Football: Gascoigne all-clear lifts Lazio

PAUL GASCOIGNE, who managed to pick up a groin strain while in England over Christmas, has been given the all-clear by his coach, Dino Zoff, for Lazio's important game against Sampdoria in Rome's Olympic Stadium tomorrow.

'I have been preoccupied with Gascoigne, it's true. But a player of his class is always useful, even if he is not in the best condition,' Zoff said.

Zoff added Gascoigne to his squad as his injury was not as bad as feared. The inclusion of Gascoigne is well-timed as Sampdoria are at full strength, having welcomed back their captain and striker, Roberto Mancini, from a two-match suspension. The Gazza v David Platt show is live on Channel 4.

Milan are expected to field their controversial Montenegrin playmaker, Dejan Savicevic, against newly promoted Reggiana. The gifted Savicevic, often at odds with his coach, Fabio Capello, over his frequent omissions from the side, netted twice in a charity match against an international all-star side at the San Siro on Wednesday.

Roberto Baggio, the new European Footballer of the Year, has a thigh strain but should be fit for Juventus who are still seeking their first away win of the season, at Udinese.