Dismissed Mourinho slams referee

(GETTY IMAGES)

Jose Mourinho faces a suspension after being sent off during the first half of his Internazionale side’s 1-0 win against Sampdoria, a result which lifted them back to the top of the Serie A table.

Adriano scored the only goal of the match on the stroke of half-time as Inter restored their three-point advantage over second-placed Juventus.

However Mourinho, who was sent to the stands in the 40th minute, was unimpressed by the referee’s display.

He said: “This weekend the referees haven’t been great and it was the case again tonight, as there were so many cards, including my own red, which was very harsh to me.

“The referee was not calm, whereas Pierluigi Collina, the best referee in the world, who was in the gallery to observe, would have been.

“Tonight’s referee was one with no experience, and he certainly did not favour us in any way.

“But it was the response of my team that was the most important thing. Our only negative moment of the season came against Atalanta. We have moved on from there, and we were fantastic today.”

Meanwhile, Genoa striker Diego Milito believes his injury problems are clearing and hopes to be back in action in the not too distant future.

The 12-goal Argentinian striker has missed the last three games through injury, but believes he is now closing in on a return to full-fitness.

"I feel better and I hope to return soon," he claimed. "Not that my team-mates felt my absence during this period, as on the pitch they were fantastic and then they were close to me.

"Obviously I would like to taste again the atmosphere of a game with them."

Relegation-threatened Reggina have sacked Bepi Pillon in the wake of the weekend defeat to Chievo.

Pillon had only been in charge of the club for a month when he replaced Nevio Orlandi, who has now returned as manager.

President Lillo Foti made the decision after the 1-0 defeat to Chievo left his club at the foot of the Serie A table, four points away from safety.

Foti said after the loss: “There are still 18 games left and I don’t want to delude myself.

“However there’s still a path that we can make and I want to live it with all the strength and courage that I recognise in myself and the squad.

“The team still managed to hold on despite playing with a man less in a direct clash. From my side there is bitterness, but no resignation.”