Palermo have sacked coach Giuseppe Sannino in response to the team’s poor start to the new Serie A season, with Gian Piero Gasperini taking over.
The 55-year-old only joined the club in June on a two-year deal, but has led Palermo to one draw and two defeats so far in the league. Saturday’s 1-1 stalemate at home to Cagliari proved his final match in charge.
“We would like to thank him and his coaching staff for the commitment shown in recent months,” a club statement said.
Gasperini has been without a post since being sacked by Inter last September.
Team comes first for Milito
Diego Milito netted his 23rd goal of 2012 in Inter’s 2-0 win over Torino on Sunday night but the Argentine striker emphasised that the club always comes first.
“I always say that the most important thing is getting the three points,” Milito said.
“Then if I also happen to get on the scoresheet, so much the better. First and foremost, though, I’m happy about the win.
“I am grateful to the coach and the club as a whole, as they have always believed in me and they keep counting on me at the age of 33.”
Atletico’s Simeone accepts blame
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone accepted full responsibility for the three goals his team conceded after a flurry of second-half substitutions almost cost Los Rojiblancos victory against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday night.
The hosts looked to be coasting when they went 4-0 up at the Vicente Calderon. But Simeone then “rushed” into making three changes and was left to sweat at the end as three goals in the last eight minutes got Rayo close to an astonishing comeback.
“I think the team played a good game,” the Argentine said.
“I think they were doing pretty well. Then I rushed into the changes. The buck stops with me for all three goals we conceded.”
Hulk ‘upset’ by Zenit loss
Brazilian striker Hulk said he was upset his new side had lost 2-0 to Terek Grozny on his home debut.
“It’s a pity that we lost the match,” said Hulk, who came on as a second-half substitute.
“The fans’ support was tremendous and the atmosphere at the stadium was terrific. We should have won the encounter to show our gratitude to them.
“I’m really upset with the defeat.
“I came here with a great desire to work and I want to keep on playing in the Russian league and win titles here and help Zenit to advance in the Champions League as far as possible.”
Inter’s Sneijder denies rift talk
Wesley Sneijder has dismissed suggestions of a rift with Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni after reacting angrily to being taken off in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Torino.
Sneijder was withdrawn midway through the second half and made his displeasure known by walking straight down the tunnel rather than joining his team-mates on the bench.
The former Real Madrid man insisted yesterday he was merely disappointed at missing game-time. He said on Twitter: “Great victory yesterday!!
“Was a bit angry, because I want to play everything... Not because I have a problem with the coach. But I know there are many games to play... Preparing for Thursday.”
Armadillo unveiled as 2014 mascot
Spain had Naranjito the smiling orange in 1982, France Footix the football playing rooster in 1998, now Brazil have chosen an endangered armadillo as the mascot for the 2014 World Cup.
FIFA said the mascot, unveiled by former Brazil striker Ronaldo during a TV programme, represented the three-banded arma-dillo, an endangered species indigenous to Brazil.
“The mascot will play a key ambassadorial role in the next two years,” said Ronaldo.
“I’m sure he will inspire many young football fans in Brazil and all over the world with the great passion which he has for the sport and for his country.”
Scolari exit stuns players
World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had broken his promise to help Palmeiras fight relegation to the bitter end, according to midfielder Jorge Valdivia.
Palmeiras announced last week that Scolari, who coached Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, had parted ways with the club after a series of defeats left them mired in the Brazilian championship’s relegation zone.
“He asked to leave (and) it was a surprise to us,” Chilean Valdivia told reporters.
“He had told the squad that if we went down he would go down with us, but after the match with Vasco he informed (the club) he was quitting,” added Valdivia.