Football news

Bids from France, Italy, Turkey and a joint proposal from Norway and Sweden to host Euro 2016 will be assessed by UEFA and a final decision will be taken in May 2010.

The bidders will have to submit dossiers by next February. UEFA officials will then visit the bidding countries to evaluate their plans.

Italy also made a bid for Euro 2012, which is to be hosted by Poland and Ukraine, while France will hope the presence of Michel Platini as UEFA president will work in their favour.

Scotland and Wales pulled out of making a joint bid to host the tournament because of the global economic crisis.

Donadoni says no link to Napoli

Roberto Donadoni, the former Italy national team coach, has denied reports in the Italian media that he will be the next coach of Napoli.

Napoli are in a freefall after an encouraging start to the season and speculation is rife that Edy Reja is on his way out after a series of negative results saw the team slipping into a mid-table position.

Donadoni, without a job since leaving the Azzurri post after Euro 2008 said: "Nothing has happened with Napoli. When a team is in trouble there are inevitably going to be names of successors mentioned.

"But, I prefer to keep out of this because Napoli need a calm atmosphere to find their way out of this."

Ronaldo wants to control anger

Cristiano Ronaldo accepts he is targeted by his opponents but he is trying to improve his behaviour on the pitch by keeping his temperament in check.

"I am a target of course, so it is difficult to avoid certain situations," the Man. United winger said.

"Sometimes it's not easy to control my anger and it is something I have to improve on. It is difficult on certain occasions because of the atmosphere in the stadium and the importance of the game.

"I'm still young but I have experience of big games and that helps. If someone kicks me, I get up and I go again. I am not afraid of being kicked, it is part of the game."

Novo eyeing Celtic cup clash

Nacho Novo is back in full training for Rangers and eyeing a place in the squad for Sunday's League Cup final against Celtic at Hampden Park.

The Spanish striker has recovered from an ankle injury that has kept him out of action for more than five weeks.

Novo lacks match practice though as he has only played two matches for the first team in the last three months.

"I feel good and I am working really hard as I try to get fit for this game," Novo said.

"I've been doing a lot with the physios and I'm hopeful of playing a part. It won't be a problem for me to play on Sunday. Adrenaline will help me if the manager chooses me."

Novo has a good record against Celtic, scoring six times in total.

Aston Villa's O'Neill not giving up

Manager Martin O'Neill reckons Aston Villa are still strong enough to maintain their challenge for a Champions League place despite a slump in form these past few weeks.

A run of just one point from their last three outings has seen Arsenal closing the gap to within three points in the standings.

O'Neill said: "The players are really enjoying the situation they are in. It is great and there is a tremendous excitement among the players about the run-in.

"The big four sides have been there on merit now for some considerable time. They generally know what it's all about. This season, we're making it frighteningly difficult for them."

Arsenal supporters 'at risk' in Rome

Arsenal have warned fans attending today's match against Roma that they may be "at risk" if they travel alone to the Stadio Olimpico.

The Londoners have printed a booklet warning the 3,400 away fans to avoid routes taken by Roma's hardline supporters.

"Do not take trains to the Piazza Flaminio or attempt to use the Ponte Duca D'Aosta," it states.

"Please stay away from the Campo Dei Fiori, where there has been a lot of trouble among fans."

Rome, host of this year's Champions League final, has been under the spotlight in the wake of several incidents in recent years, most notably when Manchester United fans were wounded in clashes with Roma fans in 2007.

Right-back Zuniga attracts interest

Juan Zuniga, the Siena right-back, is expected to be a prime target for top clubs in the next transfer window in summer.

Interest is reportedly coming from Milan, Palermo and Fiorentina, in Italy, and West Ham in the Premier League, as the Colombia international, with a price tag of £7m, said he would like to join a bigger club next season.

Zuniga, 23, signed for Siena last summer and he has become a regular starter, making 21 appearances so far this season.

"It's nice to see my name linked to such great clubs," Zuniga said.

"I am happy in Siena, but at the end of the season I will talk about a move."