Juventus head coach Antonio Conte will return to the touchline in December after having his lengthy suspension from football reduced by six months today.

The struggles of Italy's poorer southern cities came under the spotlight yesterday as the Government moved to play down fears of a default by Sicily.

While they are looking ahead to tomorrow's match against Italy, Croatia's players are also looking back to 1994.

Low turnout and a crumbling centre-right vote in Italian local elections were blamed yesterday on austerity measures introduced by Mario Monti's technocrat administration and a series of corruption scandals, particularly on the right.

Sensational claims of a plot to assassinate Pope Benedict XVI have whipped Italy into a frenzy and focused the world's attention on the poisonous atmosphere seeping through the corridors of the Holy See.

Even in winter, this Sicilian city charms with colourful festivities, delicious food and dramatic scenery, says Duncan Garwood.

Genoa fired Alberto Malesani and were in the process of hiring Pasquale Marino, marking the 10th coaching change in Serie A since August.

Palermo fired coach Devis Mangia on Monday, six weeks after extending his contract until the end of next season.

Incoming Prime Minister, Mario Monti, has told Italy it must accept radical plans by his "government of national engagement" to slash waste, corruption and privilege – or see its economy fail.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini insists his club have no chance of signing Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli.

The latest eruption on Mount Etna sent flames hundreds of metres into the air at the weekend.

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Palermo midfielder Pajtim Kasami for an undisclosed fee.

Javier Pastore would rather remain in Italy than join a Premier League team if he decides to leave Palermo this summer.