Simone Farina, the AS Gubbio defender who shot to fame last year for denouncing a match-fixing attempt in Italy’s Coppa Italia, opened the Coppa Carnevale 2012 by reading the traditional pre-tournament oath.
Defending Italian champions AC Milan play their first game of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's three-match ban when they travel to Udinese this weekend.
Ten-man Lazio thrust themselves back into Serie A title contention with a stunning 3-2 home comeback victory over Cesena, to move just three points shy of leaders Juventus.
A host of crucial games await in Serie A this weekend, with Francesco Guidolin saying that he doesn't envisage AC Milan being unduly affected by Zlatan Ibrahimovic's absence against his Udinese side.
Italian coach Luciano Spalletti has extended his contract with reigning Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg until June 2015.
Martin Caceres scored a double to edge Juventus closer to a final berth in the Coppa Italia as they claimed a 2-1 victory over AC Milan in the first leg of their semi-final tie at the San Siro.
