Newcastle remain hopeful that skipper Alan Shearer will prove his fitness ahead of Sunday’s Barclays Premiership opener at Arsenal.

Newcastle’s preparations for the new Barclays Premiership season have been disrupted by the news that skipper Alan Shearer is a doubt for Sunday’s opener at Arsenal.

Newcastle are discussing a possible deal to bring Italy full-back Francesco Coco to St James’ Park from Internazionale.

Inter Milan coach Alberto Zaccheroni insists his team do not fear tomorrow’s Champions League opponents Arsenal.

Inter Milan coach Hector Cuper believes his side’s pre-season plans are back on track following a largely disappointing summer.

MICK MCCARTHY is not the only international manager facing waves of criticism. Calls for Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni to resign reached fever pitch after his side’s 2-1 defeat by Wales in a Euro 2004 qualifier on Wednesday.

South Korea's idol Ahn Jung-hwan scored the golden goal which defeated Italy and sent the co-hosts through to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

South Korea's idol Ahn Jung-hwan scored the golden goal which defeated Italy and sent the co-hosts through to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Christian Vieri stunned the vast home support by giving Italy a 1-0 half-time lead against South Korea in the second round of the World Cup.

Christian Vieri stunned the vast home support by giving Italy a 1-0 half-time lead against South Korea in the second round of the World Cup.

Giovanni Trapattoni has named Italy's 23-man World Cup squad, and as expected there is no place for Roberto Baggio.

Barcelona coach Carles Rexach believes their titanic Champions League clash with Real Madrid could go down in Spanish folklore.

Luis Enrique’s 58th-minute goal proved enough for Barcelona to top Group B and book their place in the last eight of the Champions League.

Barcelona 0 Liverpool 0

Barcelona 0 Liverpool 0