11.   His bosses were in a near panic, and team dissent was being splashed across the national sports press.

12.   Along with the influential Italian sports press, Sacchi has faced a barrage of criticism from Serie A players past and present, along with rival coaches.

13.   AS Roma skipper Francesco Totti has told Alessandro Nesta to get out of arch-rivals Lazio to save his career, the Italian sports press reported Tuesday.

14.   Experienced campaigner Davide Sanguinetti has ended his boycott of the Italian Davis Cup team, the Italian sports press reported.

15.   The sports press was equally gushing about the dreadlocked Dutchman.

16.   Italy captain Alessandro Moscardi has denied being part of a conspiracy to oust New Zealander Brad Johnstone as coach, the Italian sports press reported Saturday.

17.   Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti admits he may be forced to sell club captain and Italian international defender Alessandro Nesta, the Italian sports press reported Saturday.

18.   Players with Italian first division surprise packages Chievo have opened negotiations with club president Luca Campedelli for a bonus package, the Italian sports press reported Wednesday.