hired him."

The 51-year-old Mazzarri guided Napoli to second place in Serie A in 2012-13 after previously steering them to the Champions League round of 16 in 2011-12.

Rooney is still key for England, claims Hodgson

The Three Lions boss extolled the importance of the striker to his country and hinted that he will play in his favoured attacking role against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday

England coach Roy Hodgson insists Wayne Rooney remains a key figure for his country ahead of Wednesday's friendly with the Republic of Ireland at Wembley.

Despite reclaiming the Premier League with Manchester United, Rooney enjoyed a miserable end to the season that began when he was dropped for the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid in March.

Having asked to leave the club for the second time in three years, the 27-year-old was then benched for the final two league matches of Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure and has not completed 90 minutes in almost two months.

Hodgson, however, retains faith in the forward and says he his hunger to succeed has never been in doubt when he has joined up with the Three Lions on international duty.

"I know where I think it's best for him to play, and I think there are several candidates to play alongside him," Hodgson told reporters.

"I think I have it fairly clear in my mind where I want to see him play. I can talk about Wayne as he is when he joins up with me, and how he behaves in our get-togethers, and I find his desire as strong, if not stronger, than when we first met.

"I have nothing but the greatest faith in him. But good players can have bad games and bad players can have good games; it's not an exact science. My faith has never wavered."

Conte: Juventus signed Diego when I advised them to go for Robben

The successful coach has recounted the story of how he told the current Serie A champions to go after the Dutchman rather than the Wolfsburg man

Antonio Conte has revealed that he advised Juventus to sign either Theo Walcott or Arjen Robben in the summer of 2009, but then-sporting director Alessio Secco eventually opted to sign Diego from Werder Bremen instead.
The former Siena boss was one of the candidates to take Claudio Ranieri's place on the bench at the time and told Secco that he would prefer the signing of a high-profile winger over an attacking midfielder.

However, the Juve director decided to bring in the Brazilian regardless and the Bianconeri eventually picked Ciro Ferrara as their new coach rather than Conte.

"I told Secco that I wasn't sure about Diego when they asked me about him. A player like him isn't essential in my style of play. Juventus already had plenty of options in attack," Conte explained in his biography.

"He did not really react and I understood that he felt different. I insisted that I preferred a high-profile winger, someone like Robben or Walcott. I was after that type of player.

"Secco and the others signed Diego after all, though, to win over the fans. Alessio called me to explain that they signed Diego.

"I asked him if he'd spent €25 million on him and he confirmed that Diego had been expensive, but insisted that everybody said he was a good player."

Diego would leave Juventus for Wolfsburg in the summer of 2010 after just one season in Serie A.
Robben, meanwhile, swapped Real Madrid for Bayern Munich in 2009 and netted the winner in the Bavarians' 2-1 Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund at the weekend.

England reveal final squad

Peter Taylor has named his final 21-man squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey and many of the U-19 squad who reached the UEFA European U-19 Championship semi-final in Estonia last year have been included.

The likes of Sam Johnstone, Connor Ripley, Tom Thorpe, Eric Dier, Ross Barkley, Conor Coady, Harry Kane and John Lundstram were all among Noel Blake’s group which secured qualification for Turkey 2013..

And there are a number of players who are new to the international scene included, after impressing Taylor with their club form in the last few months of the season.

Leeds United right-back Sam Byram, Newcastle midfielder Gael Bigirimana and Tottenham Hotspur’s Alex Pritchard are all selected for what will be their first experience with an England squad.

The team meet up at St. George’s Park next Monday to begin preparations for the tournament before flying out to Turkey on Wednesday 12 June for more training and acclimatisation.

England will be based in Antalya for their first two group games against Iraq on 23 June and Chile on 26 June. They then move to Bursa for the final group game against African champions Egypt on 29 June.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Manchester United), George Long (Sheffield United), Connor Ripley (Middlesbrough).

Defenders: Sam Byram (Leeds United), Eric Dier (Sporting Lisbon), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), Jamaal Lascelles (Nottingham Forest), Danny Potts (West Ham United), Adam Reach (Middlesbrough), John Stones (Everton), Tom Thorpe (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Gael Bigirimana (Newcastle United), Conor Coady (Liverpool), Larnell Cole (Manchester United), John Lundstram (Everton), James Ward Prowse (Southampton).

Forwards: Chris Long (Everton), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Alex Pritchard (Tottenham Hotspur), Luke Williams (Middlesbrough).

Wigan grant Martinez permission to talk to Everton

Roberto Martinez has been given the green light to open talks with Everton after having his request to vacate the Wigan Athletic hot-seat granted by chairman Dave Whelan.

The Spaniard led the Latics to a shock victory over Manchester City in this season's FA Cup final, but the club were then relegated from the Premier League.

"He wanted permission to move, so I've given that," Whelan told BBC Sport. "He has 12 months left on his contract, so whoever comes in for him must pay the remainder of his contract.

"He feels he's not the man to lead us into the Premier League. I've got to accept what he feels. He loves Wigan and the fans. We have to move on now and want applications for the job."

Martinez has been strongly linked with the vacancy at Everton created by David Moyes' appointment as Manchester United manager, and Whelan revealed that he has authorised the Merseyside club to make an approach. "Everton rang me and I said they have permission to talk to him," Whelan said.

Martinez, 39, spent six years at Wigan as a player and returned to the club as manager in 2009 after a two-year spell with Swansea City. He steered the club to safety in his first three seasons at the DW Stadium, but they finally succumbed to relegation after a 4-1 loss at Arsenal earlier this month.
That defeat came just three days after a stoppage-time goal from Ben Watson had given Wigan a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, which secured the club's first major trophy.
Under Martinez, Wigan garnered plaudits for the attractive quality of their football and became renowned for pulling off last-ditch escapes from relegation. They survived the drop on the last day of the season in 2011 and repeated the feat a year later after a remarkable run of seven wins in their last nine games.
Caldwell plea in vain
Earlier on Tuesday, Wigan captain Gary Caldwell had expressed hope that Martinez would stay.

"I think every player hopes the manager stays," the defender told Sky Sports News. "He is someone who has come to the club and stamped his authority on how he wants to play. Every player enjoys that and I think we have had great success with that."

Papastathopoulos replaces Santana at Dortmund

"Now it is time to make the next step," said Sokratis Papastathopoulos after completing his move to Borussia Dortmund to replace FC Schalke 04-bound Felipe Santana.

Just three days after losing the UEFA Champions League final, Borussia Dortmund have begun preparing for the 2013/14 campaign. With Felipe Santana leaving for FC Schalke 04 on a three-year deal, Sokratis Papastathopoulos has arrived from SV Werder Bremen to plug the gap.
"We are very happy that Sokratis has decided to join Borussia Dortmund," said BVB sporting director Michael Zorc. "He is very flexible in defence, can play different positions and we are confident he has huge potential." Papastathopoulos, who has signed a five-year contract, made 59 Bundesliga appearances for Bremen having moved from Genoa CFC in 2011.

"I have benefited a lot from the two years at Werder," said the Greek international, 24. "Now it is time to make the next step. I would like to thank everyone who helped me on my path to this point."
Santana switches to Dortmund's local rivals Schalke with a view to more first-team football – and impressing Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. "The decision to leave the club was a tough one," said the 27-year-old, an unused substitute at Wembley on Saturday. "I extended my contract last summer even though I wasn't a regular player, but I need to become one if I want to fulfil my dream of playing for Brazil [at the 2014 FIFA World Cup]."

Destro and Verratti make Italy cut

Full internationals Marco Verratti and Mattia Destro have been included in the Italy squad for the forthcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals in Israel.
Paris Saint-Germain FC midfielder Verratti, 20, who has scored once in three outings at senior level, has not played for the Azzurrini since 4 June 2012, when he was sent off in a 2-2 qualifying round draw with the Republic of Ireland.
That game in Sligo was also the last time Destro appeared for Devis Mangia's team. The 22-year-old AS Roma forward has gone on to feature in three FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scoring in a 2-0 victory against Malta last September.
"They are both really enthusiastic about being with us and have already understood that our main strength is the group," said Mangia, whose squad start their Group A campaign against England on 5 June before taking on hosts Israel and Norway.
"We have enough quality to achieve something big in Israel. We will have to focus from the start because our opponents in the group are all very difficult."
However, AC Milan full-back Mattia De Sciglio and club-mate Stephan El Shaarawy, both 20, have been named in a provisional Azzurri squad preparing to face the Czech Republic in a World Cup qualifier on 7 June and for the FIFA Confederations Cup, beginning eight days later in Brazil.   
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Francesco Bardi (Novara Calcio), Simone Colombi (Modena FC), Nicola Leali (SS Virtus Lanciano 1924).
Defenders: Matteo Bianchetti (Hellas Verona FC), Cristiano Biraghi (AS Cittadella), Luca Caldirola (Brescia Calcio), Marco Capuano (Pescara Calcio), Marco Crimi (US Grosseto FC), Giulio Donati (US Grosseto FC), Vasco Regini (Empoli FC).
Midfielders: Andrea Bertolacci (Genoa CFC), Alessandro Florenzi (AS Roma), Lorenzo Insigne (SSC Napoli), Luca Marrone (Juventus), Fausto Rossi (Brescia Calcio), Nicola Sansone (Parma FC), Riccardo Saponara (Empoli FC), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain FC).
Forwards: Fabio Borini (Liverpool FC), Mattia Destro (AS Roma), Manolo Gabbiadini (Bologna FC), Ciro Immobile (Genoa CFC), Alberto Paloschi (AC Chievo Verona).

‘Benni has another season in him’

Benni McCarthy’s business manager insists the Orlando Pirates striker still has another season in him, but says nothing has been discussed with regards to a new contract.

The 36-year-old former Bafana Bafana striker, whose current deal with the Buccaneers expires at the end of June, saw precious little action during 2012/13 as injuries struck him down, but Rob Moore says McCarthy can play for another season at least.
“For sure, he has another season in him,” Moore tells KickOff.com. “But for now we have not had any discussions with Orlando Pirates over a new contract. I still need to speak to Benni as well in the next few days to see what he thinks.”
Meanwhile, Moore says there is nothing to report on Daylon Claasen, who spent time at German Bundesliga side Eintracht Braunschweig earlier this month.
“Daylon wasn’t on trial; he was at Braunschweig just to keep fit for in case he got called up to the Bafana Bafana squad,” he says. “Most of the clubs are in recess now so we will wait for when they get back before making a call on him.”

Rangers depart for Tunisia.

Nigeria's sole campaigners on the continent, Enugu Rangers, will travel to Tunisia tomorrow ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup qualifier this weekend.

The team will depart Murtala Mohammed Airport tomorrow night as they aim to make an early arrival in Tunisia for the second leg of their Confederations Cup qualifier against CS Sfaxien at the Stade Taieb Mhiri on this weekend.
Rangers go into the second leg of the game with a slim advantage having won the first-leg 1-0 courtesy of a late goal scored by Ugonna Uzochukwu, and will need at least a goalless or a score draw to progress to the next stage.
The Flying Antelopes have struggled for consistency in recent weeks and will be hoping that their 2-0 home win over Sunshine Stars at the weekend will motivate the players to get a positive result against Sfaxien who have won the Confederations Cup on two occasions.
Till date no Nigerian club has won Africa's second tier competition, with Dolphins FC being the most successful in the competition so far having lost the 2005 Final to FAR Rabat with a 3-1 aggregate score.

Drogba denies racist chanting will force him out of Turkey

Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba has insisted that recent acts of racism will not force him out of Turkey.

The former Chelsea frontman visited the house of the country's Sports Minister Suat Kilic following an incident between his club and Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce in which two fans were photographed holding banana’s and making allegedly making racist gestures towards the Ivorian.

"That was not the first time in the world, it happens. I am really happy in Turkey and I know that it was just an individual act," Drogba, who joined Galatasaray earlier in 2013, told Hurriyet Daily News.

Kilic claimed that it had not crossed his mind that the fans had the intention of being racist but, in hindsight, was upset by the actions of a tiny proportion of Fernerbahce fans.

“When I was watching, I thought that he would just throw the banana on to the pitch, I did not have the slightest idea that it was a racist gesture. The incidents saddened us like you,” the politician said.

Fenerbahce attacker Pierre Webo, a Cameroon international, scored both his team’s goals in the club's 2-1 win over Drogba's Galatasaray and appeared to claim that ignoring the problem is the best course of action.

He said: "I think it is best not to speak of it. The more we speak, the worse it gets. That was just not right. We know what racism is but we are very comfortable in Turkey."

Dunga interested in bringing Robinho back to Brazil

The former Selecao coach admitted his interest in signing the AC Milan forward this summer

Dunga has reached out to AC Milan forward Robinho in an attempt to get him to sign with Internacional

this summer.

The Rossoneri attacker has been rumoured to be leaving the club for a while now, with a return home to his homeland the expected scenario.

"He’s a different player and many clubs have been following him long enough to try to bring him back to Brazil," Dunga told Radio Gaucha.

"I was asked to make an inquiry. I've got the contacts who work with Robinho, passed them on towards my contacts to see which setting appeals to him.

"He has shown interest, but it depends on certain situations. The lawyer and his father will decide for him."

Many players have elected to leave Europe and return to Brazil to play lately, while the likes of Neymar and Leandrio Damiao have shown reluctance to leave, and Dunga offers his reasoning behind this trend.

"This is the right time because many players are willing to return to Brazil for economic reasons," he said. "The country is very good and also the World Cup will be here next year.

"Exposure also increases playing for Brazil. Inter have a very good structure and excellent working conditions.

"Another factor that weighs heavily in the clubs of Rio Grande do Sul is that there no delay with payments and fulfillment of what was promised [in contracts] from the beginning."

Robinho has scored just two goals for Milan this campaign and struggled for playing time with the emergence of Stephen El Shaarawy and the winter signing of Mario Balotelli.

Ferguson named LMA Premier League Manager of the Year

The retiring 71-year-old becomes the first manager to win the award four times after a season in which he guided Manchester United to a record 20th league title

Sir Alex Ferguson has been named Premier League Manager of the Year by the League Managers' Association.

Ferguson, who retires this summer after 26 years in charge of Manchester United, becomes the first manager to win the prestigious award - voted for by fellow bosses - four times.

Receiving the award from West Ham manager Sam Allardyce at the LMA awards dinner on Monday evening, Ferguson joked that West Brom boss Steve Clarke should have been given the honour for scoring five times against his United side on Sunday.

"It was the perfect send-off," he remarked at the result. "5-5 - everyone will remember it, that's for sure."

Commenting on the reaction to his retirement, Ferguson added: "It's overwhelming. The club has been fantastic and congratulations to West Brom with the way they handled yesterday.

"In a way I'm glad it's over, because it's hard work!"

And asked when he thought United were going to win a record 20th league title, he jokingly replied: "August 17!"

Malky Mackay was named Championship Manager of the Year for overseeing Cardiff's first ever promotion to the Premier League.

Gary Johnson picked up the League One award for guiding Yeovil to victory in the play-off final against Brentford on Sunday, while Gillingham boss Martin Allen picked up the League Two award.

Mourinho has been a scourge, says Barcelona vice-president

The Blaugrana chief has breathed a sigh of relief following Madrid's announcement that they will part ways with the 50-year-old at the end of the season

Barcelona vice-president Carles Vilarrubi has hit out at Jose Mourinho in the wake of the announcement that the Portuguese coach will leave Real Madrid this summer and believes his exit is a positive thing for Spanish football.

Madrid president Florentino Perez revealed on Monday evening that Mourinho will not fulfil his contract with the Santiago Bernabeu side and Vilarrubi is pleased to see the 50-year-old leave La Liga at the end of this season.

"I can speak out now. Mourinho has been a scourge," Vilarrubi told Catalunya Radio.

"Seeing him leave is a positive thing for Spanish football in my opinion because he had created a negative atmosphere."

Mourinho joined Madrid from Inter in the summer of 2010 and has been surrounded by controversy ever since, most notably when he made the headlines for all the wrong reasons in August 2011 for poking then Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye during a touchline brawl.

He guided los Blancos to one Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Supercopa during his three-year spell in charge of the club, but failed to steer them to Champions League glory.

Okocha: Nigeria, Ghana not giants of Africa

Austin 'Jay-Jay' Okocha says Ghana and Nigeria are not 'The Giants’ of African football anymore because the other countries have caught up with them.

Ghana have not won any major title since winning the 1882 Nations Cup while Nigeria won their first Nations Cup title earlier this year – 19 years after winning their last title.
The former Nigeria captain insists that real glory lies in winning titles not just doing well in tournaments.
The the two countries have not managed - over a period of time - to show that they are ‘powerhouses’ says Okocha.
"I think that both countries are going through a difficult time at the moment and in football, these things do happen," he told Citi FM.
"However, I believe that we (Nigeria) are gradually getting out of the slump especially having won the last Nations Cup in South Africa.

"It is all about being patient and trying to find where the problem is and finding a solution.

"For me, I think that both countries must humble themselves and accept that they are not what they used to be.
"Both Ghana and Nigeria call themselves ‘the giants of African football’ but look at how long it took Nigeria to win a Nations Cup trophy (after winning it in 1994).
"How can you be a giant of the sport when you are not consistent?," he adds.

Suarez escapes Fifa punishment after appearing to punch Chile player

The much-maligned Uruguay international appeared to strike La Roja’s Gonzalo Jara in the face during his side’s World Cup qualifier in March, but has avoided reprimand

The Uruguayan FA (AUF) has announced that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will not face punishment after appearing to punch Chile defender Gonzalo Jara during Uruguay’s World Cup qualifier against La Roja on March 26.

The incident was not spotted by officials but was retrospectively analysed, but Fernando Cacares, AUF's general secretary, has revealed that the President of Fifa's Disciplinary Commission has decided against reprimanding the 26-year-old.

“The president of the Disciplinary Commission of FIFA has decided that this matter does not require the intervention of the Disciplinary Commission of FIFA and therefore, this procedure is now closed", the statement read.

"We beg you to extend this communication to the player Luis Suarez as soon as possible and we thank you for your invaluable collaboration".

The announcement will be a welcome relief for Suarez, who is currently serving a lengthy 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic when the two sides faced each other in late April.

PSG's stumbling has been stressful - Alex

PSG'S defender Alexhas revealed that the club's stumbling as they try to secure a first Ligue 1 title in 19 years has made it "very stressful" at Parc des Princes.

A tight 1-0 win away to minnows Evian was followed by a tense draw against Valenciennes - in which two players were sent off for les Parisiens - though a win this weekend will secure the French championship.

Carlo Ancelotti's charges travel to Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday in what could be a tricky fixture but the former Chelsea defender was in bullish spirits ahead of it regardless.

"The last two games have been very stressful for us, but we have the experience to bounce back and forget about it. We want to achieve our goal: the title," the Brazilian, 30, told reporters on Friday.

"It will be difficult because Lyon want to qualify for the Champions League, so we know that it will not be easy.

"We are aware of the difficulties ahead, but we will be very focused and we will do everything to quickly get into the game and clinch victory."

Alex also praised the influence of Thiago Motta in the side, with the midfielder returning from a three-match ban at the Stade de Gerland.
"The presence of Thiago Motta is very important because he knows how to organise the game and he brings a big contribution to our football," he said. "The team needs him in midfield.
"We are of course delighted that he can participate in the upcoming matches to help us achieve our goal."

Finally, he gave his views on his three team-mates who have been nominated for Ligue 1's Player of the Year award - Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Blaise Matuidi and Thiago Silva - and is unable to pick an outright winner.

"It is difficult, they are all great players," Alex added. "They all have incredible importance to the club: Ibrahimovic is our scorer, Matuidi is always present in our midfield and Thiago Silva has enormous strength."

'We're not amused with Mourinho anymore'

Former Real Madrid midfielder Michel claims supporters are no longer amused by Jose Mourinho's outspoken nature, while offering his backing to Iker Casillas.

The Portuguese has courted controversy in recent weeks by firstly claiming January signing Diego Lopez is a better goalkeeper than the Spain N.o.1, before criticising defender Pepe.

Those comments have sparked a media storm in Spain, resulting in the club cancelling their press conference ahead of Saturday's clash with Espanyol.

"Whether you like him or not, Mourinho has always acted in the same way, to win all of his trophies. Maybe we used to be amused by him, but not anymore," Michel told Marca.

"Madrid isn't doing itself any favours with everything that's been going on. I'm a Madrid fan, not a pseudo-Madridista, and that's the way I see it from afar."

Michel - who is now in charge of Greek giants Olympiakos and spent 14 years with los Blancos as a player, then offered his backing to Casillas.

"There are people in Madrid who are untouchable because they have earned it. Then it is the coach's decision. Diego Lopez is outstanding, but Iker Casillas is the best goalkeeper in the world without any doubt, that is my opinion."

JUVE, AJAX,COPENHAGEN,SHAKHTAR and APOEL seals league titles while PSG and Barcelona waits another week

APOEL NICOSIA CELEBRATES

COPENHAGEN COACH

SHAKHTAR COACH DISAPPOINTED WITH POOR SHOWING

AJAX TEAM CELEBRATING THE EREDIVISE

                                                                AJAX 5-0 WILLEM
Ajax won the Eredivise title in style defeating Willem FC 5-nil. to claim their 32 title in Holland. The victory for Ajax also served as a death knell for willemFC, who were relegated from the division

                                  Copenhagen 0-0 Brondy

Copenhagen sealed their danish division title with a 0-0 draw with city rivals Brondy FC

APOEL Nicosa winning the Cyprus league by after  Anorthosis Famagusta 4-0 loss

APOEL Nicosa winning the cyprus league by after  Anorthosis Famagusta 4-0 loss to Omonia Nicosia.APOEL could have won it earlier by defeating AEK Larnaca but lost the match instead. However, their nearset rivals surrendered the title by losing 4-0 to APOEL'S local rivals Omonia Nicosia

Shakhtar seal title but Lucescu enraged by poor performance

Shakhtar sealed their  fourth consecutive title despite a disappointing 1-1 draw with metalist

PSG and Barcelona have to wait until the weekend before celebrating after PSG'S draw with Valenciennes and Real Madrid 6-2 defeat of Malaga

Official: Moyes to be next Manchester United manager

The Everton manager will take over at Old Trafford on July 1 after agreeing a six-year deal to become the successor to the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United have confirmed that David Moyes will replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford and will take over as manager at the end of the current season.

Moyes has agreed a six-year deal at the club, which will start on June 1, and will take his place at the Old Trafford helm with the blessing of Sir Alex.

"When we discussed the candidates that we felt had the right attributes we unanimously agreed on David Moyes.  David is a man of great integrity with a strong work ethic," Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's official website.

"I've admired his work for a long time and approached him as far back as 1998 to discuss the position of Assistant Manager here. He was a young man then at the start of his career and has since gone on to do a magnificent job at Everton. There is no question he has all the qualities we expect of a manager at this club."

Moyes is now set to leave Everton after over a decade in charge, and the 50-year-old has thanked the club for their support and guidance during his tenure.

"I have had a terrific job at Everton, with a tremendous chairman and board of directors and a great set of players. Between now and the end of the season, I will do everything in my power to make sure we finish as high as possible in the table.

"Everton’s fantastic fans have played a big part in making my years at Goodison so enjoyable and I thank them wholeheartedly for the support they have given me and the players. Everton will be close to me for the rest of my life."

United chief executive, David Gill, added his own congratulations and backed Moyes to become a success at Old Trafford.

As Moyes steps into the shoes of Sir Alex Ferguson, it will be interesting to see how he will cope with the enormous task ahead of him as well as how Everton will adapt to the coach change after a decade. This season may have not fully ended, but I can wait for next season

Real Madrid 6-2 Malaga: Ronaldo reaches 200 goals in romp

Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid efficiently dispatched nine-man Malaga 6-2 at Bernabeu in La Liga's re-arranged fixture on Wednesday, to make Barcelona wait before clinching the title.

 Goals from Raul Albiol, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil, Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria and Luka Modric wrapped up the win for Madrid, with the visitors ending the match with nine men following dismissals for Sergio Sanchez and Martin Demichelis.

Ronaldo celebrated notching his 200th goal for the club in 197 appearances, smashing home an indirect free-kick in what proved to be a one-sided affair.

Albiol gave his side a dream start after merely three minutes, heading home a Modric corner at the back post, but initial good work was undone when Malaga replied with their own set piece conversion 12 minutes later, as Roque Santa Cruz escaped his marker at the to tap home.

On 21 minutes, Ronaldo was tugged down by Malaga's Sergio Sanchez in the visitors' box, resulting in a penalty and a red card produced for the Spaniard. Despite stepping up assuredly, Ronaldo saw his penalty effort saved brilliantly by the toe of Willy.

The mood inside Bernabeu was to change only minutes later, as Ronaldo made no mistake from an indirect free-kick from 10 yards, blasting the ball into the top right corner - despite debatable positioning from both the Malaga wall and goalkeeper.

Just after the half hour mark, it was three for Los Blancos, as Malaga fell victim to the trademark Real Madrid counterattack. Ozil was threaded through on goal by Gonzalo Higuain, before chopping nicely inside Antunes and sliding the ball past Willy.

Malaga were not be be counted out of the game before the half time whistle, however, as Antunes found the net from an advanced position. After being laid off by Javier Portillo, the left-back cut inside before unleashing a right footed drive into the top corner, leaving Diego Lopez with no chance.

A forced change of goalkeeper proved to make no difference to the first-half onslaught of Mourinho's men, as Ronaldo toyed with substitute Carlos Kameni, before squaring the ball for Benzema to tap home unmarked in first half stoppage time.

The second half started in a different vein to the first, as Madrid began to press and exert their dominance as a result to their extra man, but goals and clear cut opportunities were not forthcoming.

Despite a 20 minute lull, the away side couldn't stay resilient, and it was five on 64 minutes. The tireless Modric picked up a goal for all of his good work, finding the inside of the post with a long-range strike.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors in the 73rd minute, as Demichelis was shown a second yellow for bringing down Ronaldo, halting the Portuguese international's mazy run.

Di Maria ended the rout in style in second half stoppage time, firing a low drive into the bottom corner, despite Kameni's best efforts to get down to his right.

Mourinho reaches the 80 point mark in style, and his Real Madrid side move eight points ahead of rivals Atletico with only three league games left to play.

Pescara 0-4 AC Milan: Balotelli double solidifies third spot

Two goals from Mario Balotelli were key for AC Milan as they recorded a simple victory over Pescara, running out 4-0 victors in a desperately one-sided encounter. The former Manchester City man opened the scoring from the penalty spot and rounded off victory with a second-half finish, Sulley Muntari and Mathieu Flamini also hitting to complete the rout and put one foot into the Champions League. 

 Milan wasted no time in getting on the front foot against already-relegated opposition, pushing forward in search of the points that would help them towards a third-place finish and Champions League football next season. The home team, with nothing to lose, also went for it, ensuring an entertaining start to the game and Balotelli should have taken the lead inside the first two minutes, but slammed against the bar with the goal open.

It did not take long for the striker to make amends. Antonio Nocerino's surge into the box was cut short by a clumsy challenge by Uros Cosic, and a penalty was the result. Balotelli stepped up confidently, and with just 10 minutes gone sent Mattia Perin the wrong way to open the scoring.

The goal was the cue for Milan to take control of the game, dominating possession and attacking vibrantly, especially down the right flank through M'Baye Niang. The youngster almost hit a second, ghosting past Marco Capuano before steering in a shot that was dragged just wide of Perin's upright. The best opportunity for Pescara came through Giuseppe Sculli, who ran onto a long pass to beat a sleepy back line before sending a half-volley disappointingly wide of goal.

The away team increased their advantage midway through the first half. Capuano's challenge on Balotelli out wide resulted in a free kick, floated by Robinho over the mass of bodies that had congregated on the near post and penalty spot. There waiting was Muntari, and the midfielder was blissfully unmarked as he volleyed past Perin and into the net, putting Milan two up at the interval and looking comfortable.

If the first 45 minutes were disappointing for the Delfini, the second period threatened to become a complete disaster. A slip from Luciano Zauri proved fatal as Robinho bypassed the defender five minutes after the break, and the Brazilian had time to pick his target out wide. A delicate cross was met perfectly by Mathieu Flamini, steaming in from deep and the ex-Arsenal man timed his volley well to make the score 3-0, ending the game as a contest.

Milan were now rampant and the only question remaining was how many would be added to the rout. Another arrived just before the hour, when Flamini took down an awkward lofted ball on the right and squared to Balotelli. The forward still had plenty to do, but turned impressively to shrug off his marker and finished with a shot right into the roof of the net, for his second of the encounter.

The Rossoneri cruised through what remained of the match, almost adding a fifth through substitute Giampaolo Pazzini who was denied one on one by Perin. It mattered not, however, as Milan held on to a four-goal advantage and picked up what could be three crucial points in the battle for the Champions League.

The win means Milan move seven points clear of Fiorentina in third, albeit having played an extra game. If the Viola lose away to Siena in the later kick-off, Massimiliano Allegri's men will be assured Champions League football for 2013-14.

Inter 1-3 Lazio: Stramaccioni's sorry side fall to yet another defeat

Inter's hopes of competing in European competition were ended as some lacklustre defending helped Lazio to a 3-1 win at San Siro.

 Andrea Stramaccioni's men began well but were pegged back by a defensive mix-up which saw Samir Handanovic turn into his own net. Ricardo Alvarez equalised for the hosts before Hernanes capped his 100th Serie A appearance with a goal from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

Inter resorted to shooting from range in the second half but none could provide the sort of effort that Ogenyi Onazi did to grab the third for Vladimir Petkovic's men, consigning the hosts to a record 15th league defeat in one season.

In a lively start to proceedings which saw both teams on the attack, the best chance of the early exchanges came in the 10th minute.

Mateo Kovacic wriggled away from a group of Biancocelesti shirts, surged forward and slipped a perfectly-weighted through-ball to Tommaso Rocchi who saw his shot beaten away by Federico Marchetti.

The Nerazzurri continued their positive start but some shambolic defending saw them fall behind in the 22nd minute.

A lack of communication was evident as Handanovic failed to claim Antonio Candreva's cross, instead deflecting the ball into the back of the net with the help of Andrea Ranocchia.

Candreva could have then added one himself two minutes later as Lazio countered but he dragged his shot wide when one-on-one with the keeper.

Inter fought back and after Handanovic had denied Candreva from an acute angle, the hosts restored parity.

Alvaro Pereira worked enough space on the left to send a cross into the area and Alvarez towered over Lorik Cana to head the ball in off the underside of the crossbar.

There was little Marchetti could have done to stop that effort, but two minutes later he proved his quality with a tremendous save to send Esteban Cambiasso's shot onto the post and behind.

Stramaccioni's men could have added to their tally but Lazio were gifted the chance to go take an advantage into the break as Ranocchia felled Floccari in the area. Hernanes took responsibility from the spot, stuttering on his run-up before lashing the ball into the corner.

Fredy Guarin had been extremely quiet but emerged as a different player after the restart, but the Colombian failed to convert from a trio of great chances before the hour mark.

The Nerazzurri ramped up the pressure on their visitors and Guarin's persistence eventually reaped rewards as he drew a foul from Cana inside the area. Alvarez stepped up to take the spot-kick but lost his footing as he struck the ball and sent it well off target.

It took a top save from Handanovic to keep out Hernanes but there was no chance that the Slovenian was going to get anywhere near a thunderous effort from Onazi that arrowed into the top corner with 13 minutes left.

The goal all but ended hopes of a comeback for Inter who will not feature on the continent next season following Udinese's win over Palermo. Lazio, meanwhile, have every chance of playing European football next term.

Redknapp tips Julio Cesar to join Serie A or La Liga

The Rs boss expects his Brazilian goalkeeper to leave this summer, with Arsenal, AC Milan and Roma all in the frame for the South American's signature.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp expects that goalkeeper Julio Cesar will lead the exodus out of Loftus Road this summer, with Serie A or La Liga a likely destination.

The 66-year-old has confirmed that the Brazil international will be on his way out as the relegated side look to shed some of their colossal wage bill before attempting to climb out of the Championship next season.

Redknapp told the London Evening Standard: "I don't see Julio being here next year — he's not a player for the Championship. He's a player for a top Italian or Spanish or Premier League team.

"Julio's got the World Cup coming up and he's the top Brazilian keeper. Rob [Green's] come in and done great for me. He's the one we're looking to play next season."

Arsenal, AC Milan and Roma are among the clubs to have been linked with relieving QPR of Cesar's £90,000-per-week wages.

NPFL gets new logo

Following the resolution of its title sponsorship tussle, the League Management Committee has launched a new logo for the Nigerian Professional Football League.

The new logo incorporates an eagle with widespread wings atop the name of the league and the name of TE title sponsors Glo.
However, LMC member Shehu Dikko says the new logo is not permanent.
"Based on our contractual obligations, we had to come up with a logo that reflects our new partners," he told KickOffNigeria.com.
"But we don't expect it to be the permanent one. This is just for us to have an identity and move forward.
"At the end if the season, and in consultation with our sponsors, we may hold a competition to get something else that will be more lasting."

Keshi seeks Emenike replacement

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi is desperately seeking a replacement for injured Emmanuel Emenike ahead of a very busy summer schedule.

In spite of his recent decision to put his international career on hold, Victor Anichebe is one of the options Keshi is considering as a replacement for the injured Emmanuel Emenike, who has again been ruled out for a further six weeks following surgery last week.
He will miss two World Cup qualifying games and the subsequent 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup in Brazil.
Keshi has now pencilled down Everton's Anichebe alongside the striking duo of Michael Eneramo (Sivasspor, Turkey) and Joseph Akpala (Werder Bremen, Germany) as possible replacements for Emenike.
All three players have a similar burly physiological make-up and are capable of adding a lethal physical edge to the Super Eagles attack like Emenike did at the Nations Cup earlier in the year.
Nigeria's busy summer will start with a friendly match against Mexico on May 30, followed by play back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Namibia on June 5 and 12 respectively, before opening their Fifa Confederations Cup campaign against Tahiti on June 17.

Rangers drop to Confederation Cup

Enugu Rangers have dropped to the CAF Confederation Cup after their 3-1 loss in the CAF Champions League to Clube Recreativo Libolo

Enugu Rangers have dropped to the CAF Confederation Cup following their 3-1 loss in the CAF Champions League at the hands of Clube Recreativo Libolo of Angola on Saturday.

The Angolans ran riot in yesterday's game taking a two goal lead into the break after Camara and Dario had found the back of the net.
Rangers fought back in the second half with debutant Sunday Mba pulling a goal back for Rangers in the 56th minute. But hopes of a comeback by the Flying Antelopes were however dashed when Libolo were awarded a penalty which was converted by Dario in the 74th minute.
Rangers who have never made it to the group stage of the Champions League since the inception of the current format of the competition have now dropped to CAF's second-tier competition, the Confederations Cup, to keep the Nigerian flag flying high on the continent.
Rangers will know their opponents in the Confederation Cup when CAF hold the draws for the third-round of qualifiers on May 7.

Mourinho tells Iniesta: No Messi, no glory

Jose Mourinho believes Barcelona's humbling Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich is evidence of them being a diminished force without Lionel Messi.
The Real Madrid coach hit back at comments made by Andres Iniesta, in which the Spain international said he was surprised by Mourinho's treatment of Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

But the 50-year-old told reporters: "[Iniesta] can think what he likes, but I would say to him that without Messi his team is so different and that is why they did what they did in the semi-finals of the Champions League."

The former Chelsea and Inter boss took responsibility for his team's failure to meet their objectives this term.

"We want to finish the league in second place - but second place is not enough," said the two-time Champions League-winning coach.

"I haven’t been strong enough or persuasive enough as a coach to reach our objectives."

Mourinho was keen to add that his career at Madrid may not definitely be over, however, despite strong speculation linking him with a summer exit.

"If I think, and the boys think, that I can go on giving something more, I will continue [at the club]," he added.

Mourinho: Pepe has a problem

Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at Pepe in the wake of the defender's comments on the Real Madrid coach's treatment of Iker Casillas.


The centre-back claimed his coach should show Casillas more respect after los Blancos hard-fought 4-3 win over Valladolid at the weekend, but Mourinho has issued a riposte by suggesting that Pepe is simply trying to distract attention from his own struggle to secure first-team football.

"Pepe's comments? It is very easy to analyse what he says. Pepe has a problem and his name is Raphael Varane," the Madrid coach stated at a press conference.

"A 31-year-old has lost his place to a 19-year-old. It’s the law of life. But who had the courage to field Varane? I did."

Mourinho then went on to explain his decision to drop Casillas in favour of Diego Lopez, stressing that it has nothing to do with any personal animosity between the pair.

"Let's see if you understand it once and for all, I am a soccer coach," he continued.

"They hired me to be a soccer coach and a soccer coach has certain responsibilities, one of which is to pick the team.

"I don't do it by flipping a coin. I do it after discussion and lengthy analysis of my decisions.

"I like Diego Lopez more than Iker Casillas as a goalkeeper. This is not a personal decision, there is nothing bad between Iker and me.

"I like shot-stoppers who play well with their feet and who come off their line to collect crosses. Iker makes great saves between the posts, but I prefer a different type of goalkeeper."

Madrid are currently preparing for Wednesday's Liga match at home against Malaga.

AC Milan 1-0 Torino: Balotelli boosts Rossoneri's Champions League hopes

Mario Balotelli was AC Milan's saviour at San Siro he scoring in the closing stages of their Serie A match against Torino to earn his side a 1-0 victory.

Fiorentina's defeat to Roma on Saturday meant the Rossoneri had a chance to increase the gap between themselves and the Viola in fourth to four points, with just three rounds of league matches left to play.

 Balotelli's close-range strike in the 84th minute did just that as a lapse in concentration from Torino was punished by the former Manchester City striker.

It was a game of few clear cut chances, though Christian Abbiati and Jean-Francois Gillet did both make smart stops in the first half. The Milan shot-stopper also produced an instinctive save to keep out an effort from Paulo Barreto on the hour mark.

The Rossoneri welcomed a handful of figures back to their starting line-up for the match, as Abbiati returned in goal, and Kevin Constant, Cristian Zapata and Muntari filled gaps left by a spate of injuries to Massimiliano Allegri's squad.

The visitors created the first chance of the game, as Alessio Cerci raced into the penalty area and curled a left foot shot with his instep that was too close to Abbiati.

A decent spell from Milan followed that Cerci shot, and culminated in a couple of attempts on goal from Sulley Muntari and Balotelli. But on both occasions their efforts were kept out thanks to the alert goalkeeping of Gillet.

Torino had a glorious opportunity to go one up in the 16th minute after a missed interception from Zapata, only for Paulo Barreto to fire straight at Abbiati from 10 yards. The Brazilian was set up by a fine through ball from Migjen Basha, but his tame effort was gathered greedily by Milan's goalkeeper.

Balotelli has been in inspired form for Milan in recent months but he cut a frustrated figure in the first half as a number of flicks and passes failed to come off.

In fact his ineffectiveness even seemed to rub off on his strike partner Stephan El Shaarawy, with the Italy international guilty of some woeful touches and passes at the beginning of the second half.
It was unsurprising, therefore, to see the young forward hauled off by Allegri in the 55th minute and replaced by Giampaolo Pazzini.

As Milan resorted to long-range efforts at goal, Torino nearly took a surprise lead following a blistering counterattack. Cerci swung a cross to the latter from the right, but Barreto's half-volley from close range was saved acrobatically by Abbiati.

A driving run and shot from Robinho late on forced Gillet into making a decent stop at his near post, before Balotelli arrived at the right time to hammer home a winner minutes later.

The Italian attacker showed good composure to side-foot the ball past Gillet in the 84th minute, after a cross from the left was headed back across goal to him by Philippe Mexes.