If ever a performance encapsulated champions it was this one. Gritty, dogged, clinical - Chelsea are cantering towards the Premier League title at a similar pace to one of Antonio Conte’s frenetic touchline bursts.

Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho had to be separated as N'Golo Kante's strike sent Chelsea into the FA Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Anthony Martial impressed Jose Mourinho with the way he transferred improved training displays into a man-of-the-match performance as Manchester United comfortably overcame Watford.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri insists money cannot buy success, with the Foxes three points away from the Premier League title.

Graziano Pelle ended a four-month wait for a goal with a first-half brace as Southampton defeated Stoke to go up to seventh in the Barclays Premier League table.

Italian man who killed landlord and ate part of heart requires ongoing medical supervision, court told

The jury in the trial of an Italian man who admitted killing his landlord and eating his body parts in Castleknock last year have found him not guilty of murder by reason of insanity.

The evacuation of the Greek ferry that caught fire off Albania has been completed, officials say, and only the vessel’s captain and four Italian sailors remain on board to assist in the operation.

One more piece of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe jigsaw slotted into place on Wednesday when Frankie Dettori was confirmed as the rider of Ruler Of The World.

Jose Mourinho insists his relationship with Samuel Eto’o has been unaffected by footage showing him questioning the Chelsea striker’s age.

Ireland U21 manager Noel King has revealed he felt Giovanni Trapattoni was dismissive of James McCarthy when the midfielder’s international intentions came under scrutiny.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti played down the injury-enforced substitution of Cristiano Ronaldo during yesterday’s 5-0 win over Almeria, insisting it was only “a little problem”.

If Dublin win, Gavin’s spirit for adventure will be a cause for celebration.

Marcel Koller may view the Republic of Ireland as slight favourites ahead of tonight’s World Cup qualifier, but the Austria manager is ready to upset the odds and the standings in Group C.

Paul McGrath has hit out at Robbie Keane’s critics and says there should be no question of the Republic of Ireland skipper not starting next month’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Sweden.

Jockey Frankie Dettori has been cleared to return to action by France Galop.

James McCarthy hailed the effort of his Republic of Ireland team-mates after Giovanni Trapattoni’s men played out a 1-1 draw with England last night.

Sunderland 1 Stoke 1

Norwich manager Chris Hughton has hailed the consistency this season of Wes Hoolahan, the Republic of Ireland international whose strictly limited appearances in the green shirt have been the source of a lot of the recent criticism aimed at Giovanni Trapattoni.

PREMIER LEAGUE: Stoke v Man Utd

PREMIER LEAGUE: Man Utd v Man City

Controversial new Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio is ready to take his place in the spotlight when he makes his first Barclays Premier League appearance in the dugout in tomorrow’s match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

FA Cup 6th Round: Man City v Barnsley

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has responded to Alex Ferguson’s penalty jibe by branding Ashley Young a diver.

Leeds manager Neil Warnock believes Roberto Di Matteo should be “absolutely delighted” to have achieved the success he had at Stamford Bridge because the Italian was only “part-time anyhow”.

Roberto Di Matteo has admitted he thought he was being sacked, not promoted, when he was handed the reins at Chelsea last season.

Manchester City 2 Tottenham 1

Roberto Di Matteo refused to be drawn on Neil Warnock’s scathing attack on Chelsea’s handling of the Mark Clattenburg affair after seeing his side drawn against Leeds in the Capital One Cup quarter-finals.

Manchester City playmaker David Silva could be back in action next weekend after suffering a hamstring injury on international duty.

We love our ‘eras’ in football.

One former Chelsea legend met another in the Turner’s Cross boardroom last night as Bobby Tambling exchanged warm greetings with Gianfranco Zola.

Maria Sharapova marked her rise back to the summit of the women's game by beating Sara Errani 6-3 6-2 to clinch her first French Open title and complete her set of grand slam trophies.

The Italian Prime Minister has said that it is only a matter of time until Eurobonds are introduced.

Chelsea interim manager Roberto di Matteo has sprung to the defence of captain John Terry after questions were asked about the England defender’s form.

Roberto di Matteo used a little bit of ego massaging to restore Chelsea’s fortunes when he was asked to replace axed manager Andre Villas-Boas.

Chelsea were today sweating over a potential defensive injury crisis ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has told his side to treat every game in their title run-in like a Champions League final.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini tonight said he had “no problem” with Carlos Tevez and the striker could be considered for selection in “two or three weeks”.