Luka Modric is still available to play for Croatia, the country's soccer association (HNS) said on Saturday, ending speculation that the veteran midfielder would end his international career after this year's World Cup.

Portugal winger Rafael Leao bid an emotional farewell to AC Milan amid reports he is close to joining Turkish side Galatasaray, saying the decision was difficult but that he would always remain part of the Rossoneri's history.

English duo Bournemouth and Sunderland were both handed a glamour tie against AC Milan among their eight matches in the Europa League as the draw for this season's league phase took place on Friday.

The first matches in this season's league phase will be played between Tuesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 10, with the final games in late January. UEFA is expected to announce the full fixture schedule on Saturday.

The Rossoneri turned to Amorim after finishing fifth last season, and the Portuguese has been provided with an overhauled squad as the giants look to challenge their city rivals and defending champions, Inter Milan.

Manchester United's pre-season campaign ended with a decisive 4-2 defeat by Ruben Amorim's AC Milan in the Polish city of Wroclaw on Saturday.

Manchester United's pre-season campaign ended with a decisive 4-2 defeat by Ruben Amorim's AC Milan in the Polish city of Wroclaw on Saturday.

Fans wearing red and black AC Milan shirts, former team mates and opponents bade farewell to Franco Baresi as the funeral of the much-loved defender was held at the city's Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio on Tuesday.

New AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim vowed on Tuesday to honour the legacy of club legend Franco Baresi, who died last week, as he sets about reviving the fortunes of the ailing Italian giants.

Baresi wore Milan's number 6 shirt with such distinction that the club withdrew the number after his retirement.

AC Milan announced on Monday they had sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri and a host of senior club management after missing out on next season's Champions League.

Luka Modric has undergone successful surgery after fracturing his left cheekbone, the Croatian Football Federation said on Monday, weeks before the 40-year-old AC Milan midfielder is due to participate in his fifth World Cup.

Massimiliano Allegri said Saturday that he was not interested in the vacant Italy job, the AC Milan coach saying that he was hoping to stay with the seven-time European champions.

The win moves second-placed Milan five points behind Inter and four points clear of third-placed Napoli.

The past and ongoing week offered a striking mix of sport intersecting with politics, cricket delivering a moment of confusion, and football once again underlining why transfer deadlines rarely lack drama. Here is a look at three stories that drew attention for very different reasons.

Inter had cranked up the pressure in the title race with a 6-2 comeback win against Pisa on Friday.

Milan are second in the standings on 43 points, three behind rivals Inter Milan.

Defending champions Napoli climbed to second in Serie A Sunday when a 2-0 win at Lazio left them lurking a point behind leaders AC Milan.

AC Milan moved top of the Serie A standings with a 1-0 win away to Cagliari on Friday where Rafael Leao's second-half goal earned the visitors all three points despite a far from impressive performance.

Inter hold top spot after a four-match winning run and on Sunday they host Bologna who put an end to their Italian Super Cup hopes this month with a semi-final win on penalties.