Sporting briefs

Del Piero: Forward Alessandro Del Piero will start and captain Italy against Romania in today's Euro 2008 Group C clash, coach Roberto Donadoni said yesterday evening. Del Piero impressed as a substitute for the world champions in Monday's 3-0 defeat by Netherlands in their first group game. Defender Giorgio Chiellini will also come into the side against the Romanians.

Bologna: An American company has signed an agreement to take over Bologna and make the promoted side Serie A's only foreign-owned club. A statement on the seven-times Italian champions' website ( www.bolognafc.it ) yesterday said that TAG Partners LLC will acquire 100 per cent of the club, valued at €18 million ($27.77 million).

Palermo: Palermo have sold Italy centre-back Andrea Barzagli and former Azzurri full back Cristian Zaccardo to German side VfL Wolfsburg, the Serie A club said. A statement on Palermo's website said the two clubs will play a friendly in Wolfsburg on August 12 as part of the deal, but gave no financial details.

Lyon: Claude Puel has accepted an offer to become manager of French champions Olympique Lyon. Puel told Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas he agreed to leave Ligue 1 rivals Lille and sign a four-year contract with Lyon. Puel would replace Alain Perrin, who guided Lyon to their first domestic League and Cup double last season.

Alexandersson: Sweden utility player Niclas Alexandersson will miss his team's Euro 2008 match against Spain tomorrow and is doubtful for the last Group D game against Russia, he said. "I have an injury in my calf so I will not play against Spain," he told Reuters.

Copa Brasil: Sport Recife won the Copa Brasil on away goals on Wednesday after a 2-0 win over Corinthians produced a 3-3 draw over the two legs. Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Sport turned the tie around with two quick goals in the first half. Corinthians had two players sent off, including a substitute who was dismissed after a minute on the pitch.

Serie B: Promotion play-off, first leg - AlbinoLeffe vs Lecce 0-1 (second leg on Sunday).