Adriano: Brazil have agreed to give Adriano time off from their Confederations Cup build-up to allow the striker to play in the first leg of the Italian Cup final for Inter against Roma. However, he will not be allowed to play in the return match on June 15, which is one day before the world champions face Greece in their opening Confederations game in Germany.

Figo: Former World and European Player of the Year Luis Figo has been given the green light to leave Real Madrid. Marca said the 32-year-old Portuguese international, who fell out with Real coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo after being consigned to the bench for the latter part of the season, had been given permission to negotiate with other clubs.

Troussier: Marseille will part company with coach Philippe Troussier after the Ligue 1 side missed out on a UEFA Cup spot, club sources said yesterday. Metz's Jean Fernandez has been tipped to take over from the former Japan coach.

Gerets: Turkey's Galatasaray have appointed Erik Gerets as coach following the resignation of Gheorghe Hagi. Belgian Gerets, 51, resigned as VfL Wolfsburg coach at the weekend, leaving the German club a year before his contract expired. He had previously coached Kaiserslautern.

Kaladze: Milan's Georgian left-back Kakha Kaladze is poised to join Chelsea, the player's father said yesterday. "After Saturday's qualifier against Albania in Tirana, Kakha will fly to London to sign a contract with Chelsea," Karlo Kaladze was quoted as saying. Kaladze's move to London has been rumoured for weeks.

Nigeria: Nigeria have dropped captain Jay-Jay Okocha and striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni from Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. Coach Christian Chukwu said both Okocha and Aiyegbeni had failed to turn up at Nigeria's camp in London by Tuesday's deadline.

Scotland: Keeper Rab Douglas is one of three Scotland players who will miss Saturday's World Cup Group Five qualifier against Moldova in Glasgow. Striker Stephen Crawford and forward Garry O'Connor will also miss the game, team officials said.