Sporting briefs

Friendly: The Republic of Ireland will play Serbia in a friendly in Belgrade on August 15. Serbia were the first opposition the Republic faced under Giovanni Trapattoni in May 2008. The Serbs will head to Dublin for a return game in March 2014.

Atromitos: Bosnian Serb Dusan Bajevic was yesterday appointed coach of Greek Super League side Atromitos on a two-year deal. Bajevic, 63, is considered one of the most successful coaches in the Greek league having a domestic record of 393 victories, 137 draws and 102 defeats. Atromitos finished fourth this past season under Giorgios Donis to secure a Europa League berth.

Luciano: Brazilian veteran Luciano has signed a new one-year contract to continue his playing career with Chievo next season. The 36-year-old forward has been with Chievo since 2000 barring a season spent on loan at Inter in 2003/04.

Ivory Coast: Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba were on target as Ivory Coast opened their World Cup Qualifying Group C campaign with a 2-0 win at home to Tanzania. Chelsea striker Kalou put the Ivorians ahead in the 18th minute and his former team-mate made the points safe 11 minutes from time after the visitors had Aggrey Morris sent off in the 70th minute.