Football news

Former Italy striker Vincenzo Montella has joined Fulham on loan from Roma until the end of the season, the two clubs said yesterday.

The 32-year-old, a key player in the championship-winning side of 2000-01, scored 83 goals in 180 games for Roma and three goals in 19 appearances for the Azzurri.

Famous in Italy for his arms-outstretched 'aeroplane' goal celebration, a recurring shoulder injury has kept Montella out of action for long periods in the past year.

Even when fit, the preference of Roma coach Luciano Spalletti for a lone striker has often left him on the bench.

The Italian told Fulham's website: "It has been an ambition of mine to play in England at some point in my career and I am happy to be given the opportunity. For me, I just want to play football and score goals, so I am looking forward to being able to do that with Fulham as soon as possible."

Ribery happy at Marseille

Marseille midfielder Franck Ribery has admitted he is attracted by a move to England or Spain but it will not be easy to lure him away from France.

The French international is reportedly attracting interest from Premiership clubs Manchester United and Arsenal as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid.

But a move abroad will not be easy with the 23-year-old revealing he is happy with life in Marseille.

"I love English and Spanish football," Ribery told But magazine. "But it will be very hard for me to leave Marseille."

Muntari set to leave Udinese

Ghanaian midfielder Sulley Muntari could be leaving Udinese this month, club president Giampaolo Pozzo said.

English Premier League sides Middlesbrough and Portsmouth have been linked with a move for Muntari and Udinese now appear to be ready to part ways with the player.

Muntari's recent disciplinary problems have disappointed Pozzo and a transfer scramble looks set to ensue following his impressive displays at the World Cup finals as Ghana reached the second round.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp attempted to bring the 22-year-old to Fratton Park in August before being put off by an £11million price tag. However, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough are both reported to have tabled official bids in the New Year.

Recoba sidelined by calf injury

Inter striker Alvaro Recoba (right) will be out of action for around three weeks after injuring a calf muscle, the Serie A club said yesterday.

The Uruguayan international, whose appearances this season have been mostly as substitute, limped off during a 2-1 win over Atalanta on December 23.

He is expected to miss Serie A matches against Torino and Fiorentina, as well as the first leg of Inter's Italian Cup quarter-final against Empoli before returning to the team for Inter's away match against Sampdoria on January 28.

Ex-Juve defender Salvadore dies

Sandro Salvadore, a Juventus and Italy defender in the 1960s and 70s, has died, the club announced yesterday. He was 67.

"He was a champion with a lot of class," Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli said. "He was a real force, very tied to the bianconeri colours. His death pains us profoundly and we are close to his family. We will miss captain Billy."

Salvadore joined Juventus in 1962 from Milan and led the Turin club's defence for 12 seasons.

He won five Italian league titles - two with Milan and three with Juventus - and one Italian Cup with Juventus. Salvadore appeared 36 times for Italy and was a member of the Azzurri side that won the 1968 European Championship.

Amauri needs knee surgery

Palermo striker Amauri will need to undergo surgery on his knee after seeing a specialist.

The Brazilian limped out of the last match of 2006 after a collision with Siena goalkeeper Alex Manninger, having sprained his right knee and causing a partial rupture of the ligament.

Amauri travelled to Rome for an examination by the same orthopaedic specialist who contributed to Francesco Totti's amazing recovery after he fractured his ankle. The outcome of the medical check-up was that Amauri needs to have an operation on his injured knee.

The news might influence the club's plans for the market as Palermo have reportedly targeted Siena's Erjon Bogdani to strengthen their forward line.

Milan linked with Di Vaio

Milan are pondering a move for Monaco striker Marco Di Vaio, according to reports in Italian media.

The 30-year-old had been touted as a target for the San Siro outfit a year ago as he is admired by coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, negotiations failed because he was not eligible to play in the Champions League.

Di Vaio is currently contracted to the French club until 2008 but has reached an agreement which would allow him to leave as early as this month on a free transfer, allowing Monaco to cut his £2.4m salary from the wage bill.

The player's agent, Franco Zavaglia, however, has played down speculation that Di Vaio was close to leaving the Ligue 1 side, where he signed a two-year contract in the summer. "I think an immediate transfer is very difficult, despite the player's will," said Zavaglia. "Di Vaio has an agreement with Monaco and would prefer to end the season with them."