Rosina rejects Tottenham link

(GETTY IMAGES)

Torino midfielder Alessandro Rosina has played down speculation linking him with a January transfer to Premier League strugglers Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old schemer is currently under contract with the Italian club until the summer of 2011 and has denied any contact with Spurs over a potential switch.

Rosina told the Italian media: "I've not had any telephone calls from England. My mind is focused only on Torino.

"In any case, at this moment in time an overseas experience is not something I am interested in. I am focused on Torino and making my return to fitness. All the rest of it just passes me by."

Italy international Rosina joined Torino in the summer of 2005, having previously impressed for Parma and Verona.

Meanwhile, AS Roma have been plunged into a defensive crisis ahead of Saturday's meeting with Internazionale after losing both Philippe Mexes and Christian Panucci to suspension.

Both Mexes and Panucci were dismissed for two bookable offences as a lacklustre Giallorossi lost 1-0 against Siena in the last round of Serie A fixtures before the international break.

France defender Mexes has been hit with a three-game ban following his behaviour towards the referee.

Meanwhile, veteran full-back Panucci will sit out just one game - the visit of the champions to the Stadio Olimpico - after his 74th-minute sending off.

However, Roma should be boosted by the return to action of Brazil international defender Juan, who has also been sidelined by injury in recent weeks, and he is confident of an upturn in his side's fortunes.

He said: "We started the season badly, but we have all the time we need to turn things around, starting with Sunday's game against Inter.

"We have a very strong squad, a united group and a great coach."

For their part, Inter are sweating on the fitness of France international midfielder Patrick Vieira, who suffered a slight leg injury while on international duty at the weekend.

Vieira missed Les Bleus' games against Romania and Tunisia and is rated as doubtful for the weekend.