Liverpool's new strike force of Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane can be the match of any in Europe, manager Rafael Benitez has said.

Benitez spent £19 million to sign Keane from Tottenham and pair him with Torres, scorer of Spain's winning goal at Euro 2008, and he has high hopes for their partnership.

"I think the two strikers are top class and on the same level as anyone," Benitez said.

"Both players are clever and it is clear that if they play together for a long time, it will be easier for them to develop an understanding. I think they will be okay and can show their quality."

Support for good behaviour campaign

Premier League captains have vowed to help improve footballers' behaviour as they prepare for another high-pressure season this weekend.

Skippers will be given more responsibility for their teams' discipline under a Premier League initiative launched on Tuesday, dubbed "Get on with the game" and mirroring a similar move last week by the Football Association.

Along with managers or coaches, captains will meet with the referee when handing in team sheets before a match and will liaise with the official during a game if a player's conduct is causing concern.

Capello talks up England's credentials

Euro 2008 absentees England can be as strong as tournament winners Spain and will qualify for the 2010 World Cup, coach Fabio Capello said.

"Technically the players are as good as Spain's but with a different style and mentality. We have to be very confident (in ourselves)," Capello said.

"We have a very good team... it's important to focus on ourselves. We can qualify for the World Cup, we will be in South Africa, I'm sure."

England have beaten Switzerland, US and Trinidad & Tobago and lost in France in friendlies since Capello took charge earlier this year.

They face another warm-up against the Czech Republic at Wembley next week before their first two World Cup qualifiers in Andorra and Croatia next month.

Berbatov close to joining United

Dimitar Berbatov is poised to complete his long-anticipated move to Manchester United, according to reports in English media yesterday.

Tottenham are reportedly prepared to part with their highly-rated striker after the European champions made a substantially-improved bid, believed to be in the region of £28 million, on Tuesday.

Most of the UK press suggested that the deal will be done by the end of the week.

Berbatov's arrival is likely to hasten Louis Saha's exit from Old Trafford while it leaves Spurs searching for a new striker after they sold Robbie Keane to Liverpool earlier in the summer.

Dismissal was 'unfair' - Donadoni

Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has hit out at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) over their decision to sack him after the Azzurri's quarter-final exit from Euro 2008.

"In that situation there was a great deal that was excessive," Donadoni told Sky Italia television.

"I don't know if everyone behaved absolutely fairly, but I do know I can look anyone in the face without problems."

Donadoni's sacking was in the air even before the tournament, as the FIGC wanted a clause in his contract ensuring a renewal would be null and void if Italy failed to reach the semi-finals.

"Perhaps things were rather rushed and, in all honesty, I expected something a little different in the way it was handled," continued Donadoni, who has been succeeded by Marcello Lippi. The latter led Italy to their World Cup success in 2006.

"At times I can be a little too upfront about things and the fact I never compromise probably didn't help my situation."

PSG keen on Anelka return

Paris Saint Germain chairman Charles Villeneuve is keen to bring Nicolas Anelka back to the club.

Villeneuve said the much-travelled Anelka, who started his career with Paris St Germain at the age of 17, is the sort of player needed by the French club.

"Yes I would like to see Nicolas Anelka back at PSG," he said.

"I will tell you openly he is the type of forward we need."

Villeneuve is currently trying to sign a new striker at the request of coach Paul Le Guen.

After failing to bring in Jimmy Briand from Rennes, the club are hoping to conclude a deal for Mateja Kezman, now at Fenerbahce.

Adriano hit by thigh injury

Adriano's hopes of extending his excellent pre-season form into the start of the Serie A may have suffered a blow after the Inter striker suffered a potentially serious thigh injury.

The Brazilian forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Sao Paulo, reported an acute pain in his thigh at the end of training yesterday.

The 26-year-old is waiting for tests from doctor Franco Combi to ascertain the extent of the strain, but there are fears it could be serious.