Sporting Briefs

Shevchenko: Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has again said the club want to re-sign Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko. Their need has become greater following Ronaldo's serious knee injury. "Shevchenko is a player who is ready to help and would be the ideal solution," Berlusconi said.

Ranieri: Juventus chief executive Jean Claude Blanc said Claudio Ranieri will stay as coach even if the team do not make the Champions League this season. "We have a medium-to-long term project with Claudio Ranieri and his staff, we go forward like this. We have faith in our current manager and there is no Lippi dossier," Blanc said amid reports Juve, who have not won in three, were thinking of approaching former boss Marcello Lippi.

Italy referees: Italian referees' association chief Cesare Gussoni believes moaning from clubs and fans about decisions has gone too far. "The situation is serious, we and our families are being threatened," he told Italian media. "We must say something now before it is too late. We must be able to make mistakes like players and coaches."

Clemente: Former Spain boss Javier Clemente is the new coach of struggling Real Murcia following the sacking of Lucas Alcaraz yesterday, the Primera Liga club said. Clemente, who was close to becoming the Iran national team coach last month, inherits a side second bottom in the Primera Liga, six points from safety, with five wins from 26 games.

Maldini: Paolo Maldini may reconsider his decision to retire at the end of the season, the Milan captain said yesterday. "I'm being pushed to play another year. Three months ago I was very unfit but now I am better," the 39-year-old defender told Sky television. "I like this sport, I like training."

Scottish Premier League: Gretna vs Dundee United 0-3.

Division Three: Mtarfa vs Fgura 1-5; Mdina vs Qrendi 0-2.

Division II/III KO: Semi-final draw - Balzan Youths vs Mgarr United; Rabat Ajax vs Melita. Ties to be played on Sunday, March 23.