Paolo Di Canio, who was fired by Sunderland this season, said rumours linking him with the post of Lazio coach were not true.
Vladimir Petkovic, currently in charge at the Serie A club, is leaving to take over as Switzerland’s manager at the end of this season.
Di Canio claimed that his poor relationship with Lazio chairman Claudio Lotito would stop him from moving to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
“Me, coaching Lazio? With Lotito there, never in my life,” said Di Canio.
“I don’t like him but that’s no secret,” added the 45-year-old, who left Lazio in 2006 after Lotito refused to extend the striker’s contract after he made fascist salutes during matches.
Goalkeeper Begovic injures finger
Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic could be out for up to six weeks with a broken finger. The Bosnian missed the 5-1 Boxing Day defeat to Newcastle after injuring himself in training on Christmas Day.
“Asmir has a bad break of his finger, he is possibly looking at five to six weeks out,” Stoke manager Mark Hughes said.
Begovic had played in all 17 league games this season, prior to the trip to Newcastle.
Thomas Sorensen replaced Begovic at St James’ Park, while England goalkeeper Jack Butland was on the bench after being recalled from his loan spell at Barnsley.
Sandro dismisses Serie A talk
After the departure of Andre Villas-Boas, there have been a number of rumours suggesting that Sandro’s time at Tottenham may be drawing to a close after keen interest from Serie A, but the player himself has moved to scotch the speculation.
“I have heard that Inter and Roma want me but I’m happy here at Spurs,” Sandro said.
“I have had no concrete contact with anyone and nor do I want any, although, of course, it is nice to be appreciated.
“For now, the real goal is a place in next season’s Champions League. I felt for Andre but everyone knows that in football it is results that matter.”
Millwall axe Lomas
Millwall have sacked manager Steve Lomas following the 4-0 defeat at Watford. The Lions’ third straight loss left them just three points above the red zone in the Championship.
Millwall chief executive officer Andy Ambler said: “We are very disappointed that it hasn’t worked out for Steve. He has been thoroughly professional in his ap-proach to the job.”
Millwall angered some of their fans when they controversially appointed Lomas, a former captain of rivals West Ham, over the summer. The ex-St Johnstone boss lasted just 22 matches, of which his side won five.
Torino may swoop for Juve’s Giovinco
Reports in the Italian media yesterday said Torino are ready to make an offer for Italy international Sebastian Giovinco who plays for city rivals Juventus.
According to Sky Italia, the Maroons are keen to sign the 26-year-old striker next month and it seems that Juventus are willing to part with their player but only on loan.
At present, Torino and Juve also co-own striker Ciro Immobile who dons the Toro shirt.
Giovinco, who played for Parma before returning to Juve last year, has struggled for form this season. He only scored two goals in 13 Serie A appearances.
Mignolet unfazed by costly error
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet will take his error against Manchester City in his stride and look to bounce back at the weekend.
The Belgium international has had a good start to his Anfield career, having joined in the summer, but his failure to deal with Alvaro Negredo’s shot ultimately led to City winning 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day.
“It is one of those things that happens, unfortunately, when you are a goalkeeper. Any goal you concede is a disappointment,” he said.
“I probably should have done better with it. I’ve been there in the past as a goalkeeper and you have to accept it and move forward to the next game.”
McCoist slams ‘disappointing’ Gers
Rangers manager Ally McCoist admits his side deserve all the criticism that comes their way following a 1-1 draw against Stranraer at Ibrox.
The Gers’ 100 per cent Scottish League One record was shattered after Jamie Longworth struck deep into injury time. And McCoist insists the display was simply not good enough from his own players.
He said: “It was a really disappointing day for us.
“Certainly I’m of the opinion that Stranraer more than de-served their point. I think my players would admit that we all deserve the criticism that will be placed on us.”
The draw also prevented Rangers from claiming their 21st win in a row this season.