FAI chief confirms organisation was paid millions to not contest Thierry Henry's infamous World Cup handball

John Delaney has confirmed the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) was paid millions of euros by FIFA to not contest Thierry Henry's infamous World Cup handball through the courts.

Henry handled the ball in setting up William Gallas' extra-time goal which ultimately sent France through to the 2010 finals in South Africa at the expense of the Republic of Ireland.

The incident, in the second leg of their play-off which finished 1-1 to give France a 2-1 aggregate win, was not spotted by Swedish referee Martin Hansson and left the FAI fuming.

Chief executive Delaney has revealed he made his feelings known in a no-holds-barred exchange with FIFA president Sepp Blatter - who announced this week he will step down - and the outcome was a financial agreement between the two parties. Reports last year claimed the payment was five million euros.

Delaney told RTE Radio 1: "We felt we had a legal case against FIFA because of how the World Cup play-off hadn't worked out for us with the Henry handball.

"Also the way Blatter behaved, if you remember on stage, having a snigger and having a laugh at us. That day when I went in, and I told him how I felt about him, there were some expletives used. We came to an agreement.

"That was a Thursday and on Monday the agreement was all signed and all done. It's a very good agreement for the FAI and a very legitimate agreement for the FAI. I'm bound by confidentiality for naming the figure.

"You've put a figure out there and fair play to you. It was a payment to the association to not proceed with a legal case. In there, they signed a confidentiality agreement where I can't talk about the amount involved.

"You used a figure there, well done to you, but it was a very good and legitimate deal for the FAI."

Ireland turned in arguably their best performance under former boss Giovanni Trapattoni at the Stade de France and were brimming with confidence when Robbie Keane's 33rd-minute strike cancelled out a first-leg deficit.

However, Gallas' late equaliser broke Irish hearts with television replays clearly showing Henry's offence, for which he later apologised.

France failed to make it out of their group in South Africa, taking just a point from their three first round games.

Blow for Arsenal and Man City! Paulo Dybala joins Juventus for €32million

Arsenal and Manchester City target Paulo Dybala has joined Juventus.

The former Palermo man has been on a host of top club's shopping lists this summer, but has chosen the Old Lady.

Dybala has agreed a five-year contract at the Serie A giants, who face Barcelona in the Champions Leaguefinal on Saturday.

A fee of €32million, payable over four years, has been agreed, with a potential extra €8 million to be added on if certain performance-related targets are met.

Chelsea and Monaco clinch deal for Falcao

Chelsea have clinched a deal for former Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao, it has been revealed.

United passed on the option of signing Falcao permanently last week, returning him to parent club AS Monaco.

Marca says Falcao's agent, Jorge Mendes, has agreed a deal in-principle with Chelsea over the Colombian's return to England next season. Mendes is now ironing out the final details of the transfer.

Falcao will become a Chelsea player after Colombia's Copa America campaign. The centre-forward has agreed to take a hefty pay-cut on his ASM wages to make the move happen.

Chelsea and Monaco will announce the deal formally after the Copa.

Dick Advocaat performs extraordinary U-turn and agrees new Sunderland deal

Dick Advocaat has performed an extraordinary U-turn and agreed to continue as Sunderland head coach next season.

The highly-experienced Dutchman has put pen to paper on a one-year deal at the Stadium of Light. 

Advocaat guided the Black Cats away from Premier League relegation last season but inisted he would leave the club this summer.

But, speaking about his decision to return, the former Holland coach said: “After a lot of discussions with Ellis [Short] and Lee [Congerton], they convinced me that I am the right man for the club.

“It was a great feeling to be part of Sunderland in the last few months, the experience was something very special and after talking with Lee, Ellis and of course my family, we all agree it is the right decision.” 

Sunderland chairman Ellis Short said: “Dick’s credentials in football are top class and we saw what an impact his vast knowledge and experience had on our team and the club as a whole in just two months.

“Sunderland fans took him to their hearts and so did everyone at the club, so we are absolutely thrilled that he will be here longer term.” 

The club’s sporting director, Lee Congerton, added: “Dick was always our number one choice and we were determined we weren’t going to take 'no' for an answer. I have been in constant contact with him over the last two weeks and I'm absolutely delighted that he has agreed to return.

“In just a short space of time he has bought into the club wholeheartedly and understands exactly what we need now in order to move forward. We have a lot of work to do to prepare for the season ahead and that starts in earnest now.”

James Milner agrees deal with Liverpool

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder James Milner, subject to a medical.

Personal terms have been negotiated and the 29-year-old will join on a free transfer on July 1 after his contract expires at the Etihad Stadium.

The England international, who has won 53 caps, will add some much-needed experience to a midfield which, for the first time in 17 years will be without captain Steven Gerrard as he begins a new career in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles Galaxy

"Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce they have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City's James Milner, subject to a medical," the club said a statement.

"The Reds have agreed personal terms with the England international, who will join the club on a free transfer on July 1 after his contract at the Etihad Stadium has expired."

Milner is reported to have turned down better terms offered by City in order to move to Anfield, where he believes he can play more regularly after making just 18 league starts last season.

FIFA latest: Whistleblower admits executive committee members took bribes to facilitate World Cup bids

FIFA whistleblower Chuck Blazer has admitted executive committee members took bribes to facilitate a number of World Cup bids, including the 1998 and 2010 tournaments in France and South Africa respectively.

In a testimony published by the United States Department of Justice, Blazer confessed at least two acts of racketeering took place in relation to the award of football's primary competition.

He said: "I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup.

"Beginning in or around 2004 and continuing through 2011, I and others on the FIFA executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation of the 2010 World Cup."

The American administrator also added that during his association with FIFA and CONCACAF, he took bribes in conjunction with the broadcasting rights of the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2003 Gold Cups.

The news is the latest in a dramatic week for football's governing body, after president Sepp Blatter stood down on Tuesday following a corruption scandal that led to the arrest of several FIFA administrators. 

Jose Mourinho will get the best out of 'extraordinary' striker, says Chelsea legend

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Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli has backed his former club to challenge for the Champions League next season, and believes defensive frailties are hampering other Premier League clubs facilitating success in Europe.

While the English champions romped to their domestic title, they suffered a disappointing exit from the Champions League at the last 16 stage of the competition following defeat to PSG – a failure that will have to be addressed by Blues manager Jose Mourinho next season.

England failed to boast a quarter-final representative in Europe’s primary cup competition for the second time in three seasons, and Vialli, although predicting a strong Chelsea showing next campaign, insists a general drop in defensive levels is responsible for the malaise of others in England's top tier.

“Chelsea will be up there with the best teams in Europe very soon. Next year they will be contenders,” the Italian told Kick Off.

“They’ve got the foundations, they’ve got the potential and they have a great manager. Out of all the English teams, they are the best at defending – I think this is a problem for English teams in Europe.

“They [English teams] lack solidity defensive wise and it’s a bit of a problem. The English game is fantastic to watch because anything can happen, but when you go into Europe you have to be tighter.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea are being heavily linked with a move for Monaco striker Radamel Falcao in an attempt to strengthen their attacking reinforcements to aid an assault on next season’s Champions League trophy.

The Colombian striker endured a season to forget at Manchester United, scoring just four goals, but Vialli believes Mourinho’s man-management skills can get the best out of a striker who was once regarded as Europe’s most lethal marksman.

Vialli said: “Knowing how good Mourinho is at getting the best out of his players, and Falcao is an extraordinary striker, they will be even stronger.

“Can he play with or instead of Diego Costa? I don’t know. But definitely the more great players you have in your side, the better.”

MIHAJLOVIC SPENT DAY WITH AC MILAN CHIEFS BERLUSCONI

Sinisa Mihajlovic has spent the day with AC Milan officials.

The former Sampdoria coach is in talks about the job at Milan and Calciomercato.com says he met with president Silvio Berlusconi, his son Piersilvio, and Rossoneri GM Adriano Galliani.

During the meeting, they discussed summer transfer plans, including the return of striker M'Baye Niang from Genoa.

Mihajlovic also gave his approval to Milan's move for Genoa midfielder Andrea Bertolacci.

Mourinho blasts ‘Costa homesick’ rumours – ‘Diego is so happy at Chelsea!’

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Diego Costa have rejected reports that a 'homesick' striker is contemplating a return to Spain, with the player himself insisting he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge.
It was rumoured on Monday that the forward had contacted former club Atletico Madrid over a possible move, having grown unhappy with life in London.
But Mourinho insisted Costa's demeanour around the squad is not that of a player seeking to leave.
“He's the guy responsible for everything good we have in the dressing room," the Chelsea boss said after the Blues ended their Premier League-winning season with a 1-0 win over Sydney FC on Tuesday afternoon.

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"He's so happy, so funny. He enjoys every minute and is the happiest guy in the dressing room. If this is unhappiness I'm happy with that. He was not happy with the news."
And Costa also weighed in on the debate, insisting he will be a Chelsea player next season as the team look to build on last season's Premier League victory.
The 26-year-old told Chelsea TV: "It's quite a simple answer. It’s always a bit more difficult for adaptation in the first season, but I have no reason to leave this place, I love it, the fans love me and I want to stay.
"It’s really good to come in the first season and win two things. It’s really important and next year I’ll be ready to come back and hopefully win a couple more trophies."
Mourinho was pleased with Costa's attitude as Chelsea, who fielded a host of regulars including Eden Hazard and John Terry, brought down the curtain on a long season in front of a crowd of 83,598 in Sydney, with Loic Remy netting the game’s only goal.
"Diego tried, but we didn't want to take any risks. I told him to give the fans at least half an hour and he played until the 40th minute. We felt that was enough," Mourinho said.

Rafa Benitez appointed Real Madrid manager

Real Madrid have appointed Rafa Benitez as their new manager.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss has agreed a three-year deal at the Bernabeu, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, who has sacked at the end of last season.

A short statement on Real's official website read: "Real Madrid CF will present Rafa Benitez as the new first-team coach for the next three seasons today, Wednesday 3 June.
"The ceremony will take place at 1pm CEST [12pm BST] in the presidential box of the Santiago Bernabeu. Following his unveiling, Rafa Benitez will hold a press conference in the press room."

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Rafael Benitez set to become Real Madrid manager

Rafael Benitez is set to be named as Real Madrid manager on Wednesday.

The 55-year-old ex-Liverpool boss ended a two-year stint with Napoli following a 4-2 home defeat by Lazio on Sunday.
"I am enthusiastic and happy, although there are things that still need to be discussed," Benitez said upon his arrival in Madrid.
Madrid-born Benitez will replace Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked last week just a year after winning the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.
Spaniard Benitez will arrive at the Bernabeu with plenty of European pedigree, having won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, Uefa Cup with Valencia in 2004 and the Europa League while interim manager at Chelsea two years ago.
Benitez started his coaching career with Real's youth squad but it was with Valencia that he made his name.
He led them to two La Liga titles before leaving for Liverpool, where he also won the FA Cup and Uefa Super Cup.
After ending a six-year stay at Liverpool he moved on to Inter Milan but was sacked just three months into the 2010-11 season.
He bounced back by leading Chelsea to the Europa League title in the 2012-13 campaign before joining Napoli.
The Spaniard then guided the Italian side to the Coppa Italia in his first season in charge, but the loss to Lazio meant the club finished fifth in Serie A and did not qualify for the Champions League.

Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool boss to stay after Tom Werner meeting

Brendan Rodgers is to stay as Liverpool manager following a meeting with the club's co-owner Tom Werner.

Werner met the 42-year-old Reds boss in the city on Tuesday as part of his end-of-season review.
Liverpool finished sixth in the Premier League last season and missed out on a place in the Champions League.
But Northern Irishman Rodgers and Werner agreed on a "comprehensive plan" aimed at ensuring performances improve next season.

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Archive: Big summer for Liverpool - Rodgers

Rodgers was appointed as Liverpool manager on 1 June, 2012, but admitted after the 6-1 defeat at Stoke on the final day of the season that his future was in doubt.
Speaking after that match Rodgers said: "I've always said if the owners want me to go, then I go."
Rodgers came close to a first title win in 24 years in 2014 but endured a disappointing 2014-15 season, with Liverpool failing to progress from the group stage of the Champions League.

Roger Federer beaten by Stan Wawrinka at the French Open

Second seed and 2009 champion Roger Federer is out of the French Open after a 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-4) defeat to Stan Wawrinka in an all-Swiss quarter-final.

Wawrinka, 30, had lost all four of their previous matches at Grand Slam tournaments.
But the number eight seed overcame his 33-year-old Davis Cup team-mate to cause an upset at Roland Garros.
Wawrinka will meet home favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semi-finals following his win over Kei Nishikori.
Tsonga overcame a fightback by his Japanese opponent to win 6-1 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3.

Wawrinka hails 'best match on clay'

World number two Federer was second best throughout against an inspired Wawrinka and failed to break serve in a Grand Slam match for the first time since the 2002 US Open.
Federer was broken in the third game of the first set and in the seventh game of the second set.

Stan Wawrinka finally got the better of Roger Federer at a major on his fifth attempt

When a couple of close calls went against him in the third set tie-break, Federer's hopes of adding to his haul of 17 Grand Slam trophies were over.
A forehand volley on his second match point propelled Wawrinka, the 2014 Australian Open champion, to his first French Open semi-final.
"Today was my best match on clay and it's an incredible moment for me," said Wawrinka.
"I'm playing good tennis and I'm really pleased to be in the Paris semi-finals for the first time.
"I'm a little bit surprised to win that match in three sets and the way I did, but it's a great feeling."

Federer eyes Wimbledon triumph

No sooner had Federer left Court Suzanne Lenglen than he was talking up his chances on grass at Wimbledon, which gets under way on 29 June.
"I'm already thinking what I'm going to do over the next few days, because Wimbledon is going to be a big goal for the season," said the seven-time Wimbledon champion.

Roger Federer won Wimbledon six times in seven attempts between 2003-2009

"That's where I want to play my best. It's a big goal for me. I want to win it, and I feel like my game is good.
"It's been solid, it's been positive, and I have just got to keep it up now."

Tsonga on song

It is 32 years since France had a home winner at Roland Garros but Tsonga's marathon victory over Nishikori kept hopes alive that could be about to change.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's best result in the French Open was reaching the last four in 2013

The number 14 seed breezed through the first set and was leading 5-2 in the second when the match was interrupted for more than half an hour after a metal sheet from a giant video screen was blown off, crashing into spectators and leaving three with minor injuries.
Although Tsonga, 30, went on to claim the second set 6-4, 25-year-old Nishikori, the number five seed, took the game to a fifth set before Tsonga secured victory.
No Frenchman has won the title at Roland Garros since Yannick Noah in 1983.
"I am super happy. It was tough because he came back strong but I kept my head high," said Tsonga.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga celebrated his win by writing with his feet on the Paris clay "I love you Roland Garros" before lying down on his back

Sepp Blatter to RESIGN as FIFA president

Depp Blatter has revealed he will step down as president of FIFA.

The Swiss chief was last week re-elected for a fifth term in charge, despite coming under increasing pressure following recent revelations of 'rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted' corruption within the organisation.

A host of high profile bosses within the game subsequently called for Blatter’s resignation, including FA chairman Greg Dyke and UEFA chief Michel Platini, who said he was disgusted by the scandal.

And, in an astonishing and unexpected turn of events, Blatter has indeed called time on his 17-year reign, just four days after his re-election.

Addressing a press conference gathered at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, he called an extraordinary congress "as soon as possible", saying "a new president will be elected to follow me".

Blatter said: "I will organise an extraordinary congress for a replacement for me as president. I will not stand. I am now free from the constraints of an election.

"I will be in a position to focus on profound reforms. For many years we have called for reforms. But these are not sufficient.

"I have thoroughly considered and thought about my presidency and the last 40 years in my life. These years were closely related to FIFA and the wonderful sport of football.

"I appreciate and love FIFA more than anything else. I only want to do the best for FIFA and my institution.

"I felt compelled to stand for re-election, as I believed that this was the best thing for the organisation. That election is over but FIFA's challenges are not. FIFA needs a profound overhaul.”

More to follow...

Fifa: Sepp Blatter to quit as president amid corruption scandal

Sepp Blatter says he will resign as president of football's governing body Fifa amid a corruption scandal.

In announcing his exit, the 79-year-old has called an extraordinary Fifa congress "as soon as possible" to elect a new president.

Blatter was re-elected last week, despite seven top Fifa officials being arrested two days before the vote as part of a US prosecution.

But he said: "My mandate does not appear to be supported.

Transfer Rumour and Gossip

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Here's the top transfer-related stories in Tuesday's newspapers...

Diego Costa has told friends he wants to QUIT Chelsea this summer and return to Spain. The striker is homesick and is prepared to take a massive paycut to rejoin Atletico Madrid. The Blues, however, will fight to keep him at Stamford Bridge. (The Sun)

Real Madrid will open talks over a £45million move for Raheem Sterling in the next fortnight. The winger wants to leave Liverpool and the Spanish giants are keen to tie up a deal. (The Sun)

Liverpool are poised to complete the signing of free agent James Milner this week as manager Brendan Rodgers prepares for his first post-season face-to-face meeting with key figures among the club’s American owners, Fenway Sports Group. (Independent)

Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger remains Manchester United’s No.1 midfield target this summer. But United are ready to switch their attention to Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin if they fail to strike a deal for the Germany skipper. (Daily Star)

Manchester United believe they are in pole position to recruit Dani Alves from Barcelona should Louis van Gaal wish to sign the right-back. Other right-backs United may consider are Everton’s Séamus Coleman and Paris Saint-Germain’s Gregory van der Wiel. (Guardian)

Christian Benteke will tell Aston Villa he wants to leave the club for European football next season, despite the Midlands club being willing to make the striker the best-paid player in their history. That is a boost to Liverpool, who are chasing the Belgian. (The Times)

Liverpool and Tottenham target Andriy Yarmolenko has opened the door for a move to the Premier League by admitting that now is ‘the perfect time to change clubs’. The £20m-rated Dynamo Kiev forward Yarmolenko led the Ukrainian club to their domestic title this season and says he has had discussions with the club about moving on this summer. (Daily Mail)

And here's the latest Sports Arena headlines via TalkSport

Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini still hopeful of signing Manchester City star

Real Madrid join Liverpool in race for World Cup star

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke set to stay?

Napoli slap £40million price tag on Arsenal and Manchester United target

Lyon eyeing Manchester City misfit to replace in-demand striker Lacazette

Arsenal and Tottenham target set to be offered bumper new deal

Bournemouth on high alert as Monaco reveal Berbatov can leave for free

David Moyes could send Sociedad striker on loan to former club Everton

Reports - Bayern Munich beat Newcastle to Monaco defender

Galatasaray move to tie down Wesley Sneijder amid Manchester United transfer link

Aston Villa striker set for shock move to Turkey?

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere apologises for anti-Tottenham chants

Jack Wilshere has apologised if his anti-Tottenham chants during the FA Cup victory parade on Sunday caused any offence.

The 23-year-old, who came through the Arsenal youth ranks, took to the microphone to mock the club's fierce rivals as the players celebrated on a stage outside the Emirates Stadium.

In similar scenes to 12 months ago, Wilshere then proceeded to lead the massed ranks of Arsenal supporters in a chant which included expletives against Spurs, who again finished below their north London neighbours in the Barclays Premier Leaguetable.

The England international earlier on Monday received backing from the Arsenal Independent Supporters' Association, but also drew plenty of criticism, including from former Gunners' striker Niall Quinn who said Wilshere had "overstepped the mark".

While falling short of saying sorry for making the remarks, Wilshere used a Twitter post to apologise to anyone who had been upset by them.

"Sharing back2back Cup wins with so many amazing Gooners is a dream come true. Apologies if I upset or offended any of u with my celebrations," Wilshere wrote.

Wilshere is set to join up with England later this week for the June internationals, and there is no suggestion at the moment that the Football Association are looking into the matter.

Arsenal, though, issued a swift apology during their in-house media broadcast of the event and are understood to have spoken to Wilshere about his conduct.

Brendan Rodgers to meet with Liverpool chairma

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is set to meet with chairman Tom Werner as part of his end-of-season review this week, as reports over the Northern Irishman’s future continue.

Despite a disappointing campaign, which concluded with a disastrous 6-1 defeat at Stoke on the final day of the season, the club have maintained the manager's position is not under immediate threat.

Although Werner is due to arrive on Tuesday, it is understood principal owner John W Henry will not be accompanying him.

Werner is England to attend the Premier League's AGM, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday this week, which also suggests a more routine nature to his meeting with the boss.

Rodgers has had annual reviews of the season since he was appointed three years ago, and he is due to sit down for the third instalment with Mike Gordon, owners Fenway Sports Group's key man at Anfield, for a "robust and thorough" examination of the previous ten months.

The Reds boss has had regular contact with the club's American-based owners throughout the season and Werner's visit is likely to just be an extension of that dialogue, even if the questions are slightly more uncomfortable after Rodgers missed out on FSG's minimum target of Champions League football by finishing sixth.

News that Jurgen Klopp, one of the names touted as a possible replacement, is to take a break after leaving Borussia Dortmund has further strengthened the short-term position of Rodgers, who only signed a new four-year contract 12 months ago after almost winning the title.

No Premier League move for Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp will not be heading to the Premier League in the near future after revealing he is taking an indefinite break from football.

The 47-year-old is in demand after ending an impressive seven-year spell in charge of Borussia Dortmund.

Manchester City and Liverpool are among a host of clubs across Europe reportedly eyeing the charismatic German.

But Klopp has made the decision to take a hiatus before committing to a new project after talks with his agent Marc Kosicke on Monday.

"After seven intense and emotional years, I think it's a good idea to let the numerous memories settle in before I take on a new challenge with my coaching team, refreshed and fully motivated," Klopp said in a statement published by Germany's SID agency.

"I'm going to take a break until further notice."

Rafa Benitez lands in Spain ahead of Real Madrid move

Rafa Benitez has landed in Spain ahead of his expected move to Real Madrid.

The former Napoli manager, who spell at the Serie A side came to end with a 4-2 defeat at home to Lazioon Sunday, is set to be handed the reins at the Bernabeu.

Madrid-born Benitez has been strongly linked with Real this summer, the club where he started his coaching career.

"I am enthusiastic and happy," Benitez said to the Spanish press upon his arrival in the capital. "Although there are things that still need to be discussed."

Real sacked coach Carlo Ancelotti last week following a trophy-less season.

Benitez has been away from Spain since 2004 when he left Valencia to take the helm at Liverpool.

Landing the Real job would be the biggest challenge of Benitez's career and when asked if his dream begins now, he said: "Yes."

Benitez has been one of the biggest coaching names in football for more than a decade having led Valencia to two Primera Division titles, back-to-back appearances in the Champions League final and a UEFA Cup crown.

He also steered Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005, where his team staged a major comeback in the final to stun an Ancelotti-led AC Milan.

Benitez also won the FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup while at Liverpool.

The veteran has never been short of work opportunities.

He coached Inter Milan in 2010 but was sacked three months into the Serie A season.

Benitez also led Chelsea to the Europa League title in the 2012/13 campaign before joining Napoli.

The Spaniard then guided Napoli to win the Coppa Italia in his first season in charge.

Had Napoli won their last game against Lazio on Sunday, they would have finished third and qualified for the Champions League preliminary round.

Sunday's defeat left the club in fifth place in Serie A.