Barcelona midfielder Xavi has claimed the European champions are the best team of the last 20 years and hailed Lionel Messi as the best player of all time.

FIORENTINA coach Cesare Prandelli has signed a four-year contract to take over as Italy boss when Marcello Lippi steps down after the World Cup.

GIOVANNI Trapattoni believes that the days when managers like himself and Alex Ferguson could rule by fear are long gone.

ITALY coach Marcello Lippi has told Azzurri fans not to be alarmed by his team’s unimpressive performances of late.

Former AC Milan boss Arrigo Sacchi has defended Italy coach Marcello Lippi’s decision to continue to leave Sampdoria forward Antonio Cassano out of his squad.

Real Madrid sporting director Arrigo Sacchi is “upset” by Owen’s departure and insisted the club were satisfied with his performances.

Real Madrid’s sporting director Arrigo Sacchi insists he wants Michael Owen to stay at the club despite mounting speculation over a return to the Premiership.

A SLIMLINE Diego Maradona arrived in Madrid yesterday saying he had put all his problems behind him and had come to Spain to catch up with old friends at Real Madrid.

Wanderley Luxemburgo was appointed as Real Madrid’s third coach of the season today – and immediately outlined his determination to turn around the club’s faltering season.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez last night confirmed the appointment of Arrigo Sacchi as club manager.

Real Madrid coach Mariano Garcia Remon would like Liverpool target Fernando Morientes to stay at the Bernabeu but admits he may not be able to satisfy the striker’s desire for first-team football.

Lance Armstrong's quest for a record fifth straight Tour De France title ran into an unexpected delay during today's 10th stage.

Italian Serie A side AC Parma have named Arrigo Sacchi as the team's new coach, according to Italian news reports.