It seems there is little prospect of Vincenzo Montella staying at Fulham next season. The in-form Italian is spending the rest of the campaign on loan from Roma and has made an immediate impression at Craven Cottage.

But with Montella on a big-money contract at Roma, Fulham manager Chris Coleman concedes the chance of a permanent deal is remote.

"He has a long lucrative contract at Roma and we know he has got to go back at the end of the season," said Coleman.

"He is here because he wants to play football and sample living in London, and we are glad to have him. He has not been back to Italy yet since he arrived and he's going to an interpreter three times a week to learn English."

Buffon shines at Spezia

Gianluigi Buffon kept Juventus in the game during Saturday's 1-1 draw at newly promoted Spezia, coach Didier Deschamps said.

"On these small pitches against a very aggressive opponent, it's difficult to play our usual style of football, but we can improve. However, I think that without Buffon it would have been tough to get the point," Deschamps said.

Buffon made several crucial saves to keep his team in the hunt and, after Giuliano Giannichedda's dismissal, Pavel Nedved scored a stoppage-time equaliser at the Stadio Picco.

"It's not that we had a bad start. The state of the pitch certainly didn't help us. We definitely put more effort and belief into it when we went down to 10 men," the coach said.

Milan clubs eye Lampard

San Siro rivals Inter and Milan have shown an interest in Frank Lampard after learning the England midfielder can leave Chelsea for £8m next summer.

Lampard, 28, has yet to sign a new contract and could walk away under a little-known FIFA rule. Milan's general director Ariedo Braida said: "Is this true? Lampard for £8m? If this is the case it is very interesting news."

The newspaper also claimed Inter coach Roberto Mancini is keen on Lampard.

The FIFA rule states that players who have served three years of a contract they signed before the age of 28 can buy themselves out - as long as they give 15 days' notice. That has already alerted the likes of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid but the two big guns from Milan have now come into the equation.

Clichy wants long Arsenal career

Gael Clichy, the 21-year-old Arsenal wing-back, wants to see out his career at Arsenal. He is currently first choice following Ashley Cole's exit to Chelsea last summer.

Clichy is making the most of his chance in the side and is even crossing his fingers on a call-up to the French squad.

"My first objective is Arsenal and to make sure the boss doesn't want to buy any new left-backs," he told reporters. "Today I am the number one and I don't want to be the number two again.

"The French team would be a bonus, and if I get called I would be the happiest player in the world."

Zaccheroni laments poor play

Torino are in a crisis, coach Alberto Zaccheroni said after the side's fourth defeat in five games last Saturday.

"Losing on home turf is a big problem," he said after the 3-2 collapse against Udinese. "I was hoping to have a different game, as with three strikers I knew we would run a few risks, but I expected to be more dangerous up front."

Torino were trailing 3-0 before a late fightback.

"I have to confess, one point in five games really isn't much. We are putting the effort in, but the points aren't coming."

Ronaldo with a point to prove

Ronaldo insists he still has much more to give in top flight football. Ronaldo, who underwent a medical at Milanello on Friday, is expected to conclude his move to Milan this week after Real Madrid decided to let him move on.

The Brazilian is looking forward to making the move to Italy and he is determined to prove he still has what it takes to play at the highest level.

"To all those who say I'm a finished player with nothing left to give - I will prove you wrong," he said. "I want to make my debut in the Coppa Italia against Roma on Wednesday."

Beckenbauer will back England

Franz Beckenbauer would back a bid by England to host the 2018 World Cup. He was president of the organising committee when Germany staged the 2006 event and is now on FIFA's executive committee.

"I am 100% behind an English bid," he said. "England has everything - the best stadiums and the best crowds and infrastructure."

The FA confirmed in 2005 it would consider a bid. And the 2018 competition is almost certain to be held in Europe under FIFA's rotation system.

"The only country I see with an obvious chance is England," Beckenbauer added. ""Who else can bid from Europe? France has already staged it in 1998 and Italy do not have the infrastructure."

City block Upson's move

Birmingham City have been accused of not keeping their word by blocking Matthew Upson's potential move to West Ham. Upson's agent Barry Neville claims the defender was told he could leave after four years if the asking price was met.

"Matt is disappointed because what was offered is way past that," Neville said of the £6m West Ham bid that was rejected.

Upson turned down the offer of a new five-year contract last season and is determined to leave the club. He has 17 months remaining on his contract.