Football news

The Italian Super Cup match, between Inter and Roma, will be played at the San Siro in Milan on August 21.

Originally, there were plans for the match to be played in China, hosts of the 2009 clash won by Lazio who beat Inter 2-1 in Beijing.

However, Inter have to be in Monaco for the European Super Cup against Atletico Madrid on August 27. They claimed that such a long intercontinental journey right before a big game would have a negative effect on their chances of European glory.

Ottl keen to make mark at Bayern

Bayern Munich midfielder Andreas Ottl has vowed to see out the remainder of his contract with the Bundesliga champions.

The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Bavarian rivals Nurnberg after failing to break into Van Gaal's team, but he has ruled out a similar loan spell or permanent move away from the club this summer. Instead, he wants to prove he is good enough to make the grade with Bayern.

"I can rule out a return to Nurnberg at the present time," he said.

"I still have one year on my contract in Munich and I want to make the breakthrough.

"That is my challenge as a footballer... therefore, I am ready to fight for my place."

Given wants Hart for England

Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has urged Fabio Capello to begin England's European Championship qualifying campaign with Joe Hart in goal.

England boss Capello failed to use Hart at the World Cup despite two impressive substitute appearances in the run-up to the tournament.

The 23-year-old, who spent a successful season on loan at Birmingham, will return to City's ranks to compete with Given to be Roberto Mancini's number one.

"Putting Joe in for the qualifiers would make sense," said Given.

"Joe is a top young goalkeeper. David James is 40 next month. By the time the next World Cup comes round he'll be 44 so the chances of him playing in it would be small."

Toni targets top prize at Genoa

Luca Toni, 33, is eyeing up the top-scorer's award as he aims to repay the faith shown in him by new club Genoa. This week, the veteran striker signed a two-year deal at Genoa, where he will receive four million euros a season.

And Toni has vowed to prove he is worth every penny.

"I am here because the president, the coach and all the staff really wanted me," he said.

"Now it's up to me to repay this faith."

Toni, who led the scoring charts in Germany in 2008, won the Capocannoniere award when he was at Fiorentina in 2006.

"My aim is to score goals and win the goal-scoring standings which I miss, but the squad always comes first," added Toni.

Nakamura ends international career

Shunsuke Nakamura has announced his retirement from international football following Japan's exit from the World Cup.

The Blue Samurai reached the last 16 for the first time outside their own country but were denied a place in the quarter-finals as they lost 5-3 on penalties to Paraguay following a goalless draw after 120 minutes.

Nakamura, 32, had to be content with a place on the bench in South Africa and the former Celtic midfielder has decided to call time on a Japan career that has spanned a decade.

''Yes, that's right,'' he said when asked to confirm reports that his international career was over.

Nakamura, who plays for Yokohama F-Marinos, made his Japan debut in 2000 and went on to earn 98 caps, scoring 24 goals.

Dzeko itching to leave Wolfsburg

Edin Dzeko has urged Wolfsburg to allow him to move to a "big club".

The Bosnia striker, the Bundesliga's top-scorer last season, has been linked with moves to Juventus, Milan and Manchester City.

It appeared earlier this summer the 24-year-old would be staying with the Wolves for at least another year after a deadline to meet a €40m release clause in his contract by June 1 passed.

But Dzeko is still keen on a transfer.

"I hope and think that Wolfsburg will let me go," Dzeko said in an interview with Kicker.

"Last year I wanted to move and was not allowed to go to Milan. The club told me, if a club which is good for me comes in this year then they will let me go."

Young Faraoni signs for Inter

Inter have announced Marco Davide Faraoni has signed a four-year contract at the San Siro.

The Nerazzurri reportedly beat the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United to snap up the highly-talented defender, who had come to the end of his contract at Lazio.

The 18-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal which ties him to the San Siro until 2014.

Faraoni had been at Lazio for nearly 10 years but had never made a first-team appearance and told reporters his decision to leave stems from the belief the club he supports is not focusing on youth.

He has been part of the Italy under-19 squad on several occasions.