French League Review

Francis Gillot's reign as Bordeaux coach got off to a losing start on Sunday night as Les Girondins went down 2-1 at home to St Etienne in their Ligue 1 opener.

The 2009 champions were on the back foot early on and were 2-0 down at half-time thanks to Michael Ciani's own goal and a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang strike.

Jussie halved the deficit from the penalty spot 11 minutes after the interval but Bordeaux could not force an equaliser.

Elsewhere, newly-promoted Dijon were given a harsh lesson in what lies in store as Rennes romped to a 5-1 win at the Stade Gaston Gerard.

Victor Montano and Julian Feret put the visitors 2-0 up after the latter had missed an earlier penalty.

Brice Jovial halved the deficit before half-time, but Abdoulrazak Boukari soon restored the two-goal cushion and, after Dijon's Gregory Thil also failed from the spot, Kader Mangane and Alexander Tettey completed the rout.

On Saturday, Paris St Germain's recent spending spree failed to produce an immediate return as the Ligue 1 title favourites suffered a humiliating 1-0 defeat at home to Lorient.

A takeover of the club by Qatar Sports Investments has brought a huge injection of cash and signalled the arrival of eight new players so far in the transfer window.

Yet Antoine Kombouare's side got off to the worst possible start as Julien Quercia's 28th-minute strike condemned them to an embarrassing loss.

Lyon claimed top spot on the opening day with a solid 3-1 win at Nice.

The visitors fell behind to an Anthony Mounier goal on six minutes, but quickly levelled through Lisandro Lopez (10). Bafetimbi Gomis (33) got Lyon in front before the break and Maxime Gonalons secured the win 16 minutes from time.

Lyon are joined at the head of the standings by Montpellier, who also kicked off with a 3-1 win. Their performance against Auxerre was far from convincing, though, with the visitors enjoying the bulk of the chances.

Younes Belhanda opener for the hosts on 36 minutes was cancelled out by Alain Traore on the stroke of the interval, but goals inside the final 15 minutes by Geoffrey Dernis and Olivier Giroud gave Montpellier their first win over Auxerre since returning to the top flight in 2009.

Champions Lille were held to a 1-1 draw by Nancy.

Rudi Garcia's team, who finished eight points clear at the top of the table last season, looked like making a winning start when Mathieu Debuchy netted after 46 minutes.

Franck Beria's 61st-minute own goal rescued a point for the home side, who had Pascal Berenguer dismissed in the closing stages for a reckless challenge.

Loic Remy salvaged a point for Marseille in a 2-2 draw with Sochaux at Stade Velodrome.

Didier Deschamps' team led through Lucho Gonzalez's 38th-minute effort - but goals from Marvin Martin (59) and Vincent Nogueira (71) threatened an upset until Remy struck 15 minutes from time.

League newcomers Evian let slip a two-goal lead as they were forced to settle for a 2-2 away to Brest.

Evian got off to a dream start when skipper Oliver Sorlin and Ali M'Madi netted inside the opening 20 minutes. But Brest hit back with goals from Bruno Grougi and Benoit Lesoimier before half-time.

Having stayed in Ligue 1 on the final day of last season, Caen gave a suggestion they could do better this time around as they opened up with a 1-0 win over Valenciennes.

Gregory Promen scored the only goal of the game on 34 minutes, and it was an early contender for goal of the season, the midfielder taking aim from 30 yards and finding the top corner.

Ajaccio's first game back in Ligue 1 after five seasons in the second tier ended in a 2-0 reverse to Toulouse, Antoine Devaux (45) and Paulo Machado (74) with the goals either side of the interval.

Manchester City 2 - 3 Manchester United

Nani's injury-time goal settled a wonderful Community Shield as Manchester United roared back from two goals down.

The Portugal winger had already netted with a jaw-dropping leveller in what turned out to be the highest-scoring of these encounters since 1992.

He then capitalized on Vincent Kompany's blunder to win a game that seemed City's for the taking after Joleon Lescott and Edin Dzeko had taken advantage of David de Gea's hesitancy.

But Sir Alex Ferguson's introduction of three younger members of his squad at the break triggered a comeback for which United are so famed, Chris Smalling setting the ball rolling six minutes after the restart, triggering a richly-deserved victory charge for the Premier League champions.

It had been some 24 hours for Danny Welbeck.

Selected for England ahead of Jermain Defoe on the eve of the game, he started at Wembley whilst Dimitar Berbatov was on the bench and Michael Owen remained in his suit. The 20-year-old was part of a scintillating performance from the Red Devils that lacked only an opening goal.

Between them, Welbeck, Wayne Rooney, Nani and new signing Ashley Young cut City's midfield apart. Had United's final ball been better, they surely would have got their noses in front.

As it was, Lescott got in the way of efforts from Young, Smalling and Welbeck and Rooney curled a free-kick narrowly wide.

City's tackling grew increasingly desperate and after Mario Balotelli and Dzeko had got themselves embroiled with Nemanja Vidic and Anderson respectively, Micah Richards was perhaps fortunate to stay on the field for a studs-first lunge on Young that sent the former Aston Villa winger flying.

Referee Phil Dowd felt the need to issue some strict instructions to Blues skipper Kompany after another shuddering lunge from Nigel de Jong, this time on Welbeck.

How quickly circumstances can change.

Ferguson has already admitted to taking a gamble on De Gea, who - at just 20 - is being asked to fill the boots of a man with twice his age in Edwin van der Sar.

It had been accepted by Old Trafford's coaching staff that some work was required in the weights room for De Gea to have the best chance of dealing with the more physical nature of English football.

His lack of bulk may be the reason why he opted against coming for Silva's teasing free-kick seven minutes before the break. Neither Vidic nor Rio Ferdinand got themselves in position to make a challenge and Lescott calmly flicked it into the corner.

It got even worse for United, and De Gea, in stoppage time.

Dzeko was given far too much room in midfield to decide what to do with James Milner's square pass and after advancing 10 yards, lashed a fine shot into the United net.

It was one of those that, on first viewing, appeared to be De Gea's fault. Replays showed there had been some movement as the ball flashed in, which made life harder for the Spain Under-21 international.

However, there was a degree of culpability and clearly De Gea is on a steep learning curve, not just in his goalkeeping but also United's DNA.

Ferguson's response was to replace three of his most senior players - Vidic, Ferdinand and Michael Carrick - at the break and introduce a trio of youngsters in Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Tom Cleverley.

Within six minutes of the restart, Smalling had dragged the champions back into it, touching home Young's free-kick after Dzeko had completely failed to track his run.

Then came the equalizer, with Rooney, Nani and Cleverley opening City up with a devastating series of short passes before Nani beat Joe Hart with a delicate chip.

De Gea showed his raw talent by beating away a ferocious goalbound effort from Adam Johnson, then palming Richards' powerful header over.

The City duo were two of 14 Englishmen involved. The oldest member of United's second-half side was Young, at 26, during a spell following the departure of Patrice Evra and Dimitar Berbatov's introduction.

It was a taste of the future, with Cleverley in particular electrifying until he hooked an excellent chance over from eight yards.

The pity was it took a blunder to win it, Kompany failing to read Rooney's clearing punt, allowing Nani to rob him and charge forward, rounding Hart before tapping home.

Barcelona Tops Club America 2-0

David Villa scored on a header midway through the first half and Barcelona lived up to its reputation as the top club team in the world, beating Mexico's Club America 2-0 Saturday in the final game of the Spanish team's American tour.

The win at Cowboys Stadium was the first for Barcelona in three tries in the World Football Challenge, an exhibition tournament featuring top club teams from European leagues, Major League Soccer and Mexico's first division.

Barcelona lost 2-1 last week to Manchester United and 4-1 Wednesday to Chivas of Guadalajara.

"We played similar (against Chivas), but because we lost, we were terrible," Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said. "Now, because we won, we were awesome. Today we played with much confidence, much better."

The club's first official match of the season is next Sunday against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Supercopa.

Barcelona was without several top players, including forward Lionel Messi, who was on vacation following the recent Copa America tournament. The absence of those stars was felt in the team's first two matches, including the shocking loss to Chivas in Miami.

"The guys suffered a lot in the humidity," Guardiola said, referring to the loss in Miami. "With the air conditioning here, it was much, much better."

Villa scored in the 24th minute. Adriano Correia sped past America defender Oscar Rojas and his short cross found Villa unmarked just outside the 6-yard box for an easy header.

It was a long night for Rojas, who repeatedly left Villa free for scoring chances. Rojas eventually was replaced at left back by Edgar Castillo, a New Mexico native who will dress for the U.S. national team Wednesday in a friendly against Mexico.

Seydou Keita added a goal in the 90th minute, finishing off an individual effort from Gerard Deulofeu, a reserve forward. Deulofeu maintained possession along the end line, muscling the ball past a defender and the goalkeeper for a short centering pass to Keita, who was just a few feet in front of the goal.

America was shut out in all three of its games. Christian Benitez had two dangerous chances in the final minutes, including a left footer in the 86th minute that went just wide. Castillo also made a late run into Barcelona's box, but his crossing attempt was smothered by a defender.

The game opened up after Villa's first-half goal, with both teams trading scoring opportunities over the next few minutes. Consecutive one-touch passes from Vicente Sanchez to Benitez to Juan Carlos Medina forced Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes into a diving save.

Minutes later, Andres Iniesta slipped a pass through to Villa, who found himself one-on-one with Club America keeper Armando Navarrete. The keeper came off his line and smothered the play before Villa could get off a shot.

Barcelona, however, dominated first-half play, outshooting America 10-1. "It was a good first half," Guardiola said.

The one-goal advantage allowed Guardiola to sit Xavi Hernandez for the entire second half. Iniesta and Villa eventually ended up on the sidelines as well.

Roma Confirm Lamela Deal

Roma have announced the official details of the Erik Lamela transfer, which is worth €17.06m (£14.8m).

River Plate president Daniel Passarella confirmed Lamela's exit last month, with the highly-rated teenager thought to have moved for around €20m (£17.7m).

The Giallorossi have now announced the signing, with the Serie A outfit due to pay €12m in three instalments by July 15, 2012, with another €5.06m in add-ons if various targets and number of games are met.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who reportedly attracted interest from Liverpool, Tottenham and Barcelona, has penned a five-year deal with the Serie A side.

Chelsea On Red Alert After Danish Starlet Rejects Man City

Chelsea could reignite their interest in Ajax starlet Christian Eriksen having seen Manchester Citys attempts to sigh the attacking-midfielder fail.

City were unsuccessful their £20million move for the Danish teenager Eriksen after he feared he would not play regularly at Eastlands

And while the 19-year-old midfielder may not play week in week out at Stamford Bridge, Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas is confident that he can convince the Denmark international to make the move to London.

Villas-Boas is keen to strengthen his midfield options this summer, particularly with Michael Essien set for a lengthy spell

The situation has become a big concern for Villas-Boas, with Tottenham playing hard-ball over the sale of Luka Modric and PSG winning the race for Javier Pastore.

The Portuguese tactician, who is renowned for his man-management skills, believes a persuasive rhetoric with Eriksen about improving his game significantly at Stamford Bridge, could be enough to seal a deal.

Eriksen, who even visited Manchester ahead of a proposed move to City, was man-of-the match when England beat Denmark in Copenhagen last February.

But the midfielder’s agent Martin Schoots said: "Christian was very flattered by the interest from City, but at the moment it is not the step he wants to make.

"The feeling has to be right. Its not about the money."

Porto Join AC Milan In Race For Santos' Ganso

Brazil international Ganso could be on his way out of Santos in the near future as Portuguese champions Porto have shown an interest in signing the attacking midfielder, IG reports.

Porto are looking to add a creative midfielder to their squad as they aim to make an impact in the Champions League this term after winning the Europa League last season, and they allegedly see Ganso as the perfect signing.

The 21-year-old midfielder has a contract with Santos until February 2015, but club president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro recently declared that the club will not stop Ganso from making a switch to Europe.

"He has already told me he wants to stay at Santos to play in the Club World Cup at the end of the year. But if he wants to leave Santos, we will not have any objections to that. We have to respect the player's wish. He has his dreams, his ambitions," Ribeiro said to Lancenet.

It's unlikely that Ganso will opt to leave Santos this summer as he's eager to take part in the Club World Cup in December, but the playmaker could very well decide to move to Europe in the January transfer window.

Ganso has also been linked with clubs such as Anzhi Makhachkala and AC Milan, but the presence of compatriot Hulk and former team-mates such as Danilo and Alex Sandro could push him towards the Portuguese champions.

Inter Close In On Genoa's Juraj Kucka

Negotiations between Inter and Genoa for the transfer of Juraj Kucka to San Siro are progressing well, according to Sky Sport 24.

The 24-year-old has only been at Genoa since January, but has caught the eye with a number of impressive midfield performances for the Luigi Ferraris outfit, leading to the interest of the Milanese outfit.

It is reported that a deal for the Slovakia international is close, in which Gian Piero Gasperini's side will obtain half of the player's ownership rights, but he will remain in Liguria for another season.

In addition, Genoa is also hoping to thrash a deal out for Inter's Goran Pandev, in what would be a separate transfer.

Inter lost 2-1 in their Supercoppa clash with AC Milan on Saturday, with reinforcements now on the agenda ahead of the new Serie A campaign.

Arsenal Set To Win Race For Southampton Starlet

Arsenal look set to win the race to sign highly-rated Southampton teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The winger who will be 18 on Monday week has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the country and has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.

But it appears Arsenal have stolen a march on their rivals and are set to tie up a £12m deal for the attacking-midfielder in the coming week.

The initial down payment will be around £7 million and the fee will rise according to appearances.

And Oxlade-Chamberlain will not be loaned back to Southampton for the season as Wenger wants to include him in his first team plans, most particularly in the Carling Cup.

The next decision for Wenger concerns a centre-back, with the North London club linked with Phil Jagielka of Everton, Christopher Samba of Blackburn and Gary Cahill of Bolton.

The stumbling block concerning Jagielka is the £18m asking price for a player who will be 29 this month.

Wenger is thought to favour a move for Samba, with Tottenham also interested in the Congo international.

Dream Move For Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku is in no doubt about joining Chelsea after the Premier League club agreed a deal to sign the Anderlecht striker.

The Blues' long pursuit of the 18-year-old finally bore fruit on Saturday night when they announced they were poised to complete a deal for him, subject to the player passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

Lukaku, who is reportedly valued at between £15million and £20m, made no secret of the fact he was a Chelsea fan while he was being linked with Stamford Bridge.

And despite last week claiming he had not ruled out a move elsewhere, the teenager made it clear this on Sunday afternoon there was nowhere else he would rather be.

While taking time out to respond to questions on Twitter, Lukaku was asked what his favourite thing about Chelsea was.

He replied: "the fans and the players. It’s just my dream team."

Lukaku, who is already a full Belgium international, faces a real fight to break into the Blues first team any time soon.

He warned earlier this week he would not want to be sent out on loan if he moved to Stamford Bridge, which suggests he would be prepared to fight for his place.

The forward believes he can only benefit from training and playing alongside the likes of Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba, to whom Lukaku has long been compared.

He wrote on Sunday: "I think I am entering a team full of experienced guys and winners. And i'm very happy about that."

Lukaku is also aware he will arrive at a team under pressure to deliver silverware this season after finishing empty-handed last term.

Describing the Premier League as the "best league in the world", he added: "We have to improve ourselves year after year."

Sunderland Consider Move For Man City Outcast

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has admitted he could make a move for Man City outcast Craig Bellamy as his tenth signing of the summer, according to the Metro.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed that Craig Bellamy, as well as Emmanuel Adebayor, will not feature in his plans for the new season,

The Black Cats could make the Welshman their latest signing having already snapped up players such as Manchester United's Wes Brown and John O'Shea in recent months.

The departure of Steed Malbranque means that Bruce has a bit more cash to play with and he has indicated that he may move for Bellamy.

'I haven't got a wide left player, not a natural one, although we've got people who can play there, so we'll see,' he said.

'We're all looking at Manchester City because they've got some great players who can't even get in the squad.

'Craig Bellamy is a possibility. He can play wide left and up front so we'll see.'

The striker was previously linked to both Cardiff City and Celtic, although reports suggest he was not keen on a return to the Scottish side after being sent there on loan on for the second half of the 2004-05 season.

He spent all of the last campaign at Cardiff after falling out of favour at Man City.

Last week, Bruce hinted that there could be some more departures from the Stadium of Light in the near future.

Community Shield: Manchester City vs Manchester United

Manchester City's record signing Sergio Aguero is set to be on the bench for Sunday's Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley.

The Argentina striker has had blistered feet since his move from Atletico Madrid but is now training as normal.

Fellow new signings Stefan Savic and Gael Clichy will also feature.

United midfielder Michael Carrick is set to miss out after picking up an Achilles problem in Edwin van der Sar's testimonial on Wednesday.

Fellow midfielder Darren Fletcher and full-back Rafael are all back in training for the Red Devils following knocks in pre-season, but Sunday's game could come too soon for them.

Winger Antonio Valencia has also returned to training after recovering from the ankle injury he suffered while playing for Ecuador at the Copa America and could play a part at Wembley.

However, Javier Hernandez will miss the game and the start of the season after he suffered a concussion last month.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Chicharito [Hernandez] won't be involved for maybe another two or three weeks.

"He had a concussion some years ago and we are just playing safe with that but he should be back by the end of August."

Ferguson must decide who to start in goal on Sunday, with summer signing David de Gea competing with Anders Lindegaard for the role.

City will be without last season's captain and top scorer Carlos Tevez, who is still on leave after the Copa America and is not expected to report back to the club until Monday.

It was initially thought Tevez would be back at the club's Carrington training base on Thursday but City manager Roberto Mancini says the striker had always been allotted 21 days' holiday following his international exertions.

With Tevez absent and his fellow Argentine Aguero set to start on the bench, Mancini could therefore pair £24m Mario Balotelli with £27m Edin Dzeko up front against United.

On the subject of Aguero, Mancini said: "Sergio is OK. He had a problem, but on Thursday he did 20 minutes training.

"I don't think he's 100% ready but he is fit to be on the bench."

Sunday's season curtain-raiser is a repeat of last season's FA Cup semi-final, which City won 1-0 thanks to Yaya Toure's 52nd-minute goal.

City went on to beat Stoke 1-0 in the final - with Toure again scoring the only goal - to lift their first piece of silverware in 35 years.

United made up for the Cup loss to City by going on to secure a record 19th Premier League title.

The teams have met once before in the Community Shield - then the Charity Shield - with United emerging 1-0 victors thanks to a goal from Dennis Viollet. The match was held at City's then ground, Maine Road.

The Community shield is often a mild-mannered affair, but the Manchester rivalry certainly gives this one an edge. Neither team will want to lose and even though it is arguably the least important match of the season, they will be going into the game with one intention only – winning.

Betting Recommendation:

Looking at United, the reigning Premier League champion has been doing well in their pre-season friendly matches with strings of impressive results that include a 2-1 win over Barcelona recently. Furthermore, Sir Alex Ferguson has managed to bring in new reinforcements such as Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea to replace the retired Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar. At the same time, he knows that this match will provide an early opportunity to avenge last season's FA Cup semi-final defeat against Roberto Mancini's side, which opened up the path towards ending the mega-rich club's 35-year trophy drought.

Glazing across the blue side of Manchester, City has been active in the transfer market as well, with the summer acquisition of Sergio Aguero, Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic. Similarly, Mancini’s men have also been performing during their pre-season friendly matches, as exhibited by the recent victory in the Dublin Super Cup by defeating Inter Milan. Apart from Aguero who should start from the bench and Tevez who only returns on Monday, Mancini still has a pool of players to choose from to lead the attack on Sunday, with quality names such as Edin Dzeko and David Silva, not to forget Mario Bolatelli.

Overall, this curtain raiser for the new Premier League season should be a fascinating encounter. However, after a pre-season during which every match has been won (if you count a penalty shoot-out victory over LA Galaxy), Roberto Mancini will be telling his side they can start the season by beating their fiercest rivals who just happen to be the league champions. Thus, a small wager on City beating United for the Shield sounds attractive, given the fact that Ferguson will be resting several key players after their hectic pre-season matches.

World Football Challenge: Barcelona vs America

The heat will be turned up in Texas this weekend and not just because of the heat wave that’s hitting the state.

FC Barcelona need a convincing victory in the worst way in their final preseason match as they face Mexican power Club América at Cowboys Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the final match of the 2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge.

The Catalan side fell in their opening two WFC matches against Manchester United and Chivas de Guadalajara, with the latter a 4-1 loss representing the most lopsided result of the Pep Guardiola era and one that Andrés Iniesta called “a warning.” América, who have yet to score in their two WFC defeats, are under similar pressure after dropping a 2-1 midweek home match against lowly Estudiantes Tecos in Mexican league action on Wednesday.

Saturday’s match will mark the third all-time encounter between the two sides. The first one was a memorable 4-4 tie at a sold out Reliant Stadium in Houston back in 2006. Barcelona put another four past América in the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup later that same year.

FC BARCELONA

The injuries and absences persist for FC Barcelona but Guardiola has stated that he still expects the players he fields, whether reserves or youth players, to have enough game smarts to churn out a result.

Recovering injured players like Carles Puyol (knee surgery), Ibrahim Afellay (torn hamstring), Maxwell (abdomen) and Marc Muniesa (torn hamstring) join Lionel Messi, Alexis Sánchez, Javier Mascherano and Dani Alves, who return from their vacations on Monday. Also, Gabriel Milito and Jeffren Suárez departed this week to join new clubs.

Guardiola is yet to send a true best XI on the field to start a match, rotating his players for a mix of veterans and youth players during this year’s US tour. But facing a highly anticipated, week-long lead-up to the first official match of the season against Real Madrid on August 14 in the first leg of the Spanish Supercopa, the manager may be more open to fielding as many starters as possible to get his team back on track.

CLUB AMÉRICA

América are further ahead in their preparations by comparison, already playing three matches in the Mexican Priméra División's Apertura season (1-1-1). However, it’s their latest match — a 2-1 loss to Estudiantes Tecos at the Estadio Azteca — that has fans in a tizzy.

The attack has not exactly taken off back in Mexico, with the team coached by Carlos Reinoso scoring just four times, including two own goals after three fixtures. Ecuadorean forward Christian “Chucho” Benítez will hope to redeem himself after failing to convert a penalty kick which would have equalized the league match against Tecos.

There will be even added pressure on América because of the fact that it was eternal rivals Chivas Guadalajara who handed Barcelona a heavy 4-1 defeat on Wednesday night in Miami. The team refused to acknowledge the Chivas win and their supposed need to match their result.

Las Águilas will feature the likes of US national team call-up Edgar Castillo, who has played left back and left midfield for his club side, and right back Paul Aguilar, who was called up by Mexico manager José Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre and will face Castillo on August 10 in Philadelphia.

KEY PLAYERS

David Villa – As the most experienced member of the Barcelona front line, the 2010 World Cup champion will need to help stake his team out to a comfortable lead if los Culés aim to have a comfortable afternoon. Villa missed lob shot that could have made it 2-0 for Barcelona against Chivas on Wednesday, leaving the window open for the Mexicans to make a second-half comeback.

Armando Navarrete – With Guillermo Ochoa’s move to French soccer, Navarrete is under the microscope after being given the starting job for the first time in his seven seasons for the Mexico City club. Some question his ability to match Ochoa’s quality and an error by the 30-year-old that gifted Juventus their lone goal in a 1-0 WFC loss on July 26 has added fuel to those arguments.

AC Milan 2 - 1 Inter Milan

AC Milan won a record sixth Italian Super Cup after coming from behind to beat city rival Inter Milan 2-1 in a hard-fought derby at Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing on Saturday.

Inter led at halftime after Wesley Sneijder curled a free kick over the wall and the ball ricocheted in off the crossbar. The free kick came after a foul by combative Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso.

Milan's first goal came after Clarence Seedorf chested down a cross near the touch line, then knocked it back in for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to send a diving header into the net.

Ibrahimovic also hit the post with a header against his former club in the first half.

The equalizer was quickly followed by Milan forward Alexandre Pato running onto a through ball. His shot hit the post, but Kevin-Prince Boateng slid to knock in the rebound.

Boateng celebrated with a spinning kung fu kick that delighted the cheering crowds packed into the Olympic stadium. The venue has proved an unlucky one for Inter, which played in the same fixture at the same place two years ago and lost 2-1 to Lazio.

The victory moved Milan one Italian Super Cup clear of Inter and two in front of Juventus.

The Super Cup is the traditional curtain raiser for the Italian season, played between the previous season's Serie A winners (Milan) and Italian Cup victors (Inter).

Three of the next four Italian Super Cups will be played in China to help promote Italian football in Asia.

Juventus Target Zenit St Petersburg Defender Bruno Alves

Juventus are looking to sign Zenit St. Petersburg defender Bruno Alves, Tuttomercato claims.

The Portugal international has been an ever-present figure at the Russian club since his €22 million move from Porto last summer.

After a frustrating seventh-placed finish in Serie A last season, the Italians have been working hard to revamp their squad, and it appears they are not satisfied with the pool of talent at their disposal just yet.

According to Tuttomercato, Alves could move to Turin in a cash-only deal, or in an agreement which would see Leonardo Bonucci move in the opposite direction.

The Italy defender is a known transfer target of Zenit, with Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta claiming earlier today the club had rejected a bid from the Russian side for the 24-year-old.

Sissoko Would Join PSG

Toulouse star Moussa Sissoko would have accepted the chance to join Paris St Germain, but his dream remains to play in the Premier League.

The €15million (£13m)-rated midfielder was reportedly first contacted by PSG and their new-found wealth several weeks ago, but a deal has not materialized.

Liverpool has also been linked with Sissoko, but he would have agreed to a move to the French capital if he had the chance.

He told L'Equipe: "If I had the opportunity to go, I would have left. PSG has a great project.

"If I had to leave, considering my style, I would favour Premier League. If I have not been chosen at Paris, that means I am missing some things. I have to be steadier and more decisive.

"It is up to me to work hard, and next year find a new club."

Arsenal Target £15m Ajax Playmaker

Arsenal will make an approach for Ajax starlet Christian Eriksen with proceeds from the projected sale of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona.

Fabregas was omitted from the Gunners squad to face Benfica in a pre-season friendly sparking more speculation that he was edging closer to the exit door. Chief executive Ivan Gazidis was rumoured to have met with his counterparts from the Spanish club on Friday and the player's own resigned body language during an open training session at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday suggested that he had made his last public appearance in an Arsenal shirt.

However, plans are already being put in place for his eventual departure with Eriksen emerging as a target. The 19-year-old has shone over the past 18 months for Ajax and has become a regular for the Denmark national team, putting in a man of the match performance in a 2-1 friendly defeat to England earlier this year.

The player has long been on the radar of Premier League clubs having twice gone on trial at Chelsea without being offered a permanent deal. Manchester City have also shown an interest according to his agent Martin Schoots though they were unable to persuade the youngster to move to Eastlands.

Wenger will hope to have more luck with his track record of developing young talent into world class stars to be the principal selling point behind the approach. Eriksen is valued at around £15m.

Liverpool Battle Juventus Over £14m Brazil International

Liverpool will go head-to-head with Juventus in their attempts to sign Lyon defender Michel Bastos.

The 28-year-old is reportedly unsettled at Lyon and is privately considering a move away from the Stade Gerland despite commenting to the French press that he was happy to stay at the club. The Brazilia has spent largely impressive seasons there but it seems that interest from other more glamorous league have turned his head.

The two clubs heading the queue for his signature are Liverpool and Juventus. The Reds need for a full back is well-documented and has been evident for the last 12 months with Pual Konchesky, Fabio Aurelio and Glen Johnson all operating there to different effects.

However, Juventus have made their interest known to both the player and the club and trying to build a team capable of competing the likes of Inter Milan and AC Milan for Lo Scudetto this season.

Roma In Talks With Villarreal Over Nilmar Move

Roma have stepped up their interest in Villarreal forward Nilmar, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The Giallorossi have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Brazilian, but agreeing a transfer fee with Villarreal will not be so easy.

The 27-year-old has a €50 release clause inserted in his contract, but the Spanish side are willing to accept a big in the region of €24 million.

Roma’s initial offer of €14 million plus performance related bonuses has been rejected, but the Giallorossi are likely to come back with an increased bid.

Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has earlier stated that he plans to sign three or four more players this summer, having already brought Bojan Krkic, Erik Lamela, Maarten Stekelenburg and Jose Angel.

Nilmar is considered a perfect replacement for Mirko Vucinic, who has joined Juventus few days ago.

Tottenham Back In For £28m-rated Striker

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is ready to launch a new bid for Villarreal's Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi.

Redknapp and his chief scout watched Rossi hit a stunning winner for the Spanish outfit at Everton recently, as Tottenham continue their search for a top-class goalscorer.

The North Londoners tried and failed to get Rossi in the last window but the former Manchester United reserve is now on the market again.

Rossi has missed out on moves to Barcelona and Juventus and is available at around £28million.

Spurs would wheel and deal to get back into that chase - chairman Daniel Levy is trying to sell Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios to Stoke for a combined £20m.

Clever forward Rossi did not fancy Tottenham in January, but may be more open to the transfer this time.

Newcastle United Make £3m Offer For Barcelona Hit-Man

Newcastle United are preparing a £3million offer for Barcelona striker Keirrison as they continue their search for Andy Carroll’s replacement.

The Magpies have made contact with their Catalan counter-parts about the availability of the 22-year-old.

The Brazilian has not made a single appearance for the La Liga giants first-team since making a £9million move from Palmeiras in 2009.

He was sent on-loan back to his native country last season to Santos and scored four goals in 13 appearances.

Toon Army boss Alan Pardew has been searching all summer for a new striker and is confident he can finally land his man.

Pardew has made enquiries about Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner and Tottenham’s Peter Crouch but did not make an offer.

A deal for PSG hit-man Mevlut Erdinc was close to fruition but the Turkey international pulled out at the last minute.