Inter will appeal against Samuel Eto’o’s three-match ban. Eto’o was punished yesterday by the Disciplinary Commission for violent conduct during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Chievo.
The referee did not see the Cameroon international stick his head into the chest of Chievo centre-back Bostjan Cesar in the 38th minute, before going on to score a late consolation goal for Inter.
Inter president Massimo Moratti had hoped Eto’o would escape with a minimum punishment but the Lega Calcio showed no clemency when using video replays to examine the player’s actions.
Eto’o was also fined €30,000.
Ribery hits back at Van Gaal
Franck Ribery has hit back at criticism from his Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal, telling reporters that their relationship could be better.
The Frenchman made his comeback from an ankle injury recently in a specially-arranged friendly against Unterhaching, but the Dutch coach was not happy with his commitment.
“If the coach doesn’t speak well of me, it makes life tough,” he said.
“I give my best and am doing everything I can to be fit again, but I need his help and confidence. I need to communicate with him and to share a joke, otherwise things don’t work on the ground.
“I was very disappointed to see his comments in the press and I think it would have been better if he had spoken to me directly.”
Hefty suspension for Chevanton
Lecce striker Ernesto Chevanton was yesterday handed a five-match ban for his unruly behaviour during Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Sampdoria.
The Uruguayan was shown a straight red card for a bad tackle on Sampdoria defender Reto Ziegler.
Chevanton then threw his jersey at the referee before exchanging words with the fourth official.
The punishment means Lecce, who are battling to avoid the drop this season, will be without Chevanton until January.
Silva hails goalscorer Tevez
Manchester City’s David Silva feels Carlos Tevez deserves comparison with Spain and Barcelona striker David Villa.
Silva is uniquely positioned to assess the two men’s qualities, having starred alongside Villa for Valencia last term before heading to England and life with Tevez at Eastlands.
The 24-year-old accepts the two players are somewhat different in their approach but feels their impact is equally significant.
“Carlos is a great striker, one of the best I have ever played with,” said Silva.
“David Villa tends to go more to the wings and look for spaces behind the defence, whereas Carlos works in the centre and holds the ball in front for us so we can play.
“No doubt, they are both great goalscorers.”
Di Vaio on Lazio’s radar
Lazio are considering to bring back striker Marco di Vaio to the capital 14 years after he left the club where he started his career.
Lazio coach Edy Reja is keen to recruit a prolific goalscorer who can find the net 15 or 20 times a season.
The Biancocelesti have been linked with the likes of Hugo Almeida and Roque Santa Cruz, but Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Di Vaio’s name has also been mentioned in discussions between Reja and president Claudio Lotito.
Bologna’s financial problems could well pave the way for the 34-year-old to be sold during the January transfer window.
Mourinho expects more from Benzema
Jose Mourinho has vowed to continue pushing Karim Benzema hard in an attempt to get the best out of him.
The relationship between Mourinho and the 22-year-old has been a matter of intense scrutiny since the Portuguese arrived at the Bernabeu this summer from Inter.
Mourinho said: “Karim has to understand that he’s not playing by himself, that he has to be more of a team player and work really hard, especially in training. He’s doing just that and I’m pleased to see how his attitude has changed.
“He’s starting to get the level of involvement that he deserves. I expect a lot from him, I want him to be as good as, or better than, the player I first saw at Lyon. I know how gifted he is and that’s why I push him.”
Lomas linked with West Ham role
Former West Ham captain Steve Lomas is being considered to be appoined as a new coach to aid under-fire manager Avram Grant.
The Hammers board have earmarked Saturday’s home clash with Wigan as the most crucial game of the season, with a loss to the Latics unthinkable in the eyes of the club hierarchy.
An insider said: “Avram is highly thought of at West Ham, and the club are appreciative of how he is doing under difficult circumstances.
“They don’t want him to shoulder the blame for the problems. There is no indication as yet that they will sack him.
“But Steve Lomas is one of a number of people whose names have been put forward as a possible coaching addition.”
Lomas, who has been cutting his managerial teeth in non-league football, is under review to replace Grant’s no. 2, Zeljko Petrovic.