European Football: Gullit in prime form

SAMPDORIA kept up their pursuit of Milan in Italy's Serie A with an impressive 4-1 win at Atalanta yesterday, writes Rupert Metcalf.

Milan were held to a 0-0 draw at home by a Lazio side that lacked the injured Paul Gascoigne. The champions are one point ahead of Sampdoria and Parma, who beat Foggia 3-0 thanks to two goals from Gianfranco Zola and one from Faustino Asprilla.

Sampdoria's Roberto Mancini set up Ruud Gullit for the opening goal before adding the second himself. The Dutchman and David Platt - four goals each so far this term - were on target in the second-half prior to Franck Sauzee's penalty for the home side. Gullit's fine form has led to speculation that he is on the brink of reversing his decision to retire from international football. He may yet face England in Rotterdam on Wednesday week.

In France, troubled Marseille returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win at Lille. Two Portuguese internationals scored their goals: Paulo Futre in the first half and Rui Barros two minutes from time. Bordeaux went a point clear after Philippe Vercruysse was on target twice in a 2-0 win at Strasbourg.

After three defeats in a row in Spain, Real Madrid battled to a 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid, despite a red card just after half-time for their veteran midfelder, Rafael Martin Vazquez.