Football news

Inter coach Roberto Mancini has again criticised his medical staff after striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was ruled out of last night's top-of-the-table clash with Roma with a knee injury.

"As usual the diagnosis is different to what he has actually done," he was quoted as saying.

Mancini was angry with doctors in November over the time it was taking for midfielder Patrick Vieira to recover from injury.

Everton apply for Intertoto

Everton, fourth in the Premier League and on course for a Champions League spot, have applied for a place in next season's Intertoto Cup.

"Clearly European qualification through our league position or via the UEFA Cup is our main priority," chief executive Keith Wyness told the club's website ( www.evertonfc.com ).

"However because of the deadline for Intertoto Cup applications, it would be remiss of us not to put our name forward."

Aston Villa, Blackburn and Manchester City have also applied for entry to the competition.

Beckham struggles

David Beckham is facing an uphill battle to win a coveted 100th England cap against France on March 26. England coach Fabio Capello did not pick Beckham, 32, for this month's win over Switzerland and he fears a lack of fitness could see him sidelined again.

"I've no match fitness," said Beckham, who plays for LA Galaxy in Korea on Saturday. "All I've done is training.

"I would love to reach the 100 caps, but I have to be physically ready to be part of the team."

Arbitration panel for Leeds case

Leeds United's battle to have their 15-point penalty overturned could rest with an arbitration panel. The Football League made the offer to Leeds on Tuesday.

United chairman Ken Bates told BBC Radio: "We now need to consult with our QC. We want this in open tribunal. We want the public and press to be able to hear the evidence from both sides."

Leeds were docked points for breaching the Football League's rules on insolvency.

Levante want De Biasi to stay

The Primera Liga's bottom club Levante have said they hope coach Giovanni De Biasi will continue in his post despite a reported approach from Serie A strugglers Parma.

"I suppose his interest in his future at the club came as a consequence of the offer from Parma," Levante spokesman Javier Navarro was quoted as saying after a meeting with the Italian.

"He wanted to know what we thought of him, and we tried to convince him that we want him even though the club is in a delicate situation."

Amauri to get Italian passport

Palermo striker Amauri is on course to receive an Italian passport in time to contend for a place in Roberto Donadoni's Euro 2008 squad.

The Brazilian has become one of Serie A's hottest properties and is in line for a summer move to a bigger club. Amauri has indicated that he is ready to play for Italy and is set to gain citizenship after spending over five years in the country.

"He will get an Italian passport by April 30," agent Mariano Grimaldi revealed. "Amauri will then be available for selection in the Azzurri side."

Neville on comeback trail

Manchester United defender Gary Neville played 60 minutes for the club's reserve team on Tuesday in his latest attempt to return from injury.

The 33-year-old right-back has not played first-team football for nearly a year and has been plagued by problems over the past 11 months.

Neville has made a number of comebacks only to suffer further setbacks.

United's second-string lost 2-0 to their Liverpool counterparts with goals from Xabi Alonso and Harry Kewell.

Grant skips coaching seminar

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has remained in England rather than travel to Israel for a coaching seminar as he seeks to upgrade his 'A' Licence to a UEFA Pro Licence.

The Israeli had been due to attend the classes run by the Israel Coaches Association (ICA) who warned Grant he would not be given any special treatment if he wants to qualify for the licence.

ICA chairman Amnon Raz said: "Avram Grant said he will catch up on the lessons he has missed but all the coaches know they have to come to 80 per cent of the classes in the programme."

Cambiasso hopeful

Inter midfielder Esteban Cambiasso is eyeing a Champions League comeback against Liverpool next month. Roberto Mancini's men need to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Liverpool after the upset at Anfield.

"I am sure that we can do it," Cambiasso said. "It will be difficult but we can get back from 2-0 down at San Siro - it's not impossible.

"I don't think that there is pressure on us. It's just the will to win the trophy, which is second only to the World Cup in prestige."

Inter entertain Liverpool on March 11, a week after Milan's San Siro battle with Arsenal.