Giovinco: Juventus midfielder Sebastian Giovinco is facing a lengthy injury lay-off after tearing an ankle ligament on Saturday. The diminutive schemer was forced off the pitch towards the end of Juve’s 2-0 victory over Parma.

Pandiani: Villarreal have signed veteran striker Walter Pandiani to aid their bid for an immediate return to the Primera Division. Pandiani has already passed his medical and put pen to paper on a one-year contract. The 36-year-old has played for a host of teams during his career, including Deportivo, Mallorca, Espanyol and Osasuna.

Lazio: Lazio have completed the signing of defender Michael Ciani from Bordeaux. According to the Biancocelesti’s official website, the 28-year-old France international was presented at the club’s training ground yesterday. Ciani said: “I’m happy to join Lazio because it’s a big club. Nevertheless, I’m a little unhappy because Iloved the squad we had at Bordeaux.

Papadopoulos: Schalke sport-ing director Horst Heldt is determined to hang on to central defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos amid interest from Zenit SP. “They have made an offer and are being very persistent but we do not want to lose the player,” he said.

Brazil: Brazil will play home and away friendlies against Portugal in 2013 as part of a series of warm-up matches for the World Cup the country will host in 2014. The first friendly will be in Sao Paulo and the second in Portugal, with the dates yet to be fixed. The Brazil team will also play a friendly against England.

Zaliukas: Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas faces a race against time to be fit for Thursday’s Europa League play-off second leg at Liverpool. The defender picked up a thigh injury that flared up during the weekend goalless draw against Aberdeen.

Serie B: Cesena vs Sassuolo 0-3.

Primera Liga: Valladolid vs Levante 2-0. Played on Sunday – Valencia vs Deportivo 3-3.