Fabio Cannavaro has called on Italy to put their resources in developing younger players as the defender prepares for international retirement.Italy were knocked out of the World Cup after a 3-2 defeat by Slovakia meant they finished bottom of their group.With nine players in the team over 30, the 36-year-old defender said: We've got to invest in younger players. We've got to learn from this los
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has re-signed for former club Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year deal.The 33-year-old German, who missed the World Cup because of an injury picked up in the FA Cup final, was released by Chelsea at the end of last season.He reached the Champions League final with German side Leverkusen in 2002. With my transfer a circle is complete.I had a beautiful and successfu
David James says England are confident of beating Germany over 90 minutes in Sunday's second-round clash but admits he will do homework on penalty-takers.England have twice lost to Germany in shoot-outs at major tournaments - in the 1990 World Cup and at Euro 96. The intention is to win it in 90 minutes and I'm confident we will do what's needed, said goalkeeper James. If it goes to penalties th
Massimiliano Allegri has been named as the new coach of AC Milan.The former Cagliari boss has signed a two-year contract at the San Siro and replaces Leonardo, who parted company with the club after only one season.Allegri, 42, has long been recognised as the Rossoneri's first choice to take over the reins.But the Serie A giants were forced to wait to complete a deal while he negotiated the termi
Cardiff City have confirmed they have rejected a bid for Championship top-scorer Peter Whittingham.Championship rivals Burnley are thought to have offered £1.75m for the 25-goal left-winger but defeated play-off finalists Cardiff turned it down.Nottingham Forest are also interested in the 25-year-old who is in the final year of his Bluebirds deal.Burnley, relegated from the Premier League l
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert predicted a big future for football in his country after the team exited the World Cup with their heads held high.The All Whites drew 0-0 with Paraguay in their final game to finish third in Group F, one point above holders Italy. Everybody played well, they all contributed on the highest level, said Herbert. The future looks bright. It's our second time at the Wo
Japan coach Takeshi Okada set his side a target of a semi-final place after they beat Denmark to book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.The Asians put on an impressive display to beat the Danes 3-1 to seal second spot behind Netherlands in Group E.But Okada insisted Japan were not done yet, saying: We will enjoy this but we have not achieved our final end. We have to go for more, start
IRENE, South Africa - Italian football federation president Giancarlo Abetehas called for a serious analysis of the national sport following the defendingchampion's dismal first-round elimination from the World Cup.Italy's 3-2 loss to Slovakia on Thursday marked the first time the Azzurriexited the World Cup without winning a game, and the 2006 champion hasn't won atall in 2010.'We all know the