Falcao named in Colombia squad

Falcao named in Colombia squad

Falcao named in Colombia squad - Jose Pekerman has named Radamel Falcao in his Colombia squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The Monaco star has been a doubt for the tournament since suffering cruciate knee ligament damage during a Coupe de France tie in January. 

However, the former Atletico Madrid man said last month he was "satisfied" with his recovery and Pekerman has opted to name the talismanic striker in his initial 29-man squad. 

Falcao scored nine goals in 13 appearances during qualifying and forms part of an impressive line up that also includes Porto's Jackson Martinez and Borussia Dortmund-bound Adrian Ramos.

There is also a place for highly rated River Plate defender Eder Alvarez Balanta, with Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado, Inter's Fredy Guarin and James Rodriguez among the options in midfield.

Colombia begins its World Cup campaign against Greece in Group C on June 14.

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Faryd Mondragon (Deportivo Cali), David Ospina (Nice), Camilo Vargas (Independiente Santa Fe)

Defenders: Santiago Arias (PSV), Pablo Armero (Napoli), Eder Alvarez Balanta (River Plate), Aquivaldo Mosquera (America), Luis Perea (Cruz Azul), Carlos Valdes (San Lorenzo), Mario Yepes (Atalanta), Cristian Zapata (Milan), Camilo Zuniga (Napoli)

Midfielders: Abel Aguilar (Toulouse), Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina), Fredy Guarin (Inter), Victor Ibarbo (Cagliari), Alex Mejia (Atletico Nacional), Juan Fernando Quintero (Porto), Aldo Ramirez (Morelia), James Rodriguez (Monaco), Carlos Sanchez Moreno (Elche), Elkin Soto (Mainz), Macnelly Torres (Al Shabab), Edwin Valencia (Fluminense)

Forwards: Carlos Bacca (Sevilla), Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate), Jackson Martinez (Porto), Luis Muriel (Udinese), Adrian Ramos (Hertha Berlin) // ( goal.com )

READ MORE - Falcao named in Colombia squad

Lucas Moura named on Brazil's seven-man World Cup standby list

Lucas Moura named on Brazil's seven-man World Cup standby list - Brazil has named its list of seven players who will be on standby for this summer's home World Cup, with Lucas Moura the star among the backup options.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has already named his preferred 23-man selection for the tournament, but has now confirmed the list of those who will be held in reserve should any late changes to the squad be required.

Lucas Moura named on Brazil's seven-man World Cup standby list

Atletico Madrid defenders Filipe Luis and Miranda are in the seven-man list of backups, as is Bayern Munich right back Rafinha.

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas Moura and Sao Paulo striker Alan Kardec have also been asked to be ready if called upon.

Fluminense goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri rounds off the list and will step in for the tournament if there are any issues with Julio Cesar, Jefferson or Victor.

The announcement means some of the notable absentees from the original squad, including Kaka, Robinho, Ronaldinho and Philippe Coutinho, have not even made Scolari’s top 30 for this summer.

Brazil has warm-up matches against Panama and Serbia before it begins its World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 12.

Brazil standby list: Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Alan Kardec (Sao Paulo), Lucas Moura (PSG), Rafinha (Bayern Munchen), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Miranda (Atletico Madrid), Diego Cavalieri (Fluminense). // goal.com

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Terry 'deserves' final place, says Mourinho

Terry 'deserves' final place, says Mourinho - The Champions League "owes something" to Chelsea captain John Terry due to the previous disappointments that he has endured in the competition, according to manager Jose Mourinho.

Terry, 33, has been passed fit to play in the second leg of Chelsea's semi-final at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday after limping off with an ankle injury in last week's first leg, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Mourinho initially ruled Terry out until at least the final, which takes place in Lisbon on May 24, but his return to fitness suggests that his luck in the tournament may be beginning to turn.

Terry 'deserves' final place, says Mourinho

Terry could have given Chelsea their first ever Champions League trophy in the 2008 final against Manchester United in Moscow, only to slip as he took a spot-kick in the penalty shootout, sending the ball wide.

A subsequent failed attempt by Nicolas Anelka gave United the trophy and although Chelsea prevailed on penalties in the final against Bayern Munich four years later, Terry did not play due to suspension.

He was also banned for last season's Europa League final success against Benfica, although, as he had done in 2012, he received the trophy in his full kit alongside his teammates.

Results of the Champions League semi-final match on Tuesday (AFP Photo/)

"I think the Champions League owes him something," Mourinho said during Tuesday's pre-match press conference.

"I think he deserves more than the Champions League has given to him till now. He lost a few semi-finals in special circumstances. He lost the final also in special circumstances.

"He won a final, also in special circumstances, because he couldn't play the final."

- No England U-turn -

Terry seemed to be getting eased out at Stamford Bridge under former interim manager Rafael Benitez, but he has been rejuvenated since Mourinho's return last year, marshalling the meanest defence in the Premier League.

Atletico Madrid's David Villa (R) trains at Stamford Bridge in London on April 29, 2014, on the eve of the team's Champions League semi-final second-leg match against Chelsea (AFP Photo/Glyn Kirk)

"My captain is playing at the same level as when I left Chelsea in 2007-08," Mourinho added.

"Six or seven years later, he is playing at his best level. It's fair to say that. It's also fair to say that the people that surround him are playing also fantastic.

"I think his partnership with (Gary) Cahill is fantastic and people that work together in the same areas, they are doing a fantastic job.

"I'm really happy to see a player like him, six or seven years later, to be back to the same level."

Terry's displays have prompted calls for him to return to the England fold, 19 months after he retired from international football following the Football Association's decision to strip him of the captaincy over allegations he had racially abused Queens Park Rangers' Anton Ferdinand.

However, despite the apparent lure of a potential place in manager Roy Hodgson's squad for this year's World Cup in Brazil, Terry said that he had no intention of reversing his decision.

"For me, 100 percent, I'm going to be on my holidays in the summer, I'm going to be nowhere else," he said.

"I've made that very clear. My thoughts are very strong on that. Maybe people don't realise how strong. I certainly wish the England side and Roy the very best." ( AFP )

READ MORE - Terry 'deserves' final place, says Mourinho

Fernando Torres never hides : Jose Mourinho

Fernando Torres never hides - Jose Mourinho says Fernando Torres won't "hide" against former club Atletico Madrid during Chelsea's Champions League semifinal.

The Spaniard has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge but is in line to face the Liga leaders in Tuesday's first leg clash after Samuel Eto'o did not travel with the squad because of a knee injury.

Jose Mourinho: Fernando Torres never hides

Torres came though the youth ranks at the Vicente Calderon, scoring 91 goals during seven seasons in the first team before joining Liverpool in 2007, but Mourinho is not concerned by his striker's state of mind ahead of the fixture.

"Playing in the Champions League is a big motivation for every player. Everyone wants to play. Those chosen are happy those who aren't, are not," he told reporters. "I am not saying that Fernando Torres will start, I am saying that he never hides. We feel that every day. He is a real Atletico supporter, I would say a big one. We talk about Spanish football every day.

"He is a professional. I have no doubts that the minutes he will be on the pitch tomorrow he will do everything for Chelsea given the professional that he is."

Mourinho also refuted claims that Atletico Madrid counterpart Diego Simeone is a superior coach to him.

"I don't agree," he said. "It is difficult to compare coaches; in fact it is not fair to do so.

"It is not fair to compare someone with 15 years of experience as a coach to one with less than that. It is something that I don't like to do."

After suffering semifinal defeats to Liverpool during his first spell in charge of Chelsea, Mourinho insists those disappointments do not provide extra motivation.

"I have no unfinished business with Chelsea in in the Champions League," he said. "I did my best. I always do my best. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

"In one semifinal we lost on penalties and in the other we lost because of a goal that wasn't a goal [a reference to a shot from Luis Garcia that was adjudged to have crossed the line], but that's football." ( goal.com )

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Atletico success built on shaky economic foundations

Atletico success built on shaky economic foundations - Atletico Madrid's emergence as a third force in Spain and contenders among Europe's elite rests on wobbly economic foundations and the edifice could come crashing down if they cannot sustain their remarkable run. 

The club's success is in large measure down to inspirational coach Diego Simeone, who since taking charge in late 2011 has moulded an unspectacular squad into a unit capable of challenging the continent's richest clubs, including La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. 

Atletico Madrid's players stretch during a training session at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, March 31, 2014. REUTERS/Albert Gea

Real and Barca again topped Deloitte's latest Football Money League of the world's wealthiest club's by income, with revenue in excess of 500 million euros (411 million pounds), while Atletico squeaked into the top 20 with earnings of 120 million. 

Despite the huge gulf in resources, they are a point clear of Barca at the top of Spain's domestic league and three ahead of Real with six games left and are closing in on a first La Liga title since 1996 with a team featuring Simeone in midfield. 

At the same time, they have enjoyed another lucrative run in Europe and play their Champions League quarter-final, second leg at home to Barca on Wednesday with the pair locked at 1-1 after last week's first leg in the Catalan capital. 

Step back from the euphoria for a moment, however, and a glance at Atletico's accounts makes for grim reading. 

Figures for 2011-12 collated by Jose Maria Gay, a professor at the University of Barcelona and an expert on football finances, show the club are saddled with debts of more than 500 million euros and the cost of paying their players and staff alone is more than 90 percent of annual earnings. 

They had managed to stay afloat due to their unexpected winnings on the pitch and by convincing the government to let them fall behind in the payment of more than 100 million euros in taxes, according to Jaume Llopis, a professor at the IESE business school in Barcelona and football finance expert. 

The sale of top players like Fernando Torres, David De Gea and Sergio Aguero to the Premier League, a partnership with the Azerbaijan tourist board, reported to be worth 12 million euros over 18 months, and a deal with sporting goods maker Nike have also helped keep the wolves from the door, Llopis said. 

"Atletico Madrid's financial situation is dramatic," he told Reuters. 

"But this year because of the team's excellent results their economic problems are not talked about. 

"Only with their continued presence in the Champions League, locking in the sponsorship deal with Azerbaijan, attracting more sponsors and selling their best players can they improve their finances, although it will be very tough. 

"Either they stay in the Champions League and win the odd title which keeps the sponsors happy or they won't be able to straighten out their precarious economic situation." 

BRIGHT SPOT 

Angel Barajas, a professor of finance and accounting at the University of Vigo who specialises in sports economics, believes Atletico do not have the resources to challenge in more than one competition over the longer term. 

However, by selling their best players from time to time and buying decent replacements, as well as bringing through talent from the club's academy, they could remain a strong contender in the second rank behind the richest teams, he added. 

"Atletico's situation is problematic because of the level of debt but if they manage to keep wages under control and sell players to raise cash, while keeping their sporting model intact, they could stay at a good level," Barajas told Reuters. 

"What is not viable in the long term is trying to stay in the fight for La Liga and European silverware in competition with clubs who have more than twice their earnings. 

"One exceptional season is possible but competing at the highest level in various competitions needs not only a good team but an extraordinary squad. And that costs a great deal." 

Placido Rodriguez, a professor of economics at Oviedo University and a former chairman of Sporting Gijon, noted several examples of Spanish clubs with relatively limited resources that have challenged at the highest level before fading away again. 

These included Valencia, Villarreal, Deportivo La Coruna and Sevilla, who all had successful runs in Europe and either won or came close to winning La Liga in the past 15 years but like Atletico, have had to sell their top performers. 

One potential bright spot for Atletico, which would boost revenue and help secure their future, was the planned move from their crumbling Calderon stadium to a new 70,000-capacity arena at La Peineta, Rodriguez said. 

There are also plans for a vast new training complex which would include offices, a 15,000-seater stadium for the second and third teams and facilities and shops for fans. 

"If these two projects come off and they don't make any crazy financial decisions in the meantime, for example when results aren't going their way, Atletico's economic situation will be much improved," Rodriguez told Reuters. 

Atletico have already qualified for next season's Champions League and their run in the latest edition of the competition should see them climb the rankings in Deloitte's next Money League, the accounting firm said. (Reuters) 

READ MORE - Atletico success built on shaky economic foundations

Lionel Messi hat-trick sees Barca past Real in seven-goal thriller

Messi hat-trick sees Barca past Real in seven-goal thriller - Barcelona moved to within a point of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga as they twice came from behind thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick to edge a thrilling El Clasico 4-3 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The sides went in level 2-2 at half-time as a record 19th goal against Madrid from Messi cancelled out Karim Benzema's double after Andres Iniesta had put Barca in front.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi grabs the ball after scoring during the Spanish league "Clasico" football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Pierre-Philippe Marcou)      

       

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league "Clasico" football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Gerard Julien). 

Real Madrid's defender Sergio Ramos is shown a red card during the Spanish league "Clasico" football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Gerard Julien). 

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league "Clasico" football match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Pierre-Philippe Marcou). 

Real Madrid's goalkeeper Diego Lopez (top) jumps over Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar during the Spanish league "Clasico" football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Dani Pozo). 

Cristiano Ronaldo then put Madrid back in front from the penalty spot, but the hosts were reduced to 10-men when Sergio Ramos pulled down Neymar inside the box 10 minutes later and Messi levelled once more from the spot.

And the Argentine won the game with another penalty seven minutes from time after Iniesta had been felled by Xabi Alonso.

A first defeat for Real in 32 games means Atletico Madrid remain top of the table thanks to their better head-to-head record against Los Blancos with Barca still in third.

"The league starts a new now," said Barca boss Gerardo Martino.

"More than the mathematical distance we were behind, the impression was people wrote us off. Atletico Madrid were always in the fight and I think that after this result we are too.

"We knew if we didn't win tonight it was over for us. We still don't have matters in our own hands, but we'll now fight till the end."

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, lamented Ramos' game-changing red card when Madrid had just gotten themselves back in front.

"I haven't seen it again and it is difficult for me to comment on the decisions of the referee because there were many.

"However, it was the key moment. We were winning 3-2 and controlling the game well, but it is much more difficult to control the game with a player less."

The game got off to a blistering start as after Neymar and Benzema had early efforts easily saved, Barca opened the scoring when Messi played in Iniesta behind the Real defence and the Spanish international smashed the ball in off the underside of the bar.

Benzema had a great chance to equalise five minutes later when he spooned Angel Di Maria's cut-back over after a great a jinking run from the Argentine had taken him past three Barca defenders.

Messi could then have made it 2-0 when he fired wide with the type of opening he is normally deadly with as he raced onto Cesc Fabregas' fine through ball.

Benzema made amends for his earlier miss 20 minutes in when Victor Valdes just failed to keep out his header from Di Maria's cross.

The Frenchman then completed a rapid turnaround for the hosts as Javier Mascherano misjudged another Di Maria centre from the left and Benzema took a touch before firing past the helpless Valdes.

Gerard Pique had to make a vital clearance off the line to prevent a hat-trick of Di Maria assists for Benzema.

- Controversial penalty award -

Barca responded before half-time and were level when Messi controlled a loose ball inside the area and slotted home at Diego Lopez's near post.

Benzema could still have put Madrid in front at the break as his looping header from Dani Carvajal's cross crept inches past the post.

The first opportunity of the second period also fell to Benzema after a terrific run and pass from Gareth Bale, but this time Valdes managed to make the save low to his right.

Carlo Ancelotti's men did retake the lead on 55 minutes when referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco controversially awarded a penalty for a trip on Ronaldo by Alves despite the contact appearing to take place outside the area.

Ronaldo was unmoved, though, as he got up to take hammer the resulting spot-kick low past Valdes' outstretched right hand.

However, the game turned again 25 minutes from time when Messi released Neymar and he was brought down by Ramos.

Real's captain for the evening was shown his 19th red card for Los Blancos for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity and Messi converted from the spot to make it 3-3.

Alves then struck the inside of the post from 25 yards as Barca went in search of the goal that would salvage their title chances.

And they got it when Mallenco awarded a third penalty of the evening as Iniesta tumbled inside the area and Messi again dispatched it perfectly high past Lopez. (AFP)

READ MORE - Lionel Messi hat-trick sees Barca past Real in seven-goal thriller

5 things to know about the Spanish league

5 things to know about the Spanish league  — Real Madrid's advantage at the top of the Spanish league has been squeezed down to a single point over Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid is only three points behind.

Barcelona can add pressure with a victory at Valladolid on Saturday, a day before Madrid faces Levante. Atletico has a tough trip to Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Real's Cristiano Ronaldo, centre, celebrates his goal with teammate Gareth Bale, right, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Here are five things to know about this weekend's Spanish league matches:

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Atletico's Gabi , left, celebrates his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Gabriel Pecot)

TREBLE HUNT

Barcelona remains in the hunt for the treble despite feeling a wind of change is coming.

Real's Karim Benzema, second right, scores a goal past Atletico’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, left, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Lionel Messi is scoring but, surprisingly, his future remains in doubt as rumors swirl that Manchester City is ready to pay his 200 million euro ($275 million) buyout clause. There are also reports that the Argentina captain's teammates are frustrated by his tendency to disappear during games.

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino's future also continues to be questioned, and Neymar's arrival has been marked by the saga surrounding his transfer from Santos.

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes had already said he would leave the club at the end of the season, and defender Carles Puyol announced Tuesday this would be his last season with the club, too.

"My generation and the one before don't know about a Barca without Puyi in defense," Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique wrote on his Facebook page. "I suppose nothing will be the same again."

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NO DRAMAS

While Atletico looks to keep pace and Barcelona looks to avoid internal combustion, Real Madrid is remarkably enjoying a season without much drama.

The Spanish team remains in the hunt for the treble with forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale all in good form, and the rest of its squad reinforced at nearly every position without injury worries.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has even managed to keep his goalkeepers happy despite relegating Iker Casillas to a backup role, although the Spain captain is the team's choice in the Champions League.

It's quite a change to three previous seasons under Jose Mourinho, who took a stab at his players' vanity in an interview this week.

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, center, reacts after scoring with his teammates against Almeria during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

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TEMPER TANTRUMS

Atletico Madrid has had to scrap and fight harder than Madrid and Barcelona to remain in the hunt for the league title, but part of that cost will be felt Saturday in Vigo.

Striker Diego Costa is banned because of an accumulation of bookings, as is midfielder Arda Turan. Assistant coach German Burgos also begins serving the first of a three-game ban for his aggressive protest in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Madrid.

Diego Costa's absence should provide David Villa with a rare start, while midfielder Diego Ribas should get the nod for Turan.

FC Barcelona's Carles Puyol reacts after scoring against Almeria during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

FC Barcelona's Carles Puyol reacts after scoring against Almeria during a Spanish La Liga soccer …

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CELTA'S SUCCESS

Barcelona has played a big hand in Celta Vigo's impressive season.

Much like his older brother Thiago Alcantara at Bayern Munich, Rafinha has been a key driving force to his club's success this season in guiding Celta's attack to put it 11th in the stadnings. Rafinha, who is on-loan from Barcelona, was deemed the league's most outstanding player in February.

Celta coach Luis Enrique is a well-known former Barcelona player who has managed to exploit Rafinha's potential.

FC Barcelona's Neymar, from Brazil, second right, duels for the ball against Almeria's Rafael Ramos. second left, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

FC Barcelona's Neymar, from Brazil, second right, duels for the ball against Almeria's Rafae …

Celta has drawn its past two games at Balaidos Stadium while Atletico has lost two straight on the road.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ASPIRATIONS

Athletic Bilbao travels to Valencia on Sunday entrenched in fourth place, which secures the league's final Champions League qualifying place.

The Basque team, which hasn't played in Europe's top-tier competition in more than a decade, holds a six-point advantage over neighbor Real Sociedad and is seven points ahead of Villarreal.

"We would have all signed on the dotted line to be in this situation at the start of the season," Athletic midfielder Ander Iturraspe said. "But a lot of games remain, we've still got a lot to show right up to the end of the season."

Real Sociedad faces Rayo Vallecano on Monday, and Villarreal is at Granada on Sunday. ( AP )

READ MORE - 5 things to know about the Spanish league

5 things to know about the Italian league

5 things to know about the Italian league - Serie A leader Juventus will look to get over last week's disappointing draw at Hellas Verona when it takes on Chievo Verona on Sunday. Roma — Juventus' only realistic challenger to the title — will also be hoping to recover from a poor week when it welcomes Sampdoria.

Third-placed Napoli visits lowly Sassuolo, needing to win to maintain a healthy advantage over Fiorentina and Inter Milan, which play each other on Saturday.

Here are five things to know about the Italian league this weekend:

ROMA REELING

It has been somewhat of a miserable week for Rudi Garcia and his Roma team.

Roma was dumped out of the Italian Cup on Wednesday after a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Napoli in the second leg of its semifinal.

AS Roma's Francesco Totti leaves at the end of an Italian Cup semifinal return match, between AS Roma and Napoli, at the San Paolo stadium in Naples, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014. Napoli won 3 - 0 to advance to the final. (AP Photo/Salvatore Laporta)

It was the club's second defeat in all competitions this season and came days after a 0-0 draw at Lazio in the capital derby, which would have seen Roma slip 11 points behind Juventus had the Serie A leader not drawn 2-2 at Hellas Verona.

This weekend sees Roma host Sampdoria, which is clambering its way away from danger after two successive victories.

"We need to be more clinical in attack and also in defense," Garcia said. "The start of the second half was awful; we need to improve. We will do everything to win on Sunday against Sampdoria."

Roma does have a game in hand on Juventus after its match against Parma was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

AS Roma coach Rudi Garcia leaves at the end of an Italian Cup, semifinal return match, between AS Roma and Napoli, at the San Paolo stadium in Naples, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014. Napoli won 3 - 0 to advance to the final. (AP Photo/Salvatore Laporta)

DISAPPOINTED TEVEZ

After slipping up against Hellas Verona last weekend, Juventus will be hoping not to fall foul of another Verona team on Sunday.

Juventus squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at promoted Verona and missed the chance to extend its Serie A lead to 11 points.

Carlos Tevez scored twice to take his tally to 13 for the season and he will be looking to fire his team to victory against Chievo Verona.

"I'm not happy because I like winning," Tevez said. "I haven't been thinking about my two goals against Verona, just the fact that we weren't able to come away with the three points."

Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain celebrates after scoring during an Italian Cup, semifinal return match, between AS Roma and Napoli, at the San Paolo stadium in Naples, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Salvatore Laporta)

Juventus has won all 11 of its home league matches this season.

NO LIMITS FOR MAZZARRI

Inter Milan will be hoping it has its season back on track after beating lowly Sassuolo for its first win of 2014.

It faces a much trickier test when it visits Fiorentina on Saturday hoping to reignite its faint Champions League hopes.

Juventus' forward Carlos Tevez, of Argentina scores during a Serie A soccer match against Hellas Verona at the Bentegodi stadium in Verona, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Felice Calabro')

Inter is fifth, just one place behind Fiorentina, but eight points separate the two teams. Third-placed Napoli is 11 points ahead of Inter.

"This Fiorentina is a very dangerous side, especially at its own ground," Inter coach Walter Mazzarri said. "But we are confident we can give a certain continuity to our results.

"There are 45 points at stake; I would like to get most of them. I can't put limits on myself and I would be happy if the team goes into each game with my spirit."

MILAN FOCUSED ON BOLOGNA

Juventus' forward Carlos Tevez, right, of Argentina, is hugged by his teammate Paul Pogba, of France, after he scored during a Serie A soccer match against Hellas Verona at the Bentegodi stadium in Verona, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Felice Calabro')

AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf claims his team isn't thinking about the upcoming Champions League match ahead of its league game against Bologna.

After losing 3-1 at Napoli last weekend, Milan will be hoping to celebrate Saint Valentine's day with a win on Friday against relegation-threatened Bologna.

Spanish leader Atletico Madrid visits Milan for the first leg of its last-16 clash on Wednesday.

"We're clearly only focused on Bologna," Seedorf said. "We haven't given the slightest thought to the Champions League yet.

"Every match helps us improve and the Bologna one could put us in a good state going into the Champions League match."

Inter Milan coach Walter Mazzarri gestures during the Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and Sassuolo at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Milan is the only Italian team left in the Champions League after both Napoli and Juventus were knocked out of Europe's elite club competition.

GOMEZ RETURN

Fiorentina forward Mario Gomez could return to action on Saturday after nearly five months out with a left knee injury.

The Germany start was an unused substitute in Tuesday's Italian Cup semifinal victory over Udinese but is likely to make a long-awaited reappearance against Inter Milan.

Gomez was Fiorentina's marquee signing when he joined in the summer from Bayern Munich for a reported 20 million euros ($26 million).

He scored twice in his second league match for Fiorentina but was injured on his next Serie A appearance, against Cagliari on Sept. 15.

Gomez, who scored 112 goals in 172 games for Bayern, was initially expected to be sidelined for around six weeks with damaged knee ligaments but complications extended his recovery time.

Fiorentina's other star striker, Giuseppe Rossi, is still out with a long-term knee injury. ( ap.org )

READ MORE - 5 things to know about the Italian league

5 things to know about the Copa del Rey semifinals

5 things to know about the Copa del Rey semifinals — Real Madrid and Barcelona are on the verge of meeting in the Copa del Rey final, they just need to avoid a hiccup in the return legs of their semifinals following first-leg victories that put both of them in control of their series.

Barcelona holds a slimmer advantage, of 2-0, going into Wednesday's return at Real Sociedad. Atletico Madrid's impressive season has come undone some since a 3-0 first-leg loss to Madrid, but it returns to the Vicente Calderon for Tuesday's return.

Real Madrid's Gareth Bale from Great Britain, right, in action with Villarreal's Jonathan Pereira, left, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Villarreal at the Bernabeu stadium stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Here are five things to know about the Copa del Rey semifinals, return legs:

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Atletico's Javier Manquillo, left, duels for the ball against Almeria's Dubarbier from Argen …

BALE-ING MADRID OUT

Gareth Bale marked his return from a two-game layoff with a sparkling performance in Saturday's 4-2 league win over Villarreal.

The Welshman's return was well-timed with Cristiano Ronaldo's league ban, though the Portugal forward can return for Tuesday's match. Jese Rodriguez also continued his good run, scoring for the fourth straight game against Villarreal.

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Barcelona's Lionel Messi, second left, and Sevilla's Diogo Figueiras, second right, fight fo …

Madrid is unbeaten in 23 matches overall, while Atletico has now lost two straight after having lost just once in its previous 36 games.

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NOT BAD FOR A BACKUP

Madrid backup goalie Iker Casillas is doing his best to ensure he leads Spain at the World Cup despite a lack of playing time with his club.

It's been 772 minutes since Casillas last conceded, which was to Galatasaray in a Champions League victory in November.

Casillas has gone eight games in the domestic cup competition without allowing a goal in, while watching teammate Diego Lopez start in league play.

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MESSI'S MYSTERY

Lionel Messi has been mercurial of late, but the Argentina forward reminded how effective he can be just when you start to wonder about his motivation.

Messi scored two goals as Barcelona beat Sevilla 4-1 in the league on Sunday, including his first league goal from open play since September.

Of late, Barcelona has been leaning on Alexis Sanchez, who has scored five goals in his past five matches for the Catalans, but Neymar could return after the Brazil striker practiced with the team on Monday.

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INJURIES MOUNT FOR ATLETICO

Atletico is in a tailspin for the first time all season, and injuries aren't helping its slide.

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Atletico's coach Diego Pablo Simeone from Argentina waits for the start of a Spanish La Liga soc …

Following the ill-tempered first-leg defeat against Madrid, Atletico lost 2-0 at Almeria to allow Madrid and Barcelona to tie it atop the Spanish league after holding the outright lead for just one matchday.

Midfielder Tiago Cardoso hurt both his right knee and left wrist against Almeria, when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and back Filipe Luis did not play owing to injury.

Atletico is also without leading scorer Diego Costa because of a ban, with David Villa's availability uncertain.

"The only way to get out of this is hard work," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said, "and that's how we'll do it."

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DON'T BET SOCIEDAD

Real Sociedad's chances of overturning its first-leg loss to reach the cup final look slim.

The Basque club has only once come back from a first-leg deficit to win a Copa del Rey series, during the 1979-80 season.

Sociedad coach Jagoba Arrasate looked to put a positive spin on the team's performance following Sunday's scoreless league draw against Levante.

"It's an important match for the club and I'm confident that the opportunities we couldn't create against Levante we'll be able to produce (against Barcelona)," Arrasate said.

Sociedad last reached the cup final in 1988. ( AP )

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