With France's interest in European competition ended, the country's attention turns to the Coupe de France quarter-finals which kick-off on Tuesday, with Ligue 1 bottom side ES Troyes AC hosting AS Nancy-Lorraine, and AS Saint-Étienne entertaining FC Lorient. The remaining half of the programme takes place the day after, with FC Girondins de Bordeaux travelling to the last remaining Ligue 2 side, RC Lens, while Paris Saint-Germain FC will be hoping to keep their dreams of a domestic double alive at Évian Thonon Gaillard FC.

That is not the only cup action in France this week, as on Saturday a UEFA Europa League berth is up for grabs as Stade Rennais FC take on St-Étienne in the French League Cup final. Rennes coach Frédéric Antonetti declares the competition "holds a special spot in [my] heart", with the current tenth-placed team are seeking a first major trophy since 1971. Les Verts themselves are looking to end a 32-year wait for significant silverware and will be full of confidence as they are in the midst of an excellent campaign.

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BSC Young Boys have parted company with coach Martin Rueda (pictured). The 50-year old took over following Christian Gross's departure last summer, but his side have not lived up to expectations: YB are currently sixth and in danger of missing out on their goal of a European place. We have always stressed how much we value Martin Rueda and his work," said club president Werner Müller. "But the lack of success and the position in the table forced us to act." Reserve team boss Joël Magnin will act as caretaker while the club look to bring in a new coach for the last ten games of the season.

Elsewhere in Switzerland, FC Luzern have found a successor for coach Ryszard Komornicki in Carlos Bernegger, who has agreed a contract until summer 2015 at the second-from-bottom club. The 44-year old last coached the reserves at FC Basel 1893. Komornicki was let go on 2 April, having taken 19 points from 19 matches.

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FC Internazionale Milano are likely to be without forward Rodrigo Palacio for around 20 days after the Argentinian international picked up a muscular injury during the 2-0 win at UC Sampdoria on Wednesday. The 31-year-old scored both Inter's goals in the rearranged Serie A game, but then underwent scans which revealed a problem to the back of his left thigh. The prognosis remains unclear, but Palacio should be sidelined for three weeks, further depleting Inter’s attacking options as Diego Milito is already out for season with a knee injury.

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FC Sheriff Tiraspol have sacked coach Mihai Stoichiță after a series of unconvincing results in Moldova league. The vacancy has quickly been filled by Vitali Rashkevich who first took the helm of the first team in 2011-12 and has lately been working with Sheriff's reserve side. The Tiraspol outfit are topping the league table with 12 point cushion from  FC Dacia Chisinau.

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Anorthosis Famagusta FC have parted company with coach Roni Levy after the Cypriot title chasers suffered a 2-0 home defeat by APOEL FC on Sunday to fall six points off the pace. An announcement on the club's website on Monday confirmed the 46-year-old former Maccabi Haifa FC and FC Steaua Bucureşti boss's exit with six games to go in the end-of-season play-offs.

Anorthosis appeared to be on track for their first major trophy since 2008, but since a shock 2-1 reverse at Nea Salamis Famagusta FC on 10 February they have picked up only six points from a possible 18. Levy's charges were also dumped out of the Cypriot Cup after a heavy 6-0 aggregate loss to AC Omonia.

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France coach Didier Deschamps said there was no shame in losing to Spain after Les Bleus slipped to a first Group I defeat and surrendered top spot in the section. "We had our chances in that game against the best team in the world and we shouldn’t be ashamed to have lost but things could have panned out differently even," he said. "Even with ten men on the pitch, we kept threatenting an equaliser and were a match for them."

Franck Ribéry was one of France's stand-out performers and could not hide his disappointment after defeat in Paris. "I have many regrets tonight, we just missed that vital goal," he said. "It is a pity because we produced a good game as a team. I had a clear chance in the first half. We tried hard and we'll keep trying to go to qualify for Brazil next year."

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Despite winning 2-0 in Malta and sitting top of FIFA World Cup qualifying Group B, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli wants more from his players. "We have to react better in these circumstances," said Prandelli after watching Mario Balotelli score both goal in Ta' Qal. "Mario has got to find stability and have the desire to keep scoring goals and never tire out in order to stay on top form."

"Every match is fundamental and we cannot risk losing any points as this would ruin all the hard work we have done so far.  We want to get mathematical qualification as early as possible."

Malta coach Pietro Ghedin spoke of his disappointment after losing back-to-back games against Bulgaria and Italy. "In Bulgaria my team were not balanced and of course the wintry conditions did not help.  Today, we were much more motivated but Italy were still strong enough to see them through."

Ghedin also backed Michael Mifsud to overcome his penalty miss. "When you face a goalkeeper such as [Gianluigi] Buffon in goal the goalposts seem so small," he added. "I thank all my players and the stupendous support today and we will continue to move forward with our work."

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"I don't think we can ever play any poorer than we did against Bulgaria," said Malta coach Pietro Ghedin, whose team are still reeling from Friday's chastening 6-0 defeat by Bulgaria. Tonight's visit of Group B leaders Italymeans there is no respite for Malta with a record crowd expected inside the Ta’ Qali National Stadium. "We arrive back in Malta with the intention of setting the record straight and improving upon the few things we did well in Sofia," added Pietro.

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Bologna FC have rewarded coach Stefano Pioli for a positive spell since replacing Pierpaolo Bisoli as coach in October 2011, with the 47-year-old signing a two-year extension to his contract, binding him to the cluib until June 2015. The former Parma FC, AC Chievo Verona and US Città di Palermo coach led the Felsinei to ninth place in Serie A last term, and Bologna are currently 12th, nine points clear of the relegation zone.

"I feel happy here - I have never felt like that before, even when I was a player," Pioli said. "I am only thinking about the league. I want the players to do the best they can this season then start working towards the next one."

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Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has called up midfielder Alessandro Florenzi from the country's Under-21 squad ahead of the Azzurri's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Malta on Tuesday. The 22-year-old has been selected as a replacement for AS Roma club-mate Daniele De Rossi, who is suspended, and joins the senior side having featured for the U21s in Friday's 2-0 friendly win against Russia. Italy lead qualifying Group B by one point ahead of Bulgaria, who have played one game more.

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Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has been ruled out of his team's FIFA World Cup qualifier at home against Austria on Tuesday. The Los Angeles Galaxy forward helped Ireland earn a 0-0 draw away to Sweden on Friday, but has been forced to withdraw from the squad due to a calf strain as Giovanni Trapattoni's men look to improve their position in qualifying Group C.

Currently fourth, level on points with Austria, Ireland have called up Wolverhampton Wanderers FC striker Kevin Doyle as Keane's replacement. "The manager has spoken to Kevin, and he will link up with the squad in time for training in Malahide tomorrow morning," read a statement from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

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Germany coach Joachim Löw has reacted to a raft of suspensions and injuries in his squad by calling up a pair of replacements for Tuesday's FIFA World Cup qualifier at home against Kazakhstan. With midfielder Julian Draxler the latest player to pull out due to concussion, Marcell Jansen and Patrick Herrmann have been called up for action by the Group C leaders. Hamburger SV defender Jansen (pictured) has been capped 36 times by Germany, while uncapped VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach forward Herrmann – on Under-21 duty against Israel today – will travel to Nuremberg on Monday.

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France midfielder Yohan Cabaye is savouring what will be "an important game" when Spain visit the FIFA World Cup qualifying Group I leaders at the Stade de France on Tuesday. "We know that a draw will be enough for us to stay top, two points clear," said the Newcastle United FC player, an unused substitute as Les Bleus went top by beating Georgia 3-1 on Friday. "They'll be coming here to win. Either way, nothing will be decided, as we'll still have difficult matches to come."

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Germany will be without Mario Gomez for Friday night's FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan. The FC Bayern München striker has pulled a muscle in his right thigh and will be on the sidelines for two days. Joachim Löw had already hinted at playing a 4-6-0-formation – with no natural striker – even before the Gomez injury. Mario Götze now looks likely to play furthest forward. Kazakhstan visit Nuremberg on Tuesday.

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Paris Saint-Germain FC defender Mamadou Sakho spoke to media inquisitors about France's upcoming fixtures, Friday's FIFA World Cup qualifier with Georgia and the game with Spain four days later.

We were given a DVD of Georgia's recent meeting with Spain. We know they are a very defensive team and we are not expecting an easy ride. We will have to be patient and remain focused, and even more so against Spain. You can't afford to switch off against some of the best players in the world. Playing for your country is a completely different experience to representing your club. Wearing the blue shirt comes with all sorts of expectations.

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Olympique de Marseille forward Mathieu Valbuena talked about his growing role in France's squad at Clairefontaine today.

I want to score more. I have proved I can play the killer ball, but I want to find the net more often. I would love to score as often as I set them up. Of course it was disappointing not to play a single minute at the EUROs, but I feel I have worked hard since and now the coach trusts me with a more central position. I think I have been doing well there, I have been in the squad for long enough and I feel at ease here. I can make an impact as soon as I am asked to play.

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The Netherlands training on Wednesday morning ...

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Defender Giorgio Chiellini has withdrawn from Italy's squad with an ankle injury suffered in Saturday's 2-0 win at Bologna FC.

"His condition has improved in the past few days, but not enough to make him ready to play against Brazil or Malta," explained Azzurri team doctor Enrico Castellacci. "We opted to release him so he can recover with his club in Turin." Italy face Brazil in a friendly on Thursday before their FIFA World Cup meeting with Malta next Tuesday.

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Blaise Matuidi has been attracting the praise of coaches of club and country as he prepares for France's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Spain. "He is playing at a high standard," said France boss Didier Deschamps. "I am not worried about his ability to perform." Paris Saint-Germain FC trainer Carlo Ancelotti added: "He is one of the best defending midfielder in Europe."

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Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has called Aston Villa FC midfielder Barry Bannan into the squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Wales on Friday and Serbia on 26 March. The 23-year-old replaces West Bromwich Albion FC's James Morrison who has withdrawn with a hamstring injury. Strachan's charges currently sit bottom of Group A with two points from their opening four games.

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England international midfielder Frank Lampard is keen for his side to avoid a potential banana skin in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group H against San Marino before their trip to section leaders Montenegro.

"These are the moments when you need a strong squad," said Lampard, who has 94 caps to his name and is still enjoying international football at the age of 34. "We're very fortunate to have young players and it's time for them to step up. San Marino is a game to be professional and disciplined and to go about our job in the right way. We have to respect the smaller countries.

"The games are of huge importance. We're aware how tough Montenegro will be after last year [when they went unbeaten in all four group games]. I just want to earn more caps, it's nice to come away with England. I appreciate it more than ever now."

With Real Madrid CF goalkeeper Iker Casillas still recovering from a broken thumb, Manchester United FC's David de Gea has been promoted from the Under-21 squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifying Group I fixtures against Finland on Friday and France four days later. De Gea said: "It's a pity that Iker can't be here, he's an idol for everyone; he's our captain."

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Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, called into France's senior squad for the first time for Tuesday's crucial encounter with Spain, is not worried by comparisons drawn with former Les Bleus captain Patrick Vieira. "It's right that I'm rather tall, as he is," the 20-year-old said. "I also run in the same style he does. He is a role model, his name's a path to follow. But Vieira will stay Vieira. I want to be Pogba. I take Viaira as an example to become Pogba."

"[To be back at Clairefontaine] reminds me of my first caps with the U16 team. A new era begins. I'm satisfied but it's just the beginning."

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England's defensive problems have mounted with Gary Cahill pulling out of the squad to face San Marino on Friday, following from Rio Ferdinand's withdrawal yesterday. A Football Association (FA) statement reads: "Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifier with San Marino on Friday evening. Cahill was assessed by England medical staff on Monday and will not be able to take part in the match, but will be reassessed later in the week with a view to the qualifier against Montenegro on Tuesday. Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor will join the squad in place of Cahill."

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BREAKING: Michael Owen has announced that he will retire at the end of the season. The former England, Liverpool FC, Real Madrid CF, Newcastle United FC and Manchester United FC striker has been playing at Stoke City FC but has not featured regularly. More to follow on UEFA.com...

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Germany Under-21 goalkeeper Kevin Trapp has suffered a broken finger in training for Sunday's friendly in Israel and is expected to be out for several weeks, a blow to Eintracht Frankfurt in their bid for a UEFA Champions League place. Frankfurt coach Armin Veh could now call upon former number one, 38-year-old Oka Nikolov.

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Armenia coach Vardan Minasyan has been shorn of five first-team regulars for their 2014 FIFA World Cup home qualifier against Czech Republic on 26 March. Defender Hrayr Mkoyan and midfielders Artur Edigaryan and Karlen Mkrtchyan are suspended, while injuries have ruled out playmaker Aras Özbiliz and defender Levon Hayrapetyan. FC Gandzasar left-back Artur Avagyan, 25, received his first call-up while 20-year-old FC Sheriff defender Artyom Khachaturov is poised for his first competitive appearance. Armenia have collected three points in as many games in Group B and lie fourth.

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Portugal coach Paulo Bento has called Málaga CF left-back Antunes into the squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifying Group F games against Israel on Friday and Azerbaijan four days later. The 25-year-old, who joined the Spanish side on loan from FC Paços de Ferreira in the winter transfer window, already has three caps to his name and has been rewarded for his impressive form this term. The ex-AS Roma defender was a member of the Málaga side who eliminated FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. During that fixture João Moutinho sustained a thigh injury which makes him a doubt for the upcoming fixtures, while Sevilla FC goalkeeper Beto missed training with the flu.

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Due to a hamstring injury sustained this weekend during Newcastle United FC's loss to Wigan Athletic FC, Mathieu Debuchy has withdrawn from the France squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Spain on 22 and 26 March respectively. Olympique de Marseille's Rod Fanni (pictured) has been named as his replacement.

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S.S. Lazio forward Libor Kozák, the current UEFA Europa League top scorer, has been added to the Czech Republic squad to face Denmark and Armenia. He scored his first hat-trick for Lazio against VfB Stuttgart in the round of 16. "He is in a great shape, so I believe that he is going to bring his scoring potential to the national team," Czech coach Michal Bílek said.

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Midfielders Lars Bender, Sven Bender and Toni Kroos have withdrawn from Germany's FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan on 22 and 26 March. Lars Bender is suffering from an infection of his heel, while his twin brother Sven is ill and Kross has a knee problem. No decision has been made about any replacements.

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Cesare Prandelli has confirmed Italy's 27-man squad for Thursday's friendly against Brazil and the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier versus Malta next Tuesday. Torino FC winger Alessio Cerci has earned a maiden call-up, while Genoa CFC left-back Luca Antonelli returns for the first time since 2010. Paris Saint-Germain FC midfielder Marco Verratti has been ruled out through injury, while AS Roma's Pablo Osvaldo and Daniele De Rossi have recieived international recognition depite being suspended for the Malta game. Italy are currently top of Group H with ten points from four games.

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Évian Thonon Gaillard FC's former France winger Sidney Govou faces several months on the sidelines after rupturing ligaments in his left knee during his side's 2-1 Ligue 1 victory at LOSC Lille on Saturday. The 33-year-old, whose contract with Évian expires at the end of the season, had to be substituted late on following a challenge with Lucas Digne.

A seven-time league champion with Olympique Lyonnais, the player capped 49 times by Les Bleus will now undergo surgery in Lyon during the week. "Thanks all for the support," he tweeted. "I have a meeting with the surgeon tomorrow."

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Feyenoord playmaker Tonny Trindade de Vilhena, 18, has earned his first senior call-up after being named in the Netherlands squad for their FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Romania on 22 and 26 March. Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart and Maarten Stekelenburg all return to the Oranje fold after missing February's friendly draw against Italy, but Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is out with a knee injury.

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Olympiacos FC centre-back Avraam Papadopoulos is set for a return to the international fold nine months after suffering knee ligament damage in Greece's opening match of UEFA Euro 2012. "He is a very good, experienced player. He is as strong as a bull and I believe he can play all 90 minutes," said coach Fernando Santos, naming his 23-man squad for the crucial trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 22 March.

FC Schalke 04 defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos and AC Chievo Verona's Nikos Spyropoulos are injured but for the first time there is a place for Skoda Xanthi FC goalkeeper Yuri Lodigin. "It is every player's dream to be called to the senior team," said the 22-year-old. I am looking forward to reuniting with my friends from the Under-21s, Kostas Fortounis and Panagiotis Tachtsidis."  

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Cyprus boss Nikos Nioplias has dropped three regular starters for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Group E qualifier against Switzerland in Nicosia on 23 March. All-time top scorer Michalis Konstantinou, 35, has been omitted despite recently returning from a long injury lay-off to score in the Cypriot Cup for AEL Limassol FC in midweek, while APOEL FC's Efstathios Aloneftis and Andreas Avraam of Anorthosis Famagusta FC have also been left out by the Greek coach.

Meanwhile Nioplias has given a call-up to 20-year-old attacking midfielder Alex Konstantinou after the youngster impressed for Apollon Limassol FC this season. AEL defender Christos Theophilou, 32, has been recalled for the first time since a 4-0 reverse against Germany in a UEFA EURO 2008 qualifier back in November 2007. Cyprus sit bottom of the group with three points from their opening four games.

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Juventus youngster Paul Pogba has earned his first senior call-up with France as Les Bleus prepare for key FIFA World Cup Group I games against Georgia (22 March) and Spain (26 March). Real Madrid CF centre-back Raphaël Varane is also set to appear against the world and European champions at the Stade de France, and Queens Park Rangers FC forward Loïc Rémy is a surprise inclusion in the selection. France and Spain are level on seven points at the top of the section.

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Having missed February's friendly get-together, Pepe returns to the Portugal squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Israel (22 March) and Azerbaijan (26 March), aling with Carlos Martins, Paulo Machado, Vieirinha and Pizzi, but there is no space for Nani. João Pereira and João Moutinho, both nursing thigh injuries, have been called up by coach Paulo Bento, whose team lie third in Group F, level on seven points with Israel and five adrift leaders Russia, who boast a 100% record.

"We can still qualify, but finishing top is no longer down to us," said coach Paulo Bento. "What is down to us is trying to qualify for the World Cup by some other way. Our goal was to finish first in the group, but we also knew that three other teams had that target. We will try to win the matches our way."

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Ukraine coach Mykhailo Fomenko has named a 25-man squad to face Poland and Moldova in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification. With Ukraine in severe need of points, several experienced players have been recalled including 37-year-old FC Metalist Kharkiv goalkeeper Olexandr Goryainov, FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk holding midfielder Serhiy Kravchenko and FC Arsenal Kyiv striker Volodymyr Homenyuk.

Dnipro attacking midfielder Yevhen Konoplyanka is also in the squad but is touch-and-go having missed the two last weeks because of a back injury. Ukraine lie fifth in Group H with just two points from three games and play in Poland on 22 March before hosting Moldova four days later. "We still have seven games to play," said Fomenko (pictured below). "They are all important. We will not rush things and proceed step by step. Now we have important games in Warsaw and Odesa. Then we can point out the next goals."

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Russia coach Fabio Capello has named a 25-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Norther Ireland on 22 March in Belfast and the London friendly versus Brazil three days later. Aleksandr Kerzhakov and Aleksandr Kokorin are the sole forwards with goalkeeper Anton Shunin, defender Oleg Ivanov and striker Fedor Smolov dropping out of the provisional squad. FC Lokomotiv Moskva defensive midfielder Dmitri Tarasov - previously called up by Capello's predecessor Guus Hiddink but never capped - is the only potential debutant.

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First-time title winners last season, FC Daugava Daugavpils beat Skonto FC 4-1 in the Latvian Super Cup game. The cup holders and league runners-up sent a youthful side to Daugavpils with the first team preparing for the new season in Turkey, and were 3-0 down by half-time, Stanley Ibe, Ibrahim Olalekan Babatunde and Armands Pētersons - who joined Daugava from Skonto this winter - on target.  Another newcomer, Nigerian defender Joseph Enakarhire made it 4-0 after the break, before 16-year-old Nikita Ivanovs struck back for Skonto.

"It was nice to see the fans who came to the stadium despite freezing temperatures," said Daugava coach Ivan Tabanov. "The difference between the sides was obvious, but those are not our problems. Daugava took the pitch to win the game and get the Super Cup and we cmpleted both tasks in emphatic fashion. Now we can switch all our attentions to the league." Defender Igors Savčenkovs, who joined Daugava from Skonto this winter, added: "It was a bit annoying to concede that goal as our fans deserved a 4-0 victory. However I hope they were not angry about that as they saw us playing solid quality football today."

Daugava will host FC Jūrmala in the Latvian Cup quarter-finals next Saturday while Skonto visit SK Liepājas Metalurgs.

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Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has conceded defeat in his bid to have Aston Villa FC defender Richard Dunne fit for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria. Trapattoni has named a provisional 29-man squad for the games away to Sweden and at home to Austria, but there was no place for veteran defender Dunne – who has not played for club or country since the Republic's defeat to Italy at UEFA EURO 2012 - and midfielder Keith Andrews, who are both struggling with injury.

"Richard Dunne said he is not ready - he said he may be ready in the future but for now, it was a serious injury, and it's a pity as Richard is a very important player for us,” said Trapattoni. “We have confidence in Ciaran Clark, we follow him a lot, he has a good personality and I have a good relationship with him."

The uncapped Norwich City FC midfielder Anthony Pilkington, who was denied a possible debut in a friendly against Poland last month, is included while Stoke City FC defender Marc Wilson is also named after recovering from a broken leg.

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There are no suprises in Igor Štimac's 26-man squad for Croatia's FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Wales on 22 and 26 march. "We have two very important matches ahead of us and I was analysing all the players form and abilites until the last moment," said Štimac. "I have some problems with the competitive form of some players - the season has just restarted in Ukraine, and young Mateo Kovačić and Josip Radošević have had less time on the pitch since leaving Dinamo and Hajduk. Milan Badelj is looking tired, Ognjen Vukojević is not in top form, Ivan Perišić is playing in a key position but has lost his place at Wolfsburg... For these matches we will choose players in top form who are ready to play all 90 minutes." With three victories and one draw, Croatia share top spot in Group A with Belgium.

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Simon Rolfes will stay at Bayer 04 Leverkusen two more years after extending his contract with the Bundesliga club. "Simon's signature is important in setting the course for a successful future," said sporting director Rudi Völler. “He has exceptional strategic awareness and has been a crucial part of our team's good performance in the past years. He will also play an important role for us as a leading player in the years to come."

Rolfes, who has made 223 Bundesliga appearances and scored 34 goals for the club, is looking forward to the years ahead. "So far, I've had a fantastic and successful career with Bayer Leverkusen," he said. "The next few years are all about the football. In Leverkusen, consistency is written in bold and the aim is to develop the team. The mix of youth and experience makes for quality players. I want to do my bit so that we can continue to achieve more in the future."

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Struggling Pescara Calcio have parted company with coach Cristiano Bergodiafter Sunday's 1-0 home loss to Udinese Calcio left the club five points from safety in the relegation zone. The 48-year-old joined Pescara in November to replace Giovanni Stroppa, who resigned after a difficult start to the league campaign, but the former defender managed to collect just ten points in 14 Serie A outings. The Udinese defeat represented a seventh in the Abruzzo outfit's last eight games, and the club are expected to name Bergodi's successor in the next 24 hours.

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Former Slovenia coach Matjaž Kek has taken charge at HNK Rijeka after Elvis Scoria resigned following a 4-1 defeat at GNK Dinamo Zagreb and a home draw against HNK Cibalia. The 51-year-old managed Slovenia from 2007 to 2011 and has won two Slovenian titles with NK Maribor. Rijeka are currently fifth in the Croatian First League and play NK Istra on Sunday.

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Stade Rennais FC say Romain Alessandrini has successfully undergone surgery in Marseille after suffering a serious knee injury on 16 February. Some spectacular goals have made the 23-year-old a popular player on his Ligue 1 break-out season and the No19 is given a round of applause in the 19th minute of Rennes home games.

"I had the same injury four years ago," the French international said. "Back then, the surgeon predicted this could occur to my other knee. Here we are. Many things have happened to me recently. I'll try to make the most of this imposed break to reflect on that."

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Hannover 96 will be without midfielder Szabolcs Huszti for "several weeks" after he suffered a knock during Sunday's 5-1 win against Hamburger SV. The Hungarian international picked up a muscle injury just before half-time, slipping after scoring a penalty to make it 2-1, and must now undergo an operation. Huszti has scored nine goals and provided 11 assists so far this season.

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FC Kuban Krasnodar have bolstered their midfield options with the acquisition of Burkino Faso captain Charles Kaboré and Nigerian international centre-back Ayodele Adeleye on four and three-year deals respectively. Kaboré joins from Olympique de Marseille, where he amassed nearly 200 appearances, while Adeleye arrives from SC Tavriya Simferopol in Ukraine. "I have no doubt he will make us stronger and help us to solve our problems in the league," said Kuban sporting director Sergei Doronchenko. Kuban are fourth in the Russian Premier League, 11 points off leaders PFC CSKA Moskva.

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Juan Carlos Garrido has extended his contract as coach of Club Brugge KV until the end of next season. The former Villarreal CF boss joined the Belgian outfit in November, succeeding the sacked Georges Leekens initially on a deal until the end of the campaign.

"I want to thank everyone for showing faith in me and for believing in the way I work," said Garrido, whose team are sixth in the Eerste Klasse. "I have been here for three months; everyone knows me and knows how I work. I am happy got get the chance to continue here. I love my job." (@UEFAcomBerendS)

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Emmanuel Emenike will miss FC Spartak Moskva's opening Russian Premier League games after the winter break because of a thigh injury sustained during Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final victory against Mali. The 25-year-old finished as the tournament's leading scorer with four goals, helping Nigeria to lift the trophy. Emenike is expected to be out for a month, with Spartak resuming their campaign against FC Terek Grozny on 10 March. They are sixth in the Russian top flight, 11 points adrift of leaders PFC CSKA Moskva.

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Aleksandr Gutor has swapped FC BATE Borisov for domestic rivals FC Dinamo Minsk. Gutor, 23, has taken up the option to terminate his contract with the UEFA Europa League round of 32 contenders having been largely overlooked last season. "I had no conflict with the coach," said the Belarusian Under-21 international. "He always said he would field the first-choice keeper and I respect that. Whatever happens, happens for the best. If you want to improve you need to do something about it. I've missed too much football and now I want to prove I'm still ready for big things."

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Second-half goals from Nani and Javier Hernández ensured Manchester United FC's safe passage to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win against Premier League strugglers Reading FC.

Introduced for the injured Phil Jones just before the interval, Nani was a thorn in the visitors' side throughout. He had seen a blistering volley come back off the woodwork before his deflected strike found the net following Antonio Valencia's centre 21 minutes from time. The Portuguese then turned provider, delivering a cross for Hernández to swiftly double United's lead at the near post.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team did not have it all their own way, however, with David de Gea ulling off a string of fine stops and Nemanja Vidić clearing off the line with the score 0-0. Jobi McAnuff did pull one back nine minutes from time, but a trip to Old Trafford awaits the winner of the tie between Chelsea FC and Middlesbrough FC.

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France forward Mathieu Valbuena has extended his Olympique de Marseille contract by two years June 2017. Second on the Ligue 1 assists list to LOSC Lille’s Dimitri Payet, Valbuena joined Marseille from FC Libourne Saint-Seurin in 2006 and now has 19 caps. Marseille sit third in the league, five points adrift of leaders Paris Saint-Germain FC, who they visit on Sunday.

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Francisco Costa, best known as Costinha, is the new coach from struggling SC Beira-Mar. The former Portuguese international, who won the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League for FC Porto, will make his debut as a coach at the Aveiro outfit, who lost last Friday at home 2-0 to FC Porto and lie 15th in the 16 team Portuguese Liga, with only three wins in 19 matches.

After ending his football playing career, at Atalanta BC, he became Sporting Clube de Portugal and Servette FC’s sporting director and will now lead Beira-Mar until the end of the season, starting this Monday.

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Reflecting on France's 3-3 home draw against Germany in Strasbourg yesterday, with both teams gearing up for UEFA Women's EURO 2013, coach Bruno Bini said he was "happy to be being asked what more we needed to do to win games rather than a little time ago when the big question was how much more we needed just to get a draw". Les Bleues were 3-1 up 24 minutes from time. "We failed to finish two counterattacks we got at 3-1," Bini said. "But it's these kinds of games that will help us get ready for the tournament. This was the first time we have taken the lead against Germany since [a 1-0 Algarve Cup win in] 2007." France next host Brazil in Nancy on 9 March, and will take on Russia, Spain and England in Group C in Sweden.

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AC Ajaccio club doctor Gilles Testou revealed today that Adrian Mutu is suffering from a torn calf. The 34-year-old forward picked up the injury in his left leg during last weekend's 1-0 success against FC Girondins de Bordeaux. “He will certainly be out for a minimum of three weeks.” stated Testou. The picture will be clearer after the former Chelsea FC player, who joined the Corsican side as a free agent in the summer, undergoes scans in the upcoming days.

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Denmark Under-21 coach Morten Wieghorst (left) has left his post to assist former Danish international Michael Laudrup, now coach of Swansea City AFC. The Danish Football Association (DBU) have released the 41-year-old with six months left on his contract, with general secretary Jim Stjerne explaining: "We have agreed with his new club that we can call him back if we are in a position to offer him a job with our senior team." Former Celtic FC midfielder Wieghorst added: "I have been very content with my work in the DBU for the past 18 months. It has been a challenge to work with the many talents in Danish football."

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UEFA.com French newsdesk:
Before tonight's friendly against Germany at Stade de France, the players who took part in the famous 1982 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Seville will be presented to the fans. Michel Hidalgo's charges left their mark onFrance football history in spite of losing on penalties havingy led 3-1 in extra time.

That was one of four famous France-Germany games recently highlighted by UEFA.com. "As Les Bleus meet Germany on 6 February at Stade de France, and in the context of the 50th anniversary of the Elysee Treaty, tribute will be paid to the participants in the semi-final France-West Germany held in Seville in the 1982 FIFA World Cup," the French Football Federation (FFF) stated. Although France have subsequently won the 1998 World Cup and two UEFA European Championships, that game still has a special place in the heart of the nation.

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 Klaus Fischer celebrates equalising in Seville

UEFA.com Portuguese newsdesk:
Uncapped SL Benfica midfielder André Gomes (pictured right) today joined the Portugal squad in Guimaraes preparing for a friendly on Wednesday against Ecuador. The 19-year-old, who has replaced injured SC Braga player Rúben Micael, said: "I'm very happy, it was a big surprise and I thank Benfica. I've always been very supportive and coach [Jorge Jesus] has taught me a lot. I owe this to them."

Gomes scored on his Benfica debut, a 4-0 win against SC Freamunde, earlier this term in the Portuguese Cup and made two appearances in the Eagles' unsuccessful UEFA Champions League group stage campaign.  

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
US Città di Palermo have parted company with coach Gian Piero Gasperini after less than five months with the 55-year-old at the helm.  Gasperini makes way with the Sicilian club having won just three league games since his appointment last September, when he replaced Giuseppe Sannino. The Rosanero are expected to name a successor for the former Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale Milano boss in the next few hours. Palermo are bottom of Serie A with 17 points from 23 games following the 2-1 home defeat on Sunday by Atalanta BC. 

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UEFA.com French newsdesk:
France coach Didier Deschamps is looking forward to seeing his team back in action against Germany. "Historically, Germany are one of our main rivals," he said. "I am expecting a good game against a very strong side. Joachim Löw's side are very disciplined, talented, but also very experienced - nearly all of their players have already taken part in a major tournament. It is good to be back in France as we haven't played since November and our last two games were away. Hopefully we can build up on the good football we were playing in the latter stages of 2012. The most important thing is to enjoy ourselves."

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UEFA.com Russian newsdesk: 
FC Dinamo Moskva have strengthened their attacking options with the loan signing of Sergei Davydov, who leaves FC Rubin Kazan FC to link up with old coach Dan Petrescu. "Dan is one of the best coaches I have worked with," said the 27-year-old, who flourished under the former Romanian international during a two-year spell at FC Kuban Krasnodar.

UEFA.com Italian newsdesk: 
Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco has withdrawn from Italy's squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Netherlands after sustaining a thigh injury in Sunday’s 2-1 victory at AC Chievo Verona. Meanwhile, Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli has reserved special praise for AC Milan's Mario Balotelli, who scored twice on his debut, the second a nonchalant last-minute penalty to see of Udinese Calcio 2-1. "I'm glad that Mario has returned to Italy. He appears more motivated and we can keep taps on him," said the 55-year-old tactician.

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UEFA.com Spanish newsdesk:
Real Madrid CF midfielder Xabi Alonso has pulled out of Spain's traveling party to Doha for the international friendly against Uruguay on Wednesday after complaining of discomfort in his groin following his club's 1-0 Liga defeat against Granada CF on Saturday. Club Atlético de Madrid's Mario Suárez will take his place. Speaking after his Madrid's fifth league reverse of the campaign, coach José Mourinho said, "We didn't play well and lost as a consequence. I wasn't happy at all with the first half we put in, frankly it was horrible."

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UEFA.com French newsdesk:
Defender Raphaël Varane has withdrawn from the France squad for Wednesday's friendly against Germany in Paris. The 19-year-old sustained a hamstring injury during Real Madrid CF's 1-0 loss to Granada CF this weekend. Newcastle United FC's January signing Mapu Yanga-Mbiwa has been called up as a replacement by coach Didier Deschamps.

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UEFA.com English newsdesk:
Jermain Defoe has withdrawn from England's squad to face Brazil in Wednesday's friendly at Wembley after suffering suspected ankle ligament damage during Tottenham Hotspur FC"s 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion FC on Sunday. Manchester United FC midfielder Michael Carrick has also pulled out after injuring an ankle against Fulham FC on Saturday, while Liverpool FC forward Daniel Sturridge is a doubt due to a thigh complaint.

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UEFA.com German newsdesk: 
Germany will be without Bastian Schweinsteiger for their trip to France on Wednesday after the FC Bayern München midfielder sustained an ankle injury in their 3-0 win against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday. The 28-year-old, who has scored six goals in all competitions this term, is expected to be out for around three days. 

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Türker Tozar in Istanbul:
Turkey coach Abdullah Avcı (pictured) has called up Karabükspor's uncapped winger Ahmet İlhan Özek in his 23-man squad to face the Czech Republic on Wednesday. The 25-year-old player has impressed since joining from Manisaspor and caught the eye with his quick bursts of speed as well as scoring key goals in Karabükspor's victories against Galatasaray AŞ and Trabzonspor AŞ this year.

Speaking about his call-up, Ahmet İlhan said: "Wearing the national team shirt has always been a passion for me. I'm really excited that I have a chance to do so. I am hoping to go beyond my league performance and be a regular for this team."

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Dmitri Rogovitski from Moscow:
FC Alania Vladikavkaz have signed former Real Madrid CF mifielder Royston Drenthe as a free agent on a three-and-a-half-year deal. The 25-year-old, capped once for the Netherlands, is set to join his new club today at their training camp in Turkey, becoming their eighth newcomer this winter. He started his career at local club Feyenoord before moving to Madrid in summer 2007. After dropping out of favour, he played on loan for Everton FC and Hércules CF.

"I have not trained for a while dedicating myself to my family and things I love," the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship winner said. "But the people from Alania came to the Netherlands and gave me the feeling that I can start everything again. They gave me energy and self-belief. I am sure a month will be enough for me to get into shape. I do not come here to play jokes but to prove everyone that I can play football and that I have not had my last say yet." Valeri Gazzaev's Alania are bottom of the league with 11 points after 19 games.

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UEFA.com Spanish newsdesk: 
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has included uncapped Málaga CF midfielder Isco and Chelsea FC full-back César Azpilicueta in his squad for Wednesday's international friendly with Copa América champions Uruguay in Doha. Expected to feature prominently for La Rojita in summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Israel, Isco's call up to the senior side at just 20 is recognition of his displays at the heart of a Málaga side which has progressed to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League undefeated, as well as sitting fourth in Liga. Azpilicueta, meanwhile, is continuing his notable progress at Chelsea where he has made 16 Premier League appearances since signing from Olympique de Marseille in August. While the uncapped duo will be hoping for a first international appearance Spain regular Carles Puyol will earn a 100th cap if selected.

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UEFA.com Dutch newsdesk: 
Daley Blind and Jonathan de Guzman could make their international bows against Italy on Wednesday after being included in Louis van Gaal's 20-man Netherlands squad. The son of assistant coach Danny Blind, Daley is a product of AFC Ajax's world famous youth academy and played every minute of their 2012/13 UEFA Champions League Group D campaign. Canadian-born De Guzman, meanwhile, has flourished in the Premier League while on loan at Swansea City FC from Villarreal CF, scoring five goals in 19 appearances. A series of more familiar names including Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Arjen Robben and John Heitinga, have been rested for the friendly at the Amsterdam ArenA.

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Vassiliki Papantonopoulou in Athens (@UEFAcomVassP): 
Atromitos FC central defender Sokratis Fitanidis has received his first call up to the national squad from Greece coach Fernando Santos. The 28-year-old central defender is the only new name in the 21-man selection for the friendly encounter against Switzerland on 6 February in Piraeus. "It is a dream come true for me to be called into the national squad," said Fitanidis "I have been working hard for so many years for this moment.".

The Portuguese coach cannot call on the services of injured duo Kyriakos Papadopoulos of FC Schalke 04 and Giorgos Samaras of Celtic FC, but welcomes back R. Charleroi SC goalkeeper Michalis Sifakis for the first time since UEFA EURO 2012, as well as Giorgos Karagounis and Kostas Katsouranis, who both missed the November friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

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UEFA.com English newsdesk: 
England goalkeeper Jack Butland has signed for Stoke City FC on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Birmingham City FC, with the 19-year-old set to link up with his new club in the summer. Butland became the youngest ever England international goalkeeper when he made his debut against Italy last May. "Im very lucky to come to such a great club and I'm really looking forward to it," he said. 

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UEFA.com Turkish newsdesk: 
Beşiktaş JK have snapped up Senegalese striker Mamadou Niang on loan from Qatari outfit Al-Sadd. The 33-year-old former Olympique de Marseille player spent the 2011/12 season with Fenerbahçe S.K, scoring 15 goals in 29 Turkish Super League games.

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UEFA.com French newsdesk: 
Former France captain Alou Diarra, 31, has returned to the country of his birth, joining Stade Rennais FC on loan until the end of the campaign. Diarra, capped 44 times by his country, arrived at West Ham United FC from Olympique de Marseille in the summer but has struggled for first-team opportunities and started just one Premier League match.

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UEFA.com French newsdesk:
Toulouse FC have strengthened their attacking options with the signing of Eden Ben Basat, while Emmanuel Rivière has left for AS Monaco FC. Ben Basat, an Israeli international, makes the move from fellow Ligue 1 side Stade Brestois 29 having scored nine league goals this term. As for Rivière, his departure comes just 18 months after signing for Toulouse in a €6m deal from AS Saint-Étienne. The 22-year-old has penned a four-and-a-half-year contract with Claudio Ranieri's side, who currently lie second in Ligue 2.

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
Greece midfielder Lazaros Christodoulopoulos has ended a five-year spell with Panathinaikos FC to link up with Bologna FC. The 26-year-old, formerly of PAOK FC, made 76 league appearances for the Greens, scoring 15 goals. Well-travelled forward Davide Moscardelli has also agreed to join the Rossoblù from Serie A rivals AC Chievo Verona.

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk: 
ACF Fiorentina have lured experienced midfielder Mohamed Sissoko from Paris Saint-Germain FC in a loan deal that runs until the end of the season. The former Juventus and Liverpool FC player, 28, has slipped down the pecking order at the capital club, featuring in just three Ligue 1 fixtures this term. Fiorentina are sixth in Serie A following their 2-1 defeat at Calcio Catania last weekend.

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TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have signed goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes on loan from Tottenham Hotspur FC until the end of the season. The 31-year-old Brazilian is "an experienced keeper, who has played on the highest level both domestically and internationally", according to general manager Andreas Müller. The former PSV Eindhoven keeper made 95 league appearances in three and a half years for Spurs.

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
Marco Rigoni has joined Genoa CFC on loan until the end of the campaign. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder was in the middle of a season-long spell at AC Chievo Verona but struggled to make an impact, mustering one league goal to date. He will hope to rediscover the form that brought 11 Serie A goals for relegated parent club Novara Calcio in 2011/12.

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UEFA.com Russian desk:
PAOK FC have signed Liberia international Sekou Oliseh on loan from Russian Premier League leaders PFC CSKA Moskva until 30 June 2012.

The 22-year-old joined the Russian side in August 2009 from Danish side FC Midtjylland. He has started 27 of his 70 league appearances at CSKA. "I told my agent that I wanted to find a club where I could show my abilities. He offered me this option and I know PAOK FC very well. I came here to play and will do my best to make fans happy," said Oliseh.

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UEFA.com London newsdesk:
Danny Graham has completed his move to Sunderland AFC from Swansea City FC for a fee in the region of €6m and has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

The 27-year-old striker, who joined Swansea in the summer of 2011 from Watford, made 54 league appearances for the Welsh outfit and scored 15 goals.

Graham told Sunderland's website: "As soon as I heard about the interest from Sunderland I didn't even have to consider any of the other options that were on the table. I was born and brought up in the north east so I know first-hand the intense passion that people have for their football in this part of the world - it's special and there's nowhere else like it."

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UEFA.com French newsdesk:
UEFA Champions League contenders Paris Saint-Germain FC have loaned midfielder Adrien Rabiot to fellow Ligue 1 side Toulouse FC for the rest of the season. The 17-year old appeared once in the UEFA Champions League this season and featured in six Ligue 1 games.

"The aim will be to play more to improve," Rabiot said. "I also want to help the club to reach the next level." Toulouse have also welcomed defensive midfielder Adil Rami yesterday, a former RC Lens player who has returned to Ligue 1 after a spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal FC.

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UEFA.com French newsdesk:
France coach Didier Deschamps has named his 23-man squad for Les Bleus' friendly against Germany on 6 February, and among the list of usual suspects, two names stood out. Stade Rennais FC forward Romain Alessandrini and Real Madrid CF centre-back Raphaël Varane have both been rewarded for their fine club form this season with call-ups, leaving both in line to make their international debuts next week.

The 23-year-old Alessandrini has struck nine times - in nine different matches - during his 19 outings for Rennes this season after joining the club from Clermont last summer. Varane's impressive campaign reached a high on Tuesday in a man-of-the-match display in a 1-1 draw against FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. Marca described the 19-year-old's performance as "Colossal" on their front page today.

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UEFA.com London newsdesk:
Fulham FC have announced the loan signing of AC Milan's Urby Emanuelson until the end of the season. The 26-year-old, who can play full-back or in midfield, has 16 caps for the Netherlands. A graduate of the famed AFC Ajax academy, Emanuelson made 172 appearances for the Amsterdam club, where he was managed by Fulham boss Martin Jol in 2009/10. He departed for San Siro in January 2011 but has struggled to make an impact with the Rossoneri.

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UEFA.com London newsdesk:
Luciano Becchio has completed his move to Norwich City FC from Leeds United AFC, with the Canaries paying an undisclosed fee plus striker Steve Morison (pictured) in exchange for the Argentinian's services.

The 29-year-old Becchio, who has scored 16 second-tier goals this season, has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal at Carrow Road and told the Norwich website: "I cannot wait to play my first game for Norwich. I am really happy about having the chance to play in the Premier League, it is brilliant for me personally and for my career."

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
Serie A strugglers US Città di Palermo have announced the signings of midfielder Alejandro Faurlín (pictured left) and forward Diego Fabbrini from Queens Park Rangers FC and Udinese Calcio respectively.

Faurlín, 26, made 112 league appearances for QPR and joins the Sicilian outfit on loan until the end of the season with an option to make the deal permanent in the summer. No details have been released about the transfer of 22-year-old Fabbrini, who scored two goals in 20 Serie A games for Udinese after joining the Zebrette from Empoli FC in 2011.

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UEFA.com London newsdesk:
Wigan Athletic FC have re-signed Paul Scharner on loan from German club Hamburger SV until the end of the season. The 32-year-old Austrian international, who played for the Latics from 2006 to 2010, becomes the Latics' fourth signing of the January transfer window, following Roger Espinoza, Angelo Henríquez and Joel Robles.

Manager Roberto Martínez said: "His experience will be a huge asset going into the last third of the campaign and he knows our football club inside out the same way that we know Paul and his professionalism in detail. He is ready for the challenge and to help the team in an area where we have suffered a few injuries."

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Olympique de Marseille will play Paris Saint-Germain FC in the last 16 of the French Cup after triumphing 2-1 at Rouen FC in their rearranged round of 32 tie. Goals from Mathieu Valbuena (42) and debutant Modou Sougou (59), a January signing from CFR 1907 Cluj, were enough for Élie Baup's men to progress, despite Rémy Dugimont (68) halving the third-tier side's arrears. OM will now face PSG twice in a matter of days next month, with their cup tie set to follow the Ligue 1 fixture between the clubs on 24 February.
 

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
Genoa CFC have reached an agreement with ACF Fiorentina to sign Italy right-back Mattia Cassani on loan with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer. The 29-year-old, formerly of Juventus, UC Sampdoria, Hellas Verona FC and US Città di Palermo, made eight Serie A appearances prior to Christmas, but has not played since. He earned his second international cap, three years after his first, in September when the Azzurri defeated Malta in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

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Berend Scholten @UEFAcomBerendS:
Marco van Basten's SC Heerenveen have signed midfielder Yassine El Ghanassy (pictured right) on a six-month loan. The 22-year-old Belgian international made just three appearances, all in domestic cups, in the first half of the season while on loan at West Bromwich Albion FC from KAA Gent.

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UEFA.com French newsdesk:
French full-back Ronald Zubar has left Wolverhampton Wanderers FC to join AC Ajaccio. Zubar, 27, made 69 appearances for the West Midlands club, scoring four goals. "He has made a valuable contribution during his time at Wolves," chief executive Jez Moxey told the club site. "He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club". Meanwhile, defender Carl Medjani has ended a five-year spell with the Ligue 1 outfit by signing on at AS Monaco FC.

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk: 
AC Chievo Verona have reinforced their defensive options with the signing of centre-back Nikolaos Spyropoulos from Panathinaikos FC. The Greek international, capped 31 times by his country, moves on having made 117 appearances for the Greens. Chievo's 1-0 win at S.S. Lazio on Saturday lifted them up to 11th in Serie A.

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk: 
Argentinian midfielder Adrián Calello has swapped GNK Dinamo Zagreb for AC Siena. The 25-year-old, who began his career at CA Independiente, made four UEFA Champions League group stage appearances this season. He joins Siena with the club rooted to the bottom of Serie A having won just one of their last eight league fixtures.

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UEFA.com French Newsdesk:
France and LOSC Lille midfielder Rio Mavuba is set for a long lay-off after undergoing surgery on his left knee today. The club expect the 28-year-old to be sidelined for up to three months, after damaging the patella in his side’s penalty shootout loss at AS Saint-Étienne in French League Cup semi-final on 15 January. The injury will mean Mavuba is also likely to miss France's home FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Spain at the end of March.

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UEFA.com Spanish newsdesk:
Liga strugglers RCD Mallorca have confirmed the signing of Scottish international full-back Alan Hutton who arrives at the islanders on-loan from Aston Villa FC until the end of the season. The 28-year-old – who began his career at Rangers FC before joining Tottenham Hotspur FC – will hope to lift the fortunes of the Liga's second-from-bottom team who have won just one of their last 16 top-flight encounters.

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UEFA.com German-language newsdesk:
The Austrian Bundesliga's top goalscorer Philipp Hosiner has received his first senior international call-up under Marcel Koller for Austria's game against Wales in Swansea on 6 February. Koller said: "We will take him with us to get an idea of what he can do. He deserves it." The 23-year-old FK Austria Wien striker has scored 16 goals in 14 league games since making his debut for the club at the start of September, and won his only cap to date under Koller's predecessor, caretaker boss Willibald Ruttensteiner, coming on briefly during a 4-1 FIFA World Cup qualifying win in Azerbaijan in October 2011.

Koller hopes Wales will be good preparation for Austria's next Group C fixture against the Republic of Ireland. "They are not exactly the same," he said. "Wales are very compact, solid in defense. It will be difficult to score against them."

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UEFA.com German newsdesk:
VfL Wolfsburg forward Srdjan Lakić has signed for fellow Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt on loan until June 2014. The 29-year-old former Croatian Under-21 international has vast experience in Germany's top flight having previously played for Hertha BSC Berlin, 1. FC Kaiserslautern and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim before his arrival at Wolfsburg. Eintracht sporting director Bruno Hübner said: "In Lakić we've got a striker who is good in the air and one who fits perfectly to Eintracht Frankfurt and the requirements of manager Armin Veh."

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UEFA.com French newsdesk:
French Under-19 international midfielder Soualiho Meite (pictured, left) has joined LOSC Lille on a four-and-a-half-year deal from AJ Auxerre, where he will remain on loan for the rest of the season. The Paris-born 18-year-old has impressed in Ligue 2 this term and is excited at the prospect of joining his new club. "I am a player who can bring more to both defence and attack," he said. "I work daily to fine tune my short and long passing. I realise how lucky I am to join one of the biggest French clubs, but this is just the first step."

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UEFA.com London newsdesk:
Queens Park Rangers FC defender Anton Ferdinand has joined Turkish side Bursaspor on loan until the end of the season. The former West Ham United FC centre-back made 44 Premier League appearances for the west London club since joining from Sunderland AFC in August 2011. Bursaspor are currently seventh in the Turkish Super League, nine points adrift of leaders Galatasaray AŞ.

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
Parma FC have lured defender Andrea Coda, 25, from Serie A rivals Udinese Calcio in a loan deal until the end of the season. The move temporarily ends his seven-year affiliation with Udinese after joining the club from Empoli FC. After their 2-1 defeat at home to SSC Napoli on Sunday, Parma slipped to tenth.

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UEFA.com London newsdesk:
West Ham United FC have signed Austrian international defender Emanuel Pogatetz on loan from VfL Wolfsburg for the rest of the campaign with the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season. The 30-year-old has Premier League experience having spent five seasons at Middlesbrough FC and has represented his country 52 times.

"I feel very good to be here and I am very excited about playing for West Ham," he said. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to play for the club and help it get good results. I will be doing my best to play well and hope I can play a part in the club achieving the targets for this season.

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Emil Gasevski from Skopje: 
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia coach Cedomir Janevski has named his 21-man squad for the upcoming friendly against Denmark in Skopje, which includes no new faces, but is shorn of a number of familiar names due to injury and suspension.

Right-back Daniel Georgievski (FC Steaua Bucureşti), central defender Vance Sikov (FC Volyn Lutsk) and midfielder Feran Hasani (VfL Wolfsburg) will miss the match on 6 February due to injury, while left-back Goran Popov (West Bromwich Albion FC) and striker Stevica Ristic (Suwon Bluewings FC) remain sidelined after both were suspended from the national team prior to October's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Serbia due to disciplinary reasons.

"The injured trio will not be with us for the upcoming test with Denmark, but I hope they will be fit [for the FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header] against Belgium at the end of March," said Janevski. "I think that we made the right choice with the test against the Danes as they have a similar style to Belgium and we can put into practice some of our tactics."

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
US Città di Palermo have reached an agreement with Wigan Athletic FC to sign the 27-year-old Mauro Boselli on loan until the end of the season. The Argentinian, formerly at CA Boca Juniors and CA Estudiantes de La Plata among others, has experience of Serie A having played seven games on loan at Genoa CFC in early 2011. Palermo are currently second from the bottom in Serie A, with 17 points from 22 games.

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UEFA.com London newsdesk:
Everton FC have confirmed that they agreed a deal with FC Twente for the transfer of Dutch international Leroy Fer. The 23-year-old midfielder, capped twice by the Netherlands, will now head to Merseyside to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical. Fer began his career at Feyenoord before making the switch to FC Twente in summer 2011, where he has made 38 appearances, scoring 11 goals.

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UEFA.com London newsdesk:
1. FSV Mainz 05 have announced the signing of Danish international midfielder Niki Zimling from Club Brugge on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 27-year-old has joined for a fee believed to be worth around €2m and will help fill the void left by Poland international Eugen Polanski, who has departed for Bundesliga rivals TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.

Mainz coach Thomas Tuchel told the club's official website: "Niki Zimling is a player fully suited to central midfield. He has skill and physical strength, has played regular internationals for his country and is also known for playing in Europe at club level."

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John Leonidou in Nicosia:
APOEL FC have taken Israeli striker David 'Dudu' Biton on loan from R. Standard de Liège in a bid to make last push towards a 22nd Cypriot title. Ivan Jovanović's side are nine points adrift of league leaders Anorthosis Famagusta FC - who have played a game more - with the Serbian coach having identified one of the problems this season in his attacking line-up. Last season's surprise UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists have already suffered early exits this season in the UEFA Europa League play-offs and, this month, the Cypriot Cup, and have now only the domestic title to fight for.

The 24-year-old forward is the Nicosia club's second import in the winter transfer window following the arrival of Danish forward Mikkel Beckmann from FC Nordsjælland. Biton, who has represented Israeli at youth level, counts Wisła Kraków, R. Charleroi SC, Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC and Maccabi Haifa FC among his former clubs. An announcement on APOEL's website on Saturday confirmed that Biton had arrived on loan until the end of the season with the club having the option to make the move permanent.

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Stefán Stefánsson in Reykjavik:
Eidur Gudjohnsen has been recalled to the Iceland squad for the team's friendly against Russia on 6 February. His country's record scorer with 24 goals in 68 games, the former Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona forward had not featured on the international stage since a friendly against the Faroe Islands last August, but coach Lars Lagerbäck has rewarded him for some impressive showings in Belgium this term. The 34-year-old struck six goals in 13 league games for Cercle Brugge KSV after joining in October last year, and earlier this month he sgned for the club's city rivals Club Brugge KV.

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
ACF Fiorentina have announced the signing of Rafał Wolski (pictured) and Marvin Compper from Legia Warszawa and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim respectively for undisclosed fees. Midfielder Wolski, widely considered one of the most talented players in Poland, has already been capped three times at senior level despite being only 20 and has signed a contract until 2017 with the Viola. The 27-year-old defender Compper, who has one cap for Germany and scored six goals in 157 league games with Hoffenheim, has penned a deal until 2016.

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Berend Scholten in Diest (@UEFAcomBerendS):
Belgian First League pacesetters RSC Anderlecht have reinforced their ranks with the double signing of Samuel Armenteros and Demy De Zeeuw. Armenteros, a 22-year-old forward, will join on a three-year deal from Heracles Almelo when his current contract expires in the summer. "I am very proud to join this club. It's a fantastic career move for me," he said. Former Dutch international De Zeeuw signs on loan from FC Spartak Moskva until the end of the season with the option to make the deal permanent. "I wanted to play football again," said the 29-year-old midfielder. "Anderlecht are a huge club and I'm happy to be here." 

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Berend Scholten in Diest (@UEFAcomBerendS):
Club Brugge KV have signed Ghana midfielder Enoch Adu from Danish side FC Nordsjælland, with the 22-year-old signing a three-and-a-half year contract with the Belgian side.

"It is a big step for me to sign for this club," said Adu, who played in all six of his side's UEFA Champions League group stage games in the autumn. "I am ready to show these fans what I can do. I would describe myself as a focused, hard-working player, and I want to prove that here too. My ambition is clear - to help build the future of this club!"

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
Struggling Serie A outfit US Città di Palermo have signed veteran goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino from AC Chievo Verona for an undisclosed fee. The 33-year-old, who played 163 games in Serie A with Chievo, signed a contract until 2016 with the Rosanero. The former Torino FC, AEK Athens FC and RC Recreativo de Huelva goalkeeper becomes Palermo's fifth signing in January after Salvatore Aronica, Andrea Dossena, Anselmo and Mauro Formica. The Sicilian side lie second from bottom in Serie A.

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UEFA.com Turkish newsdesk:
Greek international Fanis Gekas has signed a six-month deal with Turkish club Akhisar Belediyespor. The 32-year old forward started the season at Levante UD but was released on 27 November after four league appearances. The former Panathinaikos FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker, who has scored 23 goals in his 66 internationals, played in the Turkish Süper Lig for Samsunspor last season and will hope his new club do not suffer the same fate of relegation – Belediyespor currently prop up the table after 18 matches.

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UEFA.com German newsdesk:
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have signed Ghanaian international Afriyie Acquah from Parma FC. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder has signed a contract until June 2017 – there have been no details of a transfer fee released. Acquah played 44 matches in Serie A for Parma and US Città di Palermo. TSG sporting director Andreas Müller said: "Despite his young age, Afriyie Acquah has a touch of class and the will to help us make a big step forward."

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UEFA.com Portuguese newsdesk:
FC Porto drew level with SL Benfica at the top of the Portuguese Liga on Wednesday after a 3-0 win at Vitória FC in a rearranged fixture. The Dragons took the lead from the penalty spot early on through Jackson Martínez, who doubled the champions' advantage with four minutes left, by which time the hosts' Bruno Gallo and Jorginho had been sent off for collecting two bookings each. Lucho González completed the scoring in added time.

Jackson (pictured heading in his second last night) is now the league's top scorer with 14 goals, one more than Óscar Cardozo (Benfica) and Albert Meyong (Setúbal). "It was a very difficult match and I have to give merit to Vitória," said Porto coach Vítor Pereira. "They were an aggressive team with great soul. We took three points home and we are very pleased."

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UEFA.com French newsdesk:
Olympique de Marseille have signed Senegalese international striker Modou Sougou from CFR 1907 Cluj for a €3m fee. The 28-year-old trained with the Ligue 1 side this morning and is realising one of his great ambitions. "This is a dream come true because I grew up as a Marseille fan," he said.

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UEFA.com London newsdesk:
Everton FC have been handed a boost with the news that central defender Sylvain Distin has signed a new one-year contract extension. The 35-year-old, whose current deal was due to expire at the end of the season, has made 114 Premier League appearances at Goodison Park since joining from Portsmouth FC in August 2009 and will remain at the club until summer 2014.

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Swansea City AFC forward Michu has signed a fresh four-year contract with the Welsh club after a hugely impressive first six months in England's Premier League. Spaniard Michu, 26, has scored 13 goals in 22 league games since arriving unheralded from Rayo Vallecano de Madrid last summer. The new deal marks an extra year's commitment, and the attacker said: "It was an easy decision for me. I am living a dream here at Swansea."

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Berend Scholten (@UEFAcomBerendS) in Diest:
K. Beerschot AC have announced the return of Jacky Mathijssen as head coach. Mathijssen, 49, succeeds Wim De Corte and has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. De Corte had only been in the job since November after replacing Dutch coach Adrie Koster, but Beerschot collected one point from six matches during his short reign and fell to 15th place – one of the relegation play-off berths.

Mathijssen said: "The is the start of a eight to nine weeks' effort. We have to collect points. I am absolutely convinced that this squad contains enough quality to stay in the Eerste Klasse." It marks a return for the coach to a club he led between December 2010 and March 2012, when he was succeeded by De Corte, who now returns to being his assistant.

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FC Spartak Moskva midfielder Demy de Zeeuw (below right) will spend the next six months on loan at RSC Anderlecht. The 29-year-old Dutch international moved to Russia in July 2011 from AFC Ajax having had previous spells with Go Ahead Eagles and AZ Alkmaar, but has been a fringe player at Spartak and not added to his 27 caps since the move. Both Spartak and Anderlecht finished fourth in their UEFA Champions League groups this season.

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
AC Chievo Verona have signed Chilean midfielder Felipe Seymour on loan from Genoa CFC, with an option to make the deal permanent. The 25-year-old moved to Genoa from Club Universidad de Chile in January 2011, but spent the remainder of that campaign on loan at Calcio Catania. He has made 14 Serie A appearances for the Grifoni this term.

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
Serie A strugglers AC Siena have signed Swiss international Innocent Emeghara on loan from FC Lorient, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer. The 23-year-old Nigerian-born striker scored five goals in 28 Ligue 1 games with Lorient but has made just one first-team appearance this term.

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Elvir Islamović in Zagreb:
Croatia coach Igor Štimac has named his squad for the friendly against South Korea on 6 February in London, at Fulham FC's Craven Cottage, handing 21-year-old midfielders Arijan Ademi (GNK Dinamo Zagreb) and Franko Andrijašević (HNK Hajduk Split) their first call-ups. "We will always use the friendly matches to try several young players. It will be useful for us but also for them," said Štimac.

The coach has also selected forward Mladen Petrić (pictured right) for the first time since taking the national team reins: "It will be a nice chance for him as he's playing for Fulham and we will be playing there," said Štimac.

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UEFA.com Italian newsdesk:
Pescara Calcio have reinforced their midfield with the loan signing of Gaetano d'Agostino (pictured) from AC Siena. The 30-year-old, capped five times by Italy, has previously turned out for, among others, AS Roma, Udinese Calcio and ACF Fiorentina. Atalanta BC have also been active in the transfer market, acquiring 32-year-old Croatia forward Igor Budan on loan from US Città di Palermo with the option to make the deal permanent.

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Aidan Fitzmaurice in Dublin:
Giovanni Trapattoni has called up five uncapped players to the Republic of Ireland squad for a friendly at home to Poland on 6 February. The Derby County FC trio of Richard Keogh, Jeff Hendrick and Conor Sammon are all named in the senior party for the first time, having played for Ireland at Under-21 level, while Norwich City FC midfielder Anthony Pilkington (pictured) has also been promoted. Pilkington earned an U21 cap in 2008. West Ham United FC goalkeeper Stephen Henderson also gets the nod as the Ireland coach rests senior players like Stephen Kelly and captain Robbie Keane.

"We saw a number of strong performances from our younger players in the second half of last year and we intend to build from those strong foundations, using this friendly match to introduce more new talent like Pilkington, Hendrick, Sammon and Richard Keogh," said Trapattoni. "I look forward to working with these players and seeing what they have to offer."

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Dmitri Rogovitski from Moscow:
Russia coach Fabio Capello handed a first call-up to FC Terek Grozny attacking midfielder Igor Lebedenko (in green) ahead of the 2 February friendly game against Iceland, to be played in Marbella, Spain. The 29-year-old will join club-mate Oleg Ivanov at the Russia training camp, with the Terek midfielder an unused member of Russia's UEFA EURO 2012 squad. FC Rubin Kazan midfielder Aleksandr Ryazantsev (26) also returns to the fold, having won his only cap in a friendly match against Cameroon in June 2011. Marat Izmailov, however, has been omitted despite being tipped for a recall following his move from Sporting Clube de Portugal to FC Porto.

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Club Atlético de Madrid are in a commanding position after their Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg thanks to a 2-0 victory against Real Betis Balompié. Strikes from Falcao (below, celebrating his goal) and Felipe Luis in the opening 23 minutes gave the hosts the advantage ahead of the return leg next Thursday. Meanwhile, Atlético goalkeeper Joel, 22, has joined Wigan Athletic FC on loan for the remainder of the season.

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UEFA.com Russian newsdesk:
Striker Maksim Kanunnikov has moved to FC Amkar Perm on a contract until summer 2016 from FC Zenit St Petersburg, who have the option to buy the Russia Under-21 international back for a fixed fee. Kanunnikov, 21, made his debut for Zenit in August 2009 and went on to play 32 league matches, scoring twice, and three times in this season's UEFA Champions League.

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