I UNDERSTAND that literally tens of letters have flooded into the Irish Examiner, expressing ineffable joy at the news that the paper’s soccer correspondent is alive and well and back on terra firma after Monday evening’s heart-stopping mid-air drama which one newspaper dubbed ‘Stan’s jet terror’.

LAZIO and Fiorentina have been reinstated to Serie A but Juventus remain in Serie B following their appeals against the sanctions imposed as a result of the match-fixing scandal.

THE four Italian clubs found guilty of match-fixing will have their appeals heard on Saturday.

The four Italian clubs found guilty of match-fixing will have their appeals heard on Saturday.

It was the turn of Lazio president Claudio Lotito to plead his innocence in the Italian match-fixing trial today.

Football is in chaos back home but Italy’s players will not be diverted from their quest for World Cup glory.

THE resignation yesterday of Real Madrid-bound coach Fabio Capello may well have marked the start of the exodus from crisis-hit Juventus.

Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool will know by July 27 at the latest whether Italian representation in next season’s Champions League will be severely diminished.

Fabio Capello today stepped down as coach of Juventus to seemingly pave the way for a switch to Real Madrid.

HARRY KEWELL has warned Florence does not represent a safe haven for Leeds’ UEFA Cup hopes.

Portugal striker Nuno Gomes could be on his way to the Premiership following the relegation of Fiorentina, according to his agent.

FORMER Italian champions Fiorentina have been refused a place in Serie B for next season and are facing bankruptcy.