Italy versus Spain Live tonight on Ten Action

The 2006 World Cup winners host the 2010 champions in a mouth-watering clash in Bari on Wednesday, in what is probably the midweek calendar's most glamorous game of all.
 

Football fans shall be assured of exciting football action ahead of the Premier League kick-off as the international friendly between Italy and Spain will be broadcasted on Ten Action tonight at 12.15 am IST.

For Spanish side, Xavi and Sergio Ramos have given the tie a miss due to injury concerns. However the game may see the debut of Barcelona's talented midfielder Thiago Alcantara who can still choose to play for Brazil.

The two European super powers meet for the first time since Euro 2008 when the Italians, then coached by Roberto Donadoni, lost 4-2 on penalties at the quarter-final stage.

Injury crisis for Everton

Everton's preparations for the new season have been dealt a blow with the news that Seamus Coleman has suffered a torn ligament in his right ankle. 

The Republic of Ireland international, who is suspended for the first two games of the season, suffered the injury the Toffees' 1-0 friendly defeat against Villarreal at Goodison Park on Friday.

An X-ray immediately after the game revealed there was no break but scans on Monday confirmed the extent of the injury.
It is too early to tell how long the former Sligo Rovers player will be out for, with Coleman set to visit a specialist later this week.

To make things worse for Moyes, midfielder Mikel Arteta is set to miss the club's trip to Tottenham on Saturday as he recovers from a foot injury suffered during pre-season.

Cesc and Nasri Included in squad to face Udinese

Intense speculation has raged all summer that Barcelona target Fabregas and contract rebel Nasri are both are set to leave Emirates Stadium.

But the Gunners have named both midfielders in their 25-man A-list for this month's two-legged play-off round tie.

The Emirates Stadium plays host to the first leg next Tuesday, before the return in Italy on 24th August.

Upson joins Stoke city

Stoke City have completed the signing of free agent Matthew Upson on a two-year deal. 

The 32-year-old has been without a club since his contract with West Ham expired this summer.

Upson becomes Potters boss Tony Pulis' second defensive signing of the close season after Jonathan Woodgate, following the successful completion of his medical.

Atalanta will start with six points deducted this season

Ex-Italy star Giuseppe Signori has been banned for five years while Atalanta will start the 2011-12 Serie A season with a six-point deduction after the FIGC's disciplinary commission announced their sentences following an investigation into the 'Last Bet' scandal.

Last week federal prosecutor Stefano Palazzi advised the Italian FA over the punishment that should be handed out based on the alleged involvement of those implicated in the scandal.

And the FA has now returned their verdicts. Signori was slapped with a five-year ban and will be excluded from holding any football-related role for life while Atalanta have been deducted six points.

Atalanta captain Cristiano Doni received a three-and-a-half year ban from football and Thomas Manfredini has been suspended for three years.

The sanctions all relate to a criminal case brought forward by prosecutors at the tribunal of Cremona who uncovered an illegal betting ring involving a number of footballers and officials back in June.

Atalanta, Doni, Manfredini and Signori have denied any wrongdoing despite the sentences handed out by the FIGC.

Arsenal complete signing of Southampton's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has completed his move to Arsenal having agreed personal terms and undergone a medical at the club's training ground earlier today.

The 17-year-old arrived at Arsenal's London Colney training ground this afternoon to undergo a medical after the club reached an agreement on a package worth £12 million to take the player, 18 next week, to the Emirates Stadium from Southampton.

After completing the signing of the youngster, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told the club's official website: "We are delighted that Alex has decided to join us.

"He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality. Alex is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions. He can play as an attacking centre midfielder, or wide left and right. 

Bendtner looking a way out of Asenal

Nicklas Bendtner hopes to wrap up his Arsenal exit soon as he targets regular first team football.

Bendtner, however, has been unhappy at the club for some time but has not been able to leave due to a prolonged injury.

Now fit, the Dane is still determined to exit the club after being linked with several sides this summer, including Stoke City.

"I would like to play at a place where you are happy and play every week, that is the most important thing for any football player and hopefully that will happen soon."

The Denmark coach Morten Olson has stressed the importance of Bendtner getting regular first team football, suggesting that the forward isn't getting any younger.

He said. "It is good for himself if he plays first-team football. You don't play football for 50 years, you have to enjoy it as long as possible.

Obertan has left Manchester United

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan on a five-year contract.

Obertan, whose first team chances with United were limited during his two years with them, is relishing the prospect of regular football with Newcastle.

"I have come here with a lot of ambition," he said. "I just want to play football."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was delighted to have landed a long-term transfer target.

He said: "It's good news for us. He is a player we have been after for some time.

The 22-year-old French player moved to Old Trafford from Bordeaux in the summer of 2009.