Robi opens his heart: "I'd return for our youths". About Lippi and the other managers he has played for: "I had the love of the people and took their spotlight: hence the difficult relations". About today's football: "I am excited about Messi"

MILAN, 29 March 2008 - We meet Baggio on an early-spring Sunday morning. He is with 5 thousand people: young Buddhists like him who have gathered in the Assago-Milano Palasport for a celebration meeting. His presence had not been announced, needless to say, otherwise there would have been a crowd of journalists trying to get even a single word out of him. Roberto Baggio is like that: introvert and serene in his new post-football daily rhythms. Hundreds of people looking for interviews, thrills and stories keep knocking on his door, in vain, protected by his loyal friend and manager Vittorio Petrone

They all bounce back including heads of State and Government. Roberto hides his life like he hid the ball, which often only resurfaced to enter the goal. He does not want to waste it: it is dedicated to a few old friends, to hunting, his great passion, to the countryside, to his beloved Argentina, to his wife-friend-accomplice Andreina, his three children, the odd trip as FAO ambassador, to militant faith, without showing off.

Controversial film starring Nanni Moretti gets 18 nods

Rome, March 20 - Antonello Grimaldi's drama Caos Calmo starring cult director Nanni Moretti has scooped the nominations for Italy's version of the Oscars, the David di Donatello Awards.

The tale of a widower struggling to cope with bereavement, which has roused Vatican ire for its explicit sex scenes, earned a mention in all 18 of the David categories.

Two other recent Italian box-office hits, first-time director Andrea Molaioli's La ragazza del lago and veteran Silvio Soldini's Giorni and Nuvole, came close to Grimaldi's coup with 15 nominations each.

Both of the lead actors in eerie noir La Ragazza del Lago, Anna Bonaiuto and Toni Servillo, are up for acting gongs. The leads in job-loss drama Giorni and Nuvole, Antonio Albanese and Margherita Buy, have also been nominated.

Berlusconi: “French company’s plan is mere colonialism. Prodi sold Alitalia short”. People of Freedom’s leader says consortium of Italian entrepreneurs, including his children, could be formed.

ROME – After the public announcement of “my opposition”, Air France will pull out of the battle for Alitalia, leaving the field open for Air One, “whose leadership I consider indispensable to the deal. The operation will be supported by a consortium of banks, which could include Banca Intesa, whose board could take a decision tomorrow, and other entrepreneurs, perhaps with the participation of my children”. The statement came from People of Freedom’s (PDL) leader, Silvio Berlusconi, in a conversation with journalists during the night at a birthday party for former Northern League minister Roberto Maroni. Mr Berlusconi reiterated his rejection of the plan presented by the Franco-Dutch group.

Here is a list of the big favourites for the Spring Classicissima: from the specialist Freire to Petacchi, from Cancellara to Pozzato. Vote in the poll: who will win?

MILAN, 20 March 2008 – Fifteen names for the Classicissima. Fifteen candidates for the first big title of the season. Here are all the hot favourites for the 99th Milan-Sanremo.

Oscar FREIRE (Spain/Rabobank) – He won two stages of the Tyrrhenian. He has already won the Sanremo in 2004 and 2007. He is the man to beat.

Paolo BETTINI (Italy/Quick Step) – He is not in great form, but he is a born fighter and will want to do justice to the world champion’s shirt.

Fabian CANCELLARA (Switzerland/CSC) – He won the Tyrrhenian showing himself to be in great form. He has previously won a Roubaix and can be dangerous on the downhill from Poggio.