Everton return in style as Spurs, Celtic held

Everton marked their first appearance in Europe since the 2009/2010 season.

Everton marked their first appearance in Europe since the 2009/2010 season with a 4-1 Europa League win over Wolfsburg on Thursday while Celtic and Tottenham were held to draws in tricky away assignments.

The Merseysiders were ahead after just 15 minutes at Goodison Park when Ricardo Rodriguez put through his own goal after deflecting a Steven Naismith shot before a close-range header from Seamus Coleman made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.

Leighton Baines added the third from the penalty spot two minutes after the break with Kevin Mirallas firing home a smart fourth two minutes from time after a fine pass from substitute Samuel Eto'o.

Rodriguez grabbed a consolation for Wolfsburg with a curled free-kick past Tim Howard in the Everton goal in injury time.

The English side top H after rivals Lille and Krasnodar drew 1-1 in France.

Scottish champions Celtic came away from their trip to 1994 finalists Salzburg with an entertaining 2-2 Group D stalemate, twice being pegged back, while Spurs were goalless against Partizan in Belgrade.

Ghanaian winger Wakaso Mubarak put Celtic in the lead in the first quarter of an hour in Austria on his loan debut.

Brazilian striker Alan then levelled for the home side, his 35th minute shot deflected off defender Efe Ambrose.

Minutes before, only Celtic keeper Craig Gordon's fingertips had kept out Andre Ramlho's header.

After the restart, Gordon produced a superb double save to keep Salzburg at bay again.

Scott Brown put the Scots back in front on the hour, his 30-yard screamer helped on its way by Andre Ramalho's leg.

With 12 minutes left, Salzburg captain Jonatan Soriano earned the Austrians a share of the points with a brilliant freekick, which flew over the wall and into the top corner of Gordon's net.

Celtic boss Ronny Deila said: "It was a good result against a very good team. We worked better as a team today and stood the distance better."

On Gordon's heroics in goal he added: "He was marvellous. He has been good all season and he is a top professional."

In the other game in Celtic's group, on-loan Manchester United forward Angelo Henriquez was among the scorers as Dinamo Zagreb routed Astra Giurgiu of Romania 5-1.

Tottenham, in their fourth Europa League campaign, made no fewer than 10 changes from the side that drew with Sunderland in the Premier League at the weekend, keeper Hugo Lloris the only survivor.

Harry Kane almost gave the north Londoners a dream start to their bid to get out of Group C, his first minute attempt hitting the bar.

But despite looking dangerous on occasions Tottenham lacked the killer touch and were unable to find a way through Partizan's defence.

Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino said: "In the end it was a tough game and difficult to do well. We tried. One point was a fair result."

"We knew it would be difficult. The result was fair. We competed and got a clean sheet," he added.

Elsewhere, Inter Milan were held 1-1 at Dnipro, and goals from Aleksandr Kokorin and Aleksei Ionov lifted Dinamo Moscow to a 2-1 Group E win at Panathinaikos.

Defending champions Sevilla enjoyed a 2-0 win over Feyenoord thanks to first-half strikes from Grzegorz Krychowiak and Stephane Mbia.

Steaua Bucharest beat Aalborg 6-0 with Claudiu Keseru scoring an 11-minute second-half hat-trick.

There were also three impressive wins for Italian clubs with Inter Milan claiming a 1-0 victory at Dnipropetrovsk, Napoli cruising 3-1 past Sparta Prague and Fiorentina claiming a 3-1 home win against Guingamp.

For the first time this season's Europa League winners get a Champions League spot.

This is the first match-day of the round-robin phase with the top two from each of the 12 groups of four qualifying for the knock-out phase, where they are joined by the third-placed teams from the group phase of the Champions League.

San Siro to host 2016 Champions League final

UEFA have today announced that San Siro will host the 2016 Champions League final.

Following a meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee in Nyon, Switzerland, the decision to host the showpiece event at the home of Milan and Inter was confirmed on Thursday. 

Taking place on May 28, 2016, it will be the fourth time that the final of Europe's premier club competition will be decided at the stadium, and ends a 15-year absence since Bayern Munich defeated Valencia on penalties in 2001 following a 1-1 draw. 

The other finals at the iconic stadium were held in 1965 when Inter defended their crown, and five years later when Feyenoord lifted the famous trophy after a 2-1 win over Celtic.

The final will also make it the second time in eight years that the competition's showpiece has been held in Italy, after Rome hosted Barcelona's victory over Manchester United in 2009.

Since that time, Wembley has also held the final twice - in 2011 and 2013 - and after this season's finale, which is at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany will also have held two finals in recent years, following Chelsea's penalty-shootout victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in 2012. 

UEFA also announced that St Jakob-Park in Basle will hold the 2016 Europa League final and the Super Cup final will take place at the Lerkendal Stadion, Trondheim.

Selke extends Werder deal

Werder Bremen have announced that teenage striker Davie Selke has signed a three-year contract extension with the Bundesliga club.

The 19-year-old had been linked with a move away from the Weserstadion after impressing for Germany during the UEFA Under-19 European Championships.

Selke struck 11 goals in 10 games at the finals in Hungary as Germany lifted the trophy in July, causing some of Europe's top clubs to show an interest.

However, Werder have now announced that Selke will remain with the club until 2018.

"We are happy that Davie chose Werder for the long term," general manager Thomas Eichin told the club's official website. "He has shown the potential and proven his commitment.

"We are certain that he will take another important step in the coming years and will be a joy for all of us."

Selke made three senior appearances for Werder in the Bundesliga last season and has started two of their three matches in the current campaign.

He netted his first professional goal in the 3-2 victory over Illertissen in the DFB Pokal last month, but still awaits his maiden strike in the league.

Liverpool rebuild will take time

Brendan Rodgers has urged patience as his new-look Liverpool side attempt to hit the heights of last season.

The departure of Luis Suarez and prospect of a first UEFA Champions League campaign for five years heralded a raft of new arrivals at Anfield during the off-season.

Liverpool have not enjoyed the start to the term they might have wished for, losing two of their opening four Premier League games before requiring a last-minute Steven Gerrard penalty to kick off their continental campaign with a 2-1 win over Ludogorets.

But Rodgers insists he has not been taken by surprise and claimed that it will take some time for his troops to gel.

He said: "There is no magic formula. It is just constant work on the training field.

"I remember this time last year I was being asked if we were going to be able to score goals and we ended up with 101.

"It just takes time and patience. We were not playing how we were in February, March, April and May in September.

"It will be the same this year. By the time the second part of the season comes, we will always be stronger.

"We have had to bring in a lot of players because of the Champions League and that takes time.

"We have got players adapting and I am really pleased with the way they are settling in. My experience tells me we will get stronger and better."

Evra relishing Milan clash

Juventus defender Patrice Evra is relishing the prospect of locking horns with Milan in a mouth-watering Serie A clash on Sunday.

The defending champions have started the campaign well under Massimiliano Allegri, with consecutive two wins out of two in the league and a 2-0 victory over Malmo in the UEFA Champions League.

However, a new-look Milan side should be a different proposition for Juve given the Turin giants have only met Chievo and Udinese in Serie A so far.

Although Milan struggled last season, they have made a promising start to the campaign under new coach Filippo Inzaghi with two wins in Serie A.

France left-back Evra, who arrived in Italy from Manchester United during the close season, made his first Juve start against Chievo last weekend and is eagerly awaiting this weekend's clash at San Siro.

"We expect a tough game like all others, but we are Juve," he told Juventus TV. "These are the types of games I wanted to play when I signed for Juventus. 

"I'm really looking forward to it.

"Juve and Manchester United are similar in the sense that no effort is spared in giving you the best possible conditions in which to work."

Juventus have won their last four meetings with Milan in all competitions and recorded a 2-0 triumph at San Siro last season.

Immobile needs time

Borussia Dortmund must not expect too much too soon from striker Ciro Immobile, head coach Jurgen Klopp has urged.

The Italy international arrived at Signal Iduna Park in June as a direct replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who joined rivals Bayern Munich on a free transfer.

Filling Lewandowski's boots was always going to be a tough ask given the Pole scored over 100 goals during his four years at the club.

But the first signs of promise were there as the 24-year-old scored in Tuesday's 2-0 UEFA Champions League triumph over Arsenal - his first goal for the club in his fourth appearance.

And Klopp is certain that more will follow in time.

"We need to have patience with Immobile, he's improving," he said. "We can't expect him to score every game after running for 60 metres."

Meanwhile, Dortmund have received a boost ahead of their trip to Mainz on Saturday with the return to training of Ilkay Gundogan and Mats Hummels.

Neither player has featured for Klopp this season but they will not be rushed back to avoid any recurrence of the injuries 

"Ilkay Gundogan looks great," he added. "He trained well but still needs some time. He is on a great path.

"Mats Hummels has not played since the World Cup final and [had] very little training. 

"He is now only entered back into the team training."

Astori suffers knee injury

Roma will be without Davide Astori for several weeks after he suffered a knee injury during the UEFA Champions League win over CSKA Moscow.

The on-loan central defender damaged his right knee during the resounding 5-1 win at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, but was able to complete the full 90 minutes as Roma rose to the top of Group E.

However, the news that Astori is set for a spell on the sidelines is a blow ahead of the Eternal City club's Serie A clash with his parent club Cagliari on Sunday.

"Astori was sent for tests which revealed a right knee sprain with damage to the collateral medial ligament," said a statement on Roma's official website.

"The player has already started physiotherapy on the case."

His absence could see another loanee, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, come into the side for the clash at Stadio Olimpico this weekend.

Hughes hopeful of entering contract talks

Mark Hughes is optimistic of entering into talks to extend his contract as Stoke City manager in the near future.

The Welshman arrived at the Britannia Stadium at the beginning of last season as he took over from compatriot Tony Pulis and guided the club to ninth, their best Premier League finish.

Hughes, who initially signed a three-year deal, has attempted to introduce a new style of football to the club, with the focus more on an attractive, expansive brand rather than the direct approach favoured by his predecessor.

Amid speculation that he is set to discuss a new deal with Stoke's board, Hughes stated his desire to carry on the job he started in the previous campaign.

"I've had no conversations to that end," he said. 

"It was reported last week that there may be talks in the future. I hope so.

"It's a great club. My star had faded somewhat when I arrived. The Coates family [the club's owners] showed faith in my ability and I'm very grateful. 

"I would like to think that I repaid them a little bit last season with what we achieved together and we would love to build upon that. This is a place I enjoy being at."

Stoke visit Hughes' former employers QPR in the Premier League on Saturday and one of his players in particular may attract the interest of the man in the home dugout.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp has alluded to his desire to work with Peter Crouch again, having managed the striker at Tottenham and Portsmouth, but Hughes is keen to retain the former England man.

"Harry gets asked about a lot of players and is very honest in his assessment of them," said Hughes.

"Peter is doing very well for ourselves and we're very happy he's here. We didn't encourage any bids for our players. 

"He [Redknapp] didn't make a call but even if he did he wouldn't have got very far. Harry has worked with Peter before so he will know about him better than most."

Parma confirm Biabiany heart problem

Parma have revealed that winger Jonathan Biabiany is suffering from a heart problem.

The 26-year-old was set for a move to Milan on transfer deadline day, only for the deal to fall through as Cristian Zaccardo refused to move in the opposite direction.

However, Parma's general manager Pietro Leonardi revealed on Thursday that the former France Under-21 international had shown signs of a heart defect.

"I speak on behalf of the company, player and player representatives," he said.

"Jonathan Biabiany had a medical on July 10 in Parma and was given the all-clear. Subsequently, on September 1, during the medical performed in Milan there was the appearance of an arrhythmia that had never previously been detected.

"At that point, when Jonathan returned to Parma, he was subjected to further diagnostic tests. 

"Based on these, and also external consultants, it was decided to suspend the competitive activity for a limited period of time, during which the player will be monitored and subjected to further testing to establish his return to action.

"Jonathan could play as he is fit. We could put him on the field. But until we have certainty, he will not be used.

"It's terrible to put a label on the boy. I strongly hope that it's just a minor problem."

Biabiany was handed a start in Parma's opening Serie A game of the season at Cesena but was withdrawn after 74 minutes as the visitors lost 1-0.

Magath leaves Fulham

Rock-bottom Championship side Fulham have sacked manager Felix Magath and handed the job to Kit Symons on a caretaker basis.

The 61-year-old has paid the price for an abysmal start to the season in which Fulham have taken just one point from seven matches.

Magath arrived at Craven Cottage as a replacement for Rene Meulensteen in February but failed to keep the club in the Premier League.

Back in the second tier for the first time since the 2000-01 season, Fulham have struggled to adjust to life in their new surroundings and prop up the table following Wednesday's 5-3 loss to Nottingham Forest, which signalled the end of the German's tenure.

"This is an unfortunate but necessary change," said Fulham chairman Shahid Khan.

"I am doing what I feel is right and needed for Fulham football club, for today as well as tomorrow.

"I thank our supporters for standing by us during these most difficult of times on the pitch, and promise better days ahead."

Symons will now take charge for the home clash with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Captain Kaboul reports for duty

Younes Kaboul's tenure as Tottenham club captain begins with a trip to Partizan in the UEFA Europa League group stage on Thursday.

The French defender was confirmed as the club's new skipper on Monday following the departure of former incumbent Michael Dawson to Hull City, with Hugo Lloris and Emmanuel Adebayor assisting him as vice-captains.

Kaboul joined Tottenham in 2007, but left for Portsmouth a year later before returning to White Hart Lane in 2010, and coach Mauricio Pochettino believes the 28-year-old has the attributes to be a success in the role.

"Younes has shown me all the values needed to be a captain," he told the club's official website. "He has the character to lead this team as well as the respect of his team-mates.

"Hugo and Ade will be vice-captains and both of them, along with Younes, possess tremendous experience and have all shown a great attitude and leadership."

Kaboul himself added: "I am delighted to have been given this responsibility. To follow in the footsteps of some of the legendary captains that have represented this football club is a fantastic honour.

"It is a great achievement for me on a personal level and I hope to help lead this team to great things in the future."

And - should he be selected to feature on Thursday - Kaboul's first task will be to lead Tottenham to a winning start in Belgrade.

The London club have become a regular feature in this competition in recent seasons, with this being their fourth participation in succession.

A run to the quarter-finals during the 2012-13 campaign remains their best performance in that time.

Partizan's European adventure began in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, but a defeat to Ludogorets at the next stage saw them parachute into the Europa League, overcoming Neftci of Azerbaijan 5-3 on aggregate to book their place in Group C alongside Tottenham, Besiktas and Asteras Tripolis.

The Serbian club will have bad memories of facing London opposition, though, having lost 3-1 at home and away to Arsenal during the group stage of the 2010-11 Champions League.

Roberto Soldado (neck) and Jan Vertonghen (muscular) both missed out for Tottenham in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland at the weekend, while Kyle Walker underwent abdominal surgery earlier this month.

Petar Skuletic is suspended for the hosts.

De Bruyne expects stern Everton challenge

Wolfsburg attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is anticipating a difficult challenge when they face Everton in the UEFA Europa League.

The Bundesliga side visit Goodison Park on Thursday aiming to get their campaign in Europe's secondary club competition off to a winning start.

With both sides having finished fifth in their respective divisions last season, a competitive encounter is to be expected between two teams well fancied to go deep into the tournament.

And De Bruyne, who joined Wolfsburg from Everton's Premier League rivals Chelsea in January, is under no illusions about the quality of their Group H opponents.

"To play Everton at their own stadium is very difficult," De Bruyne said.

"A lot of top teams lose in that stadium, maybe it's different as I also saw some English teams do a little bit worse. 

"They play nice football and have a good coach in [Roberto] Martinez and I think they have a very good team. 

"In the last five or six years they have always been in the top six so I think they are a very good side."

Striker Nicklas Bendtner will also be familiar with Everton having spent nine years with Arsenal and, after finally ending his association with the London club, the Dane is keen to help Wolfsburg succeed both domestically and on the European stage, highlighting qualification for the Champions League as his goal.

"I hope we can build on now playing in the Europa League and try and see if we can reach the Champions League stages this season," Bendtner said.

"We want to of course win our matches and get as high up the league as possible. 

"For me personally, I come from a fresh start from Arsenal and I felt this was the right place for me to play and I think I can score goals here."

Benitez calls for unity at Napoli

Rafael Benitez has called for Napoli to be united as they prepare for their UEFA Europa League opener against Sparta Prague on Thursday.

Benitez's men have endured a difficult start to the campaign - bowing out of the Champions League in qualification while also losing 1-0 at home Chievo in Serie A on Sunday.

Those results have led to criticism in certain quarters, with Benitez calling on players and fans to work together ahead of the visit of the Czech champions.

The Spaniard feels Sparta will play with freedom at the Stadio San Paolo and warned of the threat they can pose, having taken them on while in charge at Chelsea.

"Results are important but data from the last three months has been fantastic. Now I read with great surprise that it is the worst start in four years, but I did not read any positive news after the first win," Benitez said on Wednesday.

"We must be united, the fans have understood this and have helped the team. We are all sorry, but so many people have realised that it is important for us. Now we are focused on Sparta Prague, the best team in their championship.

"Against us they have nothing to lose, we have prepared for the game well and we will have to work together in order to win tomorrow.

"I played against Sparta with Chelsea and it was two difficult games. We must move forward, but we are thinking about the game tomorrow.

"We have to play to our best in this competition, we have to win tomorrow and look forward. I have experience in this, we have to have a good group stage. After that, anything can happen."

Benitez also hinted at making changes to his starting XI, with Michu potentially coming in for their Group I opener.

"When I arrived at Valencia and starting making team rotations they said there that I was crazy, but I won La Liga and the Europa League," he added.

"I can make the team rotations if we have an adequate squad, whilst the changes are only right in the case that we win. We will see what happens tomorrow."

Montella eyes strong Fiorentina start

Vincenzo Montella insists his Fiorentina side are fully committed to the UEFA Europa League ahead of their opener against Guingamp.

The sides meet at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Group K on Thursday with Montella's side having failed to hit the ground running in Serie A so far this term. 

A 2-0 defeat to Roma was followed by a goalless draw against Genoa, although the hosts will be favourites to overcome their French opponents this week. 

Guingamp - Coupe de France winners last term - have lost three of their opening five Ligue 1 games. 

And Montella is eager for Fiorentina to get off to a good start and feels a lengthy venture in the competition is possible.

"It is the start of the Europa League and we care about this competition," the Italian explained.

"We have to give our best to go as far as possible. We have a competitive squad capable of doing well in Italy and Europe, but first of all we've got to win tomorrow.

"Guingamp are a young team full of enthusiasm, so it will be complicated, but we must play like Fiorentina. If we create the same number of chances as we did against Genoa on Sunday, then I'll be happy."

With Fiorentina yet to score in the league this season, Montella would not only welcome a win but some goals from his misfiring strike force as well.

Mario Gomez is back at full fitness, but Giuseppe Rossi is unavailable due to injury and Juan Cuadrado is yet to hit top gear following an impressive World Cup with Colombia.

Montella stated there would be changes from the draw with Genoa ahead of a busy fixture schedule.

"In order [for him] to score, Gomez has to play... but I will decide tomorrow whether he starts, as we have a long run of important games coming up," Montella continued.

"I don't generally like to revolutionise my line-ups, but there will be a few changes compared to Sunday.

"We did well against Genoa at the weekend, but were only lacking in terms of finishing the chances. That's something we already struggled with at the end of last season."

CAF punish Setif with spectator ban

Algerians Entente Setif must host a CAF Champions League semi-final against TP Mazembe.

Algerians Entente Setif must host a CAF Champions League semi-final against Democratic Republic of Congo club TP Mazembe this weekend behind closed doors because of bad fan behaviour.

A Confederation of African Football (CAF) statement released Wednesday said the decision follows fines and warnings to Setif over unspecified spectator incidents during the competition this year.

Setif play Mazembe in north-east Algeria Saturday with the second leg scheduled for September 28 in Congolese city Lubumbashi.

Cameroonian striker Albert Ebosse died last month in Algeria after being struck by a piece of slate allegedly thrown by a supporter of the JS Kabylie club he played for.

Algeria are bidding to host the 2019 or 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with the winners due to announced Saturday in Addis Ababa.

Depay injury not a disaster, says Cocu

PSV boss Phillip Cocu has insisted that Memphis Depay's injury is not a disaster ahead of Thursday's UEFA Europa League game with Estoril.

Depay has been sidelined for eight weeks after suffering a groin tear just 18 minutes into PSV's 3-1 Eredivisie defeat to PEC Zwolle last Saturday. 

The 20-year-old impressed for Netherlands at the World Cup and has already found the net eight times for PSV this season.

But despite Depay's superb start to 2014-15, Cocu has been quick to play down the impact of his absence.

"Memphis is an excellent player with specific qualities," Cocu said. "But the loss of one player should never be disastrous for a whole team."

PSV will be heavy favourites for their Group E clash at the Philips Stadion, but Cocu is keen not to underestimate Portuguese outfit Estoril.

"Estoril is a team that wants to play football," he added. "It is not a team that simply leans on the counter.

"They have lots of dynamics and are physically very strong. Therefore, we must concentrate all match.

"We know where opportunities lie. We’re going to the match with the goal to win it.

"On the other hand we must not be naïve and leave the back door wide open."

Tough test for Inter, Sevilla host Feyenoord

Inter begin the UEFA Europa League group stage with a tough test at in-form Dnipro, while defending champions Sevilla host Feyenoord.

Inter - unbeaten and having kept clean sheets in all four of their competitive contests so far this season - head to Ukraine for their 350th European match fresh from a 7-0 thrashing of Sassuolo in Serie A on Sunday.

They will be expected to be among the leading contenders for Europe's second tier competition this season, but they face a Dnipro side who are also thriving.

Saturday’s admirable 5-2 win at Metalist in the Ukrainian Premier League took them to seven games undefeated in all competitions.

Portuguese playmaker Bruno Gama netted a treble in Kharkiv, while talisman Yevhen Konoplyanka marked his return from injury by coming off the bench to score an assist and a goal.

"We know we will play a formidable team who are internationally feared and respected," said Gama when asked about the challenge next up of facing the Italian giants in the Group F opener. 

"It will be difficult, but if we play like we have been in the league we can do it."

Another side hoping to avoid an upset is Sevilla, who begin their title defence by hosting Feyenoord.

Tricky winger Aleix Vidal and prolific striker Carlos Bacca have helped the Spaniards to make a flying start to 2014-15.

Feyenoord, by contrast, are winless in four Eredivisie matches, and have lost five and drawn one of their last six Europa League outings.

Standard Liege, who are expected to battle with Feyenoord for runners-up spot in Group G, start out at home to Rijeka while outsiders Qarabag welcome Saint-Etienne to Azerbaijan in Group F’s other fixture.

Fiorentina, Napoli and Torino are also hoping to become the first Italian team since Parma in 1999 to conquer the Europa League.

The Florentine outfit are at home to French side Guingamp, with PAOK hosting Dinamo Minsk in Group K's other game.

Napoli will strive to put a difficult start to 2014-15 behind them at home to Sparta Prague, with Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava also competing in Group I.

Torino, who have struggled for goals since the departures of Alessio Cerci and Ciro Immobile, are away to Club Brugge, as group rivals Copenhagen and HJK meet in a Scandinavian affair.

Mauricio Pochettino is likely to rotate his Tottenham squad in Belgrade, with Andros Townsend and Harry Kane among those expected to start.

Besiktas versus Asteras is the other game in Group C.

Group H is arguably the most wide open. Everton entertain Wolfsburg, who have failed to win in four competitive matches this season, while Krasnodar visit Lille.

Group L is another unpredictable pool with Metalist and Legia Warsaw at home to Trabzonspor and Lokeren respectively.

Group J favourites Dynamo Kiev face Rio Ave in Portugal and Steaua Bucharest host Aalborg.

Group E offers up PSV-Estoril and Panathinaikos against Dinamo Moscow.

Red Bull Salzburg open their Group D challenge against Celtic, the Scottish champions having dropped down to the Europa League after two unsuccessful attempts in the Champions League, having been reinstated following Legia Warsaw's exclusion for fielding an ineligible player.

Dinamo Zagreb face Astra, while Borussia Monchengladbach host Villarreal in a match between Group A's favourites.

Zurich are away to Apollon Limassol in the pool's remaining fixture.

Angelo Domenghini goal

Angelo Domenghini scores during Italy's 2-0 defeat of Bulgaria during the quarter finals of the European Nations Cup in Naples, 20th April 1968.

Returning trio inspire thumping win

Rudi Garcia's returning attacking trio ran riot as Roma beat CSKA Moscow 5-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Juan Iturbe, Gervinho and Francesco Totti had all been named among the substitutes for Sunday's 1-0 Serie A win at Empoli, but two of them found the net in a dominant Group E display at the Stadio Olimpico.

Iturbe broke the deadlock after being sent through on goal by Gervinho, before the former Arsenal man got his name on the scoresheet four minutes later.

Maicon's third will have goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev wincing when he watches the highlights, and Gervinho doubled his tally before the break after being picked out on the right wing by Totti.

A dismal performance got worse for CSKA five minutes into the second half, when Sergei Ignashevich put the ball into his own net and although Ahmed Musa bundled home later on, the damage had long since been done..

The result represents Roma's biggest-ever win in the competition as they made a statement of intent.

Garcia's men looked dangerous from the first whistle and took the lead in the sixth minute.

Gervinho was the architect, slicing the CSKA defence open with an incisive throughball that left Iturbe to simply prod beyond Akinfeev.

The roles were reversed four minutes later, when Gervinho collected an Iturbe pass in the centre of the penalty area and composed himself before doubling the hosts' advantage with a poked effort.

Seydou Doumbia surged forward in the 16th minute as CSKA sought to reduce the deficit, but the Ivory Coast international inexplicably tripped while bearing down on goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.

Maicon added a third in the 20th minute, when he found himself in acres of space on the right and moved into the penalty area before powering home through the weak hands of Akinfeev – evoking memories of a similar howler by the goalkeeper for Russia at this year's World Cup.

There was some concern for Roma when Iturbe limped off in the 25th minute, but Gervinho soon brought the smiles back to the faces of the home fans by once again exposing the dreadful visiting defence – deceiving Ignashevich with a neat pull-back and then firing in a left-footed effort.

Miralem Pjanic could have made it five before the break, but his shot was met with an excellent one-handed save by Akinfeev.

There was no let-up from Roma at the beginning of the second half, and Ignashevich headed into his own net from a Pjanic cross to pile on the misery after 50 minutes.

Doumbia shot into the side-netting and hit the crossbar in quick succession in a vain attempt to produce an unlikely fightback, before play was stopped temporarily as flares were thrown from the stands.

Musa's solitary late strike - a chip over De Sanctis - will have done nothing to lift the spirits of the travelling fans and although Georgi Schennikov also hit the crossbar, the Russian outfit were outclassed and will be eager to put their Roman rout behind them.

Schone free-kick denies visitors

A Lasse Schone free-kick denied Paris Saint-Germain victory in their UEFA Champions League opener as they were held 1-1 by Ajax.

Having reached the quarter-finals in each of the last two seasons, Laurent Blanc's side headed into this year's competition eager to prove themselves a powerhouse of European football.

Wednesday's Group F game away at one of the continent's more traditional leading lights always promised to be a difficult challenge for the Ligue 1 champions, and that proved to be the case as Schone rescued a point for their Dutch counterparts.

Edinson Cavani gave PSG the lead in the first half of a fixture that saw his strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic return to the club with whom he first made his name.

The visitors had an array of chances to make the game safe but paid the penalty for failing to net for a second time as Denmark midfielder Schone found the top corner to secure a point and delight the home fans at the Amsterdam Arena.

PSG dictated possession in the early stages and were rewarded in the 14th minute when Cavani opened the scoring with the first real chance of the game.

The Uruguay international slotted into an empty net on the rebound from Ibrahimovic's blocked effort after Ajax full-back Nicolai Boilesen had conceded possession to Lucas Moura by stumbling when attempting to clear a searching ball down the right.

Blanc's men continued to apply pressure on the Ajax goal, but were unable to craft any further openings as the home defence performed with admirable solidity.

All of Ajax's good work at the back was almost undone straight after the interval when Niklas Moisander squandered the ball immediately from the second-half kick-off, only for Lucas to fire wide with only goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to beat.

Frank de Boer's hosts came close to capitalising on Lucas' profligacy in the 49th minute, substitute Niki Zimling shooting over the crossbar from long range before Ibrahimovic reminded Ajax of the visitors' considerable threat by narrowly missing the target at the end of a free-flowing move.

Lucas continued to be at the forefront of PSG's forays forward and would have found the goal his performance perhaps merited if not for Cillessen, who produced a diving save to tip his shot round the post after he had been played through by a superb ball from Ibrahimovic.

Cillessen was then called into action again to deny former Ajax man Gregory van der Wiel at his near post as PSG continued to spurn chances, with Marquinhos the next to miss as he headed off target.

And PSG's lack of composure in front of goal was finally punished in the 74th minute, Schone curling beyond Salvatore Sirigu, who could not keep the ball out despite getting a hand to the shot.

Schone then almost completed an unlikely turnaround three minutes later with a low drive from a set-piece that forced Sirigu to turn the ball onto the woodwork.

Blanc's men pushed again to try and seal all three points, but Ajax stood firm to hold on for a draw that should give them hope of competing in a pool that also contains Barcelona and APOEL.