Del Piero has Inter option

Antonio Caliendo, the seasoned Serie A agent, mentioned Inter as a possible destination for Alessandro Del Piero yesterday. The Juventus captain has been linked with a host of teams in recent weeks while he struggles to reach a compromise with his club...

"I've heard the rumours that Milan want him, especially as Carlo Ancelotti is a great fan of Del Piero which is an important factor," he noted. "However, I wouldn't exclude another solution - I'm talking about an interest from Inter."

Del Piero is asking £3.2m-a-season in his new contract talks.

Maldini on comeback trail

Paolo Maldini is very close to figure in his first Serie A match for Milan this season after playing an away friendly at Athletic Bilbao on Friday night which ended 0-0.

The 39-year-old played 45 minutes and responded with a performance that would have left under-pressure coach Carlo Ancelotti delighted.

The friendly also gave Ancelotti the chance to test out Brazilian teenager Alexandre Pato. However, the 18-year-old only lasted 45 minutes before he had to succumb to a slight muscle problem.

Casiraghi hails Azzurrini

Italy U-21 coach Gigi Casiraghi praised his players following the 2-0 victory over Croatia in Friday's Euro 2009 qualifier in Chieti. The Azzurrini went into the tie level on points with the Croats and Greece, but maintained their 100 per cent record with a vital victory.

"They all played really well, my youngsters had a great game," Casiraghi said. "Croatia are a very good side, but sometimes you just need to face these types of games with a little bit of character."

Hero of the evening was Cagliari's Robert Acquafresca. His goals ensured that Italy U-21 collected their fourth win out of four in Group 1.

Tevez finding feet at Man. Utd

Carlos Tevez said he was getting better acquainted with his team-mates at Old Trafford. The Argentine joined Man. United in the summer from West Ham where he took a long time to find his form. However, he has had no such problems adapting to life with the Red Devils.

"The main difference between United and West Ham is that the coach believes in me at my new club," Tevez said.

"I'm feeling physically stronger with every game. That makes me feel good. The most surprising thing about the squad is even though all the players are stars, they are all actually really humble.

"My English is also better now... I understand the boss perfectly."

Torres tears muscle

Fernando Torres could be absent for the derby against Everton this month after tearing a muscle while with Spain.

The 23-year-old pulled up in training ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifier versus Denmark and was immediately ruled out of action for eight to 10 days.

Liverpool travel to Goodison Park to face rivals Everton on October 20. The loss of Torres would be a big blow, with the Spaniard having already netted seven times in all competitions so far this season.

Carragher hard to convince

Steven Gerrard said he tried in vain to persuade Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher to play again for England. With John Terry sidelined, Carragher would have been a strong contender to fill his void.

But centre-back Carragher is now concentrating all his energies on his Premier League career.

Gerrard said: "Do I wish Jamie Carragher was still involved with England? I tried hard to keep him involved.

"But he has made his decision and we have to respect that."

Leeds to face Bury in JP Trophy

Leeds United have been drawn at home to Bury in the regional quarter-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. League Two Morecambe beat Port Vale to reach this stage and now face Hartlepool.

Dagenham's win over Leyton Orient has earned them a match at managerless Gillingham.

Trophy holders Doncaster's second round tie at Oldham was postponed until October 23 and the winners of that game will travel to Grimsby.

Lehmann hits back at Almunia

Jens Lehmann has hit out at Manuel Almunia's claims that he is a better goalkeeper than the Germany international. Lehmann, who has been struggling with injury, has not featured for Arsenal since August 19.

Almunia has deputised for Lehmann and has impressed in managing six clean sheets in nine games. Lehmann, 37, is still unimpressed.

He said: "It's the first time I have not been playing and that is due to an elbow injury and Almunia has now said he is the better keeper... I find those remarks disrespectful."

Rijkaard not joining Chelsea

Frank Rijkaard said the idea of him leaving Barcelona to team up with his former assistant Henk Ten Cate at Chelsea were pure speculation.

Rijkaard was linked with a move to London after his compatriot joined the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge last week. Israeli Avram Grant is currently in charge of the team.

"I have nothing to do with Ten Cate signing for Chelsea," Rijkaard said.

"I know nothing of this news. I am the coach of Barcelona and I am thinking about nothing else."