It was confirmed this week that the 2014 Italian Supercup, normally the season’s curtain-raiser, will be played on December 23.
The Italian football federation said that no venue has been named so far but the decision was taken to allow Coppa Italia winners Napoli more time to prepare for their Champions League qualifying matches this summer.
There is also the possibility that the clash between Napoli and league champions Juventus will take place on foreign soil, during the winter break.
Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that the new Serie A season will kick off on August 31 and end on May 31, 2015.
Jardim appointed Monaco coach
Former Sporting Lisbon coach Leonardo Jardim took over as Monaco coach yesterday.
Jardim, 39, has signed a three-year contract with the principality club, International Foot website reported.
Jardim will replace Claudio Ranieri who left in May after two years in charge, despite leading Monaco to second place in Ligue 1 and a place in next season’s Champions League.
Jardim quit Sporting in May after leading them to second place in the Portuguese league.
New Greece coach named after WCup
Greece sought to end speculation over the successor to coach Fernando Santos by stating they will not name his successor until after the World Cup.
In a move clearly designed to prevent any distractions from the team’s campaign in Brazil, Greece’s football federation (EPO) made an official announcement following a string of media reports claiming that an agreement was close with Claudio Ranieri.
As well as the 62-year-old Ranieri, Dutchman Martin Jol, former coach of Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, has also been linked with the job.
Red Devils snub coach Meulensteen
Rene Meulensteen has been told by Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal that he will not be reinstalled on the club’s coaching staff next season.
Meulensteen was appointed first team coach in 2008 before leaving the club following the arrival of David Moyes.
The 50-year-old is available after being sacked by Fulham in February but fellow Dutchman Van Gaal has ruled out a return to the Red Devils.
“I would have been keen to go back,” Meulensteen said.
“I spent 12 years at what is a fantastic club and never left United because I fell out with anyone there. But Louis van Gaal has decided to bring in his own people.
“Have I spoken to Van Gaal? Yes, I know that is the case – it has been confirmed to me.”
Mourinho confirms Fabregas interest
Jose Mourinho has confirmed he is interested in bringing Cesc Fabregas to Chelsea with the midfielder seemingly on the brink of leaving Barcelona.
Arsenal have an option to buy back the Spaniard as part of the deal that took him to the Nou Camp in 2011 but currently appear unlikely to do so, leaving the door open for their London rivals to move for the 27-year-old.
Mourinho said: “We have some interest. I have interest in analysing the situation. I think it looks like he’s really interested in leaving Barcelona, and coming back to England.
“We are interested in monitoring the situation.”
Hyypia named new Brighton manager
Former Finland and Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia is returning to England after signing a three-year contract as manager of Championship team Brighton & Hove Albion.
“I am absolutely thrilled by this appointment. Brighton are an ambitious club and I am very pleased to have been given this opportunity,” Hyypia said.
“I’ve held extensive talks with chairman Tony Bloom and chief executive Paul Barber. I have looked at the club from top to bottom and I am very impressed by what I’ve seen at all levels.”
“I’ve seen the Amex Stadium and the club’s new training ground and they are among the best I’ve seen anywhere in the world,” added Hyypia.
Cellino to sell Cagliari to Giulini
Massimo Cellino will sell Cagliari to businessman Tommaso Giulini after 22 years at the helm of the Serie A club, the Leeds chairman announced.
The agriculture magnate said he had reached agreement with Giulini, the CEO of Sardinian chemical company Fluorsid and a former Inter board member.
Cellino also claimed that a proposed deal with an American investment fund had collapsed.
“I’ve reached an agreement with Giulini for the sale of Cagliari,” Cellino said.
“The Americans were stalling and wanted another 90 days’ worth of time. I’ve decided to sell to Giulini and the operation should be finalised very soon. I wish them every success. Now my heart is with Leeds.”