Inter fret over defence

Italian champions Inter are struggling for central defenders ahead of Sunday's trip to AS Roma.

Nicolas Burdisso is doubtful after colliding with Chile's Mark Gonzalez in Argentina's 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat on Wednesday, while Marco Materazzi and Cristian Chivu are not fully fit.

Midfielder Patrick Vieira is also a major doubt with a calf strain.

* Stuttering Roma, who will be without suspended centre backs Christian Panucci and Philippe Mexes, hope Brazilian defender Juan has recovered fully from a muscle strain.

Forward Francesco Totti, still feeling his way back after knee surgery last term, should at least make the bench.

* Catania's chief executive Pietro Lo Monaco has been fined 15,000 euros ($20,200) and banned for 40 days for saying Inter coach Jose Mourinho should have "his teeth smashed in", the Italian soccer federation said in a statement.

Lo Monaco, whose side host Palermo in Sunday's Sicilian derby, quickly apologised last month and said the words were a local "turn of phrase".

* Juventus face a tricky trip to Napoli on Saturday and will be without injury victims Gianluigi Buffon, Mauro Camoranesi, David Trezeguet, Jonathan Zebina, Cristiano Zanetti, Olof Mellberg, Nicola Legrottaglie and Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Juve, who have not won in four games, also have Mohamed Sissoko suspended.

* AC Milan could welcome back forward Marco Borriello from a knock for Sunday's home game against winless Sampdoria, while injury-prone defender Alessandro Nesta may make the bench with Gianluca Zambrotta suspended.

* Striker Adrian Mutu is expected to sit out Fiorentina's home match with Reggina on Saturday with his elbow injury and other niggles continuing to trouble him.