Six months out for Mantovani

Palermo defender Andrea Mantovani faces six months on the sidelines after damaging a cruciate ligament last week. The 28-year-old complained of pain in his left knee during their 2-2 draw with AC Milan, and medical examinations have subsequently confirmed the extent of his injury. A statement issued on the club's website read: "During the first half of our game against Milan, Andrea Mantovani reported a problem with his left anterior cruciate ligament. "The injury was confirmed by medical tests conducted on the Rosanero defender. [He] will undergo surgery in the coming days at Villa Stuart." Palermo head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is already without the services of striker Abel Hernandez, who suffered the same injury last month. FIFA