Pastore finding it tough with Ibrahimovic

Maurizio Zamparini says Javier Pastore’s struggles at Paris Saint-Germain are down to his inability to play alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Argentine midfielder has failed to reproduce the form which led to PSG splashing out a reported 40 million euros to buy him from Palermo in August 2011. Palermo president Zamparini said Pastore was finding it difficult in Paris due to his struggles trying to play… Read more

Mancini wants more from Nasri

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has challenged Samir Nasri to rediscover his best form. The defending champions paid Arsenal 24 million pounds for the 25-year-old midfielder 15 months ago but Mancini believes Nasri is yet to find his best form in a City shirt. The 48-year-old Italian says he wants to see more consistency from the Frenchman. “In my opinion, we are talking about a… Read more

Sturridge wants extended run of starts

Daniel Sturridge insists he can be a 20-goal-a-season striker for Chelsea but only if Roberto Di Matteo starts him consistently. The England international has been confined to the sidelines for the majority of the campaign with 11 of his 12 appearances coming from the bench. His only start was in the 5-4 Capital One Cup victory over Manchester United in which he scored during extra… Read more

International friendly preview: Italy v France

France manager Didier Deschamps is determined to reshape the culture of the team when they travel for Wednesday’s friendly against Italy. Deschamps, who has guided France to two wins, two draws and one loss since his appointment in July, believes his charges are undisciplined and spoilt. “What is lacking in the French players? Order, respect, rules? All of this. In France, players have too much… Read more

Fabregas: Wenger will lead Arsenal to titles

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes Arsene Wenger will launch a Premier League title challenge with Arsenal this season. Fabregas, who left Arsenal in August 2011, believes the 62-year-old has a ‘special talent’ for developing young players and maintains he still monitors the progress of his former club. “Arsene Wenger is amazing and I’m sure he will prove it again this season. He always finds the… Read more