Football news

The first match from the group stage of the Champions League proved costly for Juventus as they lost three players ahead of their next Serie A match against Livorno.

Juve were held to a one-all draw by Bordeaux on Tuesday. As if dropping two points at home wasn't bad enough, coach Ciro Ferrara will now have to revolutionise the side following the withdrawals of Fabio Cannavaro, Felipe Melo and Tiago Mendes.

Cannavaro picked up a thigh strain that could keep him sidelined for around 20 days. Melo, so impressive following his move from Fiorentina, also ended the Bordeaux tie in pain after twisting his right ankle.

Tiago is suffering from muscle fatigue and is doubtful for Livorno.

Burley prepared for friendly fire

George Burley knows he will now be under as much pressure in friendlies as he has been in competitive games after avoiding the axe as Scotland boss. With the start of the Euro qualifiers a year away, he will be expected to carry the momentum gained in this month's matches into Scotland's forthcoming friendlies.

"I'll be under scrutiny every game, whether it's a friendly game or whatever," Burley said.

"The national job is even more scrutinised because you get fewer games and the whole of the country is watching you. That's something you've got to take on the chin; you've got to be strong."

Potters in police link-up

Stoke City have joined forces with Greater Manchester Police to take positive steps in fostering a better relationship between the club's supporters.

Chief executive Tony Scholes held discussions with police officials and members of the Football Supporters Federation ahead of their first visit to Greater Manchester this season, the game against Bolton tomorrow.

Stoke say they are encouraged the police have so far opted not to alter the kick-off times of their matches in the area this season.

Scholes added: "There was a strong commitment from both sides to move forward and not dwell on the past."

Inter want their own new stadium

With Italian clubs now convinced that the way forward in economic terms is to have a stadium of their own, champions Inter announced they intend to build a new home ground in future.

Reports in the media suggest that Inter already have plans in hand to copy Arsenal's 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium even though the city council might think differently.

"There is no dilemma in Milan," said Alan Rizzi, the sports chief for the local council.

"There will be just one stadium and it is San Siro.

"We are working with the clubs to reach a common path so we can revitalise San Siro. We are concentrated on a single objective and that is this existing stadium."

Italy job... not interested - Capello

Fabio Capello will remain as England manager for the rest of his career - and has no interest in coaching his native Italy.

The 63-year-old, who has helped England book their place in next year's World Cup finals in South Africa with a perfect qualifying record so far, has made it clear his current job will be his last.

He told The Sun: "I wear the England shirt. The England team will be the last football side I coach."

Asked whether he still has ambitions to manage Italy, Capello said: "No, it simply does not interest me."

Bougherra delighted with stunning goal

Madjid Bougherra hailed his goal against Stuttgart as the most important of his career, after rescuing a point for Rangers in their Champions League opener.

The defender has admitted the opportunity to play in the tournament was one of the reasons for remaining at Ibrox, despite reported interest from other clubs last season and over the summer.

He made the most of playing on the big stage for the first time last night with a superb strike to cancel out Pavel Pogrebnyak's opener.

Bougherra said: "I have been here for one year and I have always tried to score a goal like that, to run forward and put the ball in the net.

"It was beautiful to do it in the Champions League. We got a point because of my goal, so that is fantastic.

"This was a huge result that gives us a lot of confidence."

Inonu noise annoys goalkeeper Foster

Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has admitted the noise in the Inonu Stadium in Istanbul on Tuesday night was so loud he "could not hear himself think", let alone communicate with his defenders.

The Red Devils emerged 1-0 victors from their opening Champions League Group B clash but even though only 32,000 were present, at times the stadium seemed as though it had been engulfed in a wall of noise.

"It was deafening," said the 26-year-old.

"I have never played in an atmosphere like it. There was a point in the second half when the fans were chanting and I couldn't hear myself think.

"It is a bit of a frightening and disorientating experience. You cannot talk to your defenders and they cannot talk to each other."