Football news

Catania coach Walter Zenga will be fined by the club after an extraordinary rant at a television interviewer following Sunday's 3-2 Serie A win over Torino.

The former Italy goalkeeper told the interviewer to watch "himself and his family" during the argument.

"Walter Zenga will be fined because his behaviour was not good for him or the club," Catania chief executive Pietro Lo Monaco told reporters.

Zenga was incensed when RAI's Enrico Varriale told the Catania coach that he was a great goalkeeper who made few mistakes but his comment was a mistake, much like the one he made against Argentina that cost Italy the 1990 World Cup.

United to move for Norwegian striker

Premier League champions Manchester United are expected to make an offer for Moa Abdellaoue, the 23-year-old Valerenga striker who made his debut for Norway this year against Ireland.

Earlier this month, Valerenga beat Stabaek 4-1 in the Norwegian Cup final and a host of scouts from English clubs were present to see Abdellaoue scoring a brace.

Now United have seemingly leapt to the front of the queue to land the player after inviting him to train with them, something which is possible given the domestic season in Norway has finished.

It is reported in Norway that Jim Solbakken, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's agent, has helped to broker the move.

Ibra and Mellberg out of Sweden squad

Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Juventus defender Olof Mellberg have pulled out of Sweden's friendly against the Netherlands in Amsterdam tomorrow, the Swedish FA said.

"Following wishes from Zlatan and Olof we've decided to give them a rest from the match against Holland," coach Lars Lagerback and assistant coach Roland Andersson said in a joint statement.

"Zlatan has played two matches per week during a long period of time. Olof also wants a rest after an intense schedule of matches and travelling recently. That's why we judge it as better for both them and the national team that they get a break."

On Saturday, Inter host Juventus in a titantic Serie A clash at the San Siro.

Parry not leaving Liverpool

Rick Parry will not be giving up his post as chief executive at Liverpool to take up a role with the English FA's 2018 World Cup bid team.

Reports linked Parry with the move away from Anfield but it seems that he has now decided to stay where he is despite being the top contender from a five-man shortlist for the job.

Parry's future at the club was in question after co-owner Tom Hicks called for his resignation in April. But Parry insisted then his main focus was on remaining loyal to Liverpool.

And it appears that remains the case, despite the FA's hopes of persuading him to leave Anfield and play a major role in the 2018 World Cup bid.

Fans throw shirt back at Moras

Bologna defender Vangelis Moras told reporters he was surprised when he threw his shirt into the stands and the fans threw it back following the 1-1 draw away to Siena on Sunday.

"I am very upset and disappointed. I had never seen anything like it," Moras said.

"It's a great shame, as the result was very important for us."

Moras went to salute the Bologna supporters and was rather startled when his jersey was chucked straight back at him.

Pier Giovanni Ricci, Bologna director, said: "I was stunned... there was no reason whatsoever to prompt that kind of gesture. I just hope Moras's shirt landed in the hands of the wrong person, someone who does not realise what it meant."

Barton sidelined for eight weeks

Newcastle United will have to do without Joey Barton for the next eight weeks after rupturing ligaments in his knee during Saturday's league match against Wigan which finished two-all.

Barton left the pitch midway through the first half after being hurt in a tackle on Lee Cattermole.

The Magpies midfielder left St James' Park on crutches and underwent scans on Sunday which revealed he had suffered a slight tear to his right medial ligament.

Barton absolved Cattermole of any blame.

"I am not blaming Lee in any way for this injury," he said. "It was a 50-50 ball and we both went for it, and these things happen.

"Obviously, it's disappointing and frustrating."

Golden Bench award for Mancini

Roberto Mancini, the coach who led Inter to successive league titles in the Serie A, is the winner of the 2007/08 Golden Bench award.

Mancini collected his prize at Coverciano during a ceremony also attended by Jose Mourinho, the man who replaced Mancini at the helm of Inter.

Beppe Iachini, formerly of Chievo, won the Silver Bench for leading the 'Flying Donkeys' to the Serie B title last season and current Cagliari coach Massimiliano Allegri won the prize for Serie C team following his success with Sassuolo.