Football

Former Inter Milan head coach Gigi Simoni said he would never include unreliable AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli into his squad.

Ibrahimovic has dismissed talk of his nation's World Cup playoff with Portugal in Lisbon being just a contest between him and Ronaldo.

The 30-year-old Ribery is expected to be France's main weapon when they visit Ukraine.

Messi hurt his left leg in Barcelona's 4-1 victory at Real Betis on Sunday and medical exams showed he needs a recovery period of up to two months.

Tottenham, Fiorentina and Red Bull Salzburg made it four group wins out of four to qualify for the knockout phase with two games to spare.

Conte, who last season complained that his club did not have the financial resources to compete with Europe's elite, changed his tune after 2-2 draw at home to Real Madrid.

Negredo scored a hat-trick and Aguero added two goals to fire City into their first Champions League knockout phase with a 5-2 win over CSKA Moscow.

Chelsea won 3-0 at Schalke two weeks ago and are top of Group E by virtue of that win, with both teams on six points from three games.

The action was taken after the officials tried to take the national association to court in violation of FIFA rules.

City ripped apart Norwich 7-0 with seven different goalscorers to maintain their perfect home record this season.

The title credentials of leaders Arsenal and third-placed Liverpool will come under scrutiny when they meet in a heavyweight Premier League clash.

Atletico Madrid's Brazil-born forward Diego Costa has signed a letter underlining his intention to play for adopted country Spain.

Reduced to backup in the Spanish league, Casillas will be Real's starting goalkeeper in the Copa del Rey in addition to the Champions League.

Bradley scored late to help 10-man Roma beat Udinese 1-0 and set a Serie A record by winning their first nine matches of the season.

Fernando Torres capped off an impressive display for Chelsea by seizing on Manchester City's defensive blunder in the 90th minute to clinch a 2-1 win.

Javier Hernandez completed Manchester United's second-half comeback against Stoke, securing a 3-2 victory for the Premier League champions.