Allofs: Wolfsburg have relieved director of sport Klaus Allofs of his duties following the 5-0 weekend defeat to Bayern Munich. Talks between Allofs and the club board resulted in his contract being terminated with immediate effect yesterday. “After in-depth analysis of recent weeks, we have decided to start afresh in his position in view of the difficult sporting situation,” said club chairman Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz.

Pisa: Striker Alberto Gilardino is being linked with a move from Empoli to Pisa next month. The 34-year-old joined Empoli from Palermo in summer but failed to command a regular place in the team. A loan move to Pisa would see him link up with former Milan team-mate Gennaro Gattuso, who is in charge of the Serie B club.

Finland: Markku Kanerva has replaced Hans Backe as coach of Finland’s national team. Kanerva, who has had two spells in caretaker charge of the country he represented 59 times as a player, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal to become their permanent coach. Finland have lost three of their four matches in World Cup Group I under Swede Backe.

Lega Pro: Group A – Cremonese vs Livorno 2-3. Group B – Albinoleffe vs Venezia 0-1.

La Liga: Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid 3-0.

League One: Bolton Wanderers vs Gillingham 4-0.