Another era of ItalJuve

How a strong Juventus influence could be key to Italy's Euro 2012 hopes

It is far from a new phenomenon for a country to call upon a large number of stars from a single club, and Italy themselves have quite the history – particularly in relation to Juventus – and it has proven to be a winning formula for them in the past.

The Azzurri’s first-ever World Cup win in 1934 came in the middle of a run of five straight Scudetti for the Turin side, and the likes of Giovanni Ferrari, Raimundo Orsi and Umberto Caligaris were among a nine-strong band of Juve players in the 22-man squad which triumphed on home soil under Vittorio Pozzo. Four years later, Italy grabbed a second world title immediately after the Bianconeri had added a Coppa Italia win to their roll of honour. The 1930s remains the second most successful decade in the club’s history.

Zinedine Zidane learns the A-ZZ of management

The ex-France, Juventus and Real Madrid superstar has started a two-year university diploma at Limoges to become a manager and is dreaming of coaching Les Bleus. Zizou said: "France manager? Why not? It would not be bad. Anything is possible in life."

Current coach Laurent Blanc is not yet quaking in his boots as Zidane has two years of hard studying ahead.

And it is believed he will first put his new skills to work in his current role as Real Madrid Director of Sport. Zidane enrolled into the Centre of Law and Sports Finances at Limoges with 17 other hopefuls, with former Leeds midfielder Olivier Dacourt among them.

Fulham sign Grygera

Fulham have completed the signing of Juventus defender Zdenek Grygera on a one-year deal.

The 31-year-old has been with the Turin giants for the past four seasons and has now penned a deal with the Cottagers, with an option for a further year.

He moves on a free transfer after his contract with Juventus was terminated by mutual consent on Tuesday.

Grygera faced Fulham in March 2010 when he come off the bench during Fulham's 4-1 Europa League win against Juventus at Craven Cottage, which he is excited to now call home.

"I am delighted to have completed my transfer to Fulham Football Club," he told the club's official website, www.fulhamfc.com.

"It has always been an ambition for me to play in the Premier League and I am looking forward to an exciting new chapter in my career with Fulham."

Grygera began his career with Czech side FK Svit Zlin in 1997, before moving to Petra Drnovice and Sparta Prague.

The defender, who has made 52 appearances for his country, joined Ajax in 2003 and then Serie A outfit Juventus in 2007.

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Ronaldo hat-trick propels Real Madrid win

Cristiano Ronaldo scored three goals in a devastating nine minute second-half spell on Wednesday to propel Spanish giants Real Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Mexico's Chivas Guadalajara.

Ronaldo, a former world footballer of the year, was thwarted by Chivas keeper Luis Michel in the first half of the friendly.

Michel stopped one of the Portuguese star's signature free kicks in the 6th minute and shortly afterwards denied a Ronaldo headed attempt off a corner.

Then as half-time approached Ronaldo fought off a defender to reach a through ball from Mezut Ozil, only to find Michel had rushed out to close the angle.

Man City manager Mancini expects Aguero developments

Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero, BBC Sport understands.

The move comes despite the deadlock in Carlos Tevez's proposed move to Brazilian outfit Corinthians.

The Tevez transfer is on hold after the Brazilian side contradicted City boss Roberto Mancini's claim that a deal had been agreed.

David Beckham: "I'll prove I'm still the Real deal"

Becks and his LA Galaxy team-mates are gearing up for the World Football Challenge in the States, which also features Premier League champions Manchester United.

And the England international is looking forward to proving he can still cut it among the best players in the world.

Beckham, who starred for Madrid from 2003 to 2007, said: "I spent four amazing years at Real Madrid.

"To go from a club like Manchester United to Real Madrid, it really doesn't get much better than that in football.

"I've got many friends still there. To be facing Real Madrid for the first time since I left is emotional.

"You get attached to the club, you get attached to the people.

Official: Antonio Conte appointed new Juventus coach

Juventus have confirmed Antonio Conte will be their coach for the next two years after the 41-year-old signed a contract in Turin on Tuesday afternoon.

A statement on the club's official website reads:

"Antonio Conte has returned to Juventus. This time to lead them not from the pitch, but from the bench. He is the new coach. Conte has signed a two-year contract that will tie him to the Bianconeri until June 30, 2013."

Aquilani future to be sorted soon

The agent of Alberto Aquilani believes his client's future will be decided next week.

The Italian midfielder has spent this season on loan at Juventus from Liverpool, but the Turin giants failed to exercise their first buy-out option to sign the 26-year-old on a permanent basis, which expired last weekend.

"The percentage that Aquilani will remain at Juve is above 50%," said Aquilani's agent Franco Zavaglia to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Miracles can happen - Redknapp

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is confident that his players are capable of creating history by pulling off a "miraculous" comeback against Real Madrid tomorrow.

A ruthless 4-0 hammering in the Bernabeu last week left Tottenham facing a huge task to overcome Jose Mourinho's side and make the Champions League semi-finals. No team in the history of the competition has been able to overturn a four-goal margin from a first leg defeat.

Transfer News: Arsenal eye up Benzema; Tottenham revive interest in Charlie Adam

With Robin van Persie prone to injury and Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh both struggling for form in recent months, Arsene Wenger is keen on strengthening his attacking options when the transfer window reopens.

Wenger's main target is fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema, who is currently plying his trade at Real Madrid after a big money move from Lyon in the summer of 2009.

The France international has been in good form this season after a difficult start to his career in Madrid but Jose Mourinho may be willing to cash in on him if the Gunners are willing to pay the £25 million asking price.