Sporting briefs

Worthington: Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington confirmed he will step down as manager after their final Euro 2012 qualifier in Italy today. Northern Ireland’s hopes of qualifying ended after Friday night’s 2-1 home defeat to Estonia in Belfast.

Mangia: Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini is pleased with how his team is progressing under coach Devis Mangia. Mangia replaced Stefano Pioli on the eve of the new campaign. Since then, Palermo have won three of their opening five league games. “I am very happy with Mangia’s selection. He has done a very good job so far,” Zamparini said.

Platini: Franz Beckenbauer tipped UEFA chief Michel Platini to succeed Sepp Blatter as the next president of FIFA. Beckenbauer hailed “the super work” being carried out by Platini as UEFA president where the Frenchman “makes a great effort and gets his ideas across”. “I think Platini will be the next FIFA president. Sepp Blatter will finish by no longer being a candidate because of his age,” said Beckenbauer.

Jankulovski: Czech defender Marek Jankulovski is returning to Czech side Banik Ostrava after leaving Milan in the summer. The 34-year-old, who left Banik 10 years ago to play for Napoli, Udinese and Milan, has recently recovered from knee surgery he underwent in April.

Klose: Lazio striker Miroslav Klose is doubtful for Sunday’s derby against Roma because of injury. Klose missed Germany’s 3-1 triumph at Turkey last week with a knee problem and is also set to sit out today’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Belgium. Klose sustained a blow to his left knee in Lazio’s win over Fiorentina before the international break.

Totti: Roma idol and captain Francesco Totti is a doubt for Sunday's derby against Lazio with an injured right thigh. Totti, worked out alone in the gym and in the swimming pool at Roma's Trigoria base, rather than training with the rest of his team-mates, and is set to undergo tests today. Argentine Erik Lamela is standing by to take his place.