Galatasaray confirm that former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has parted company with the club.

His side finished runners-up in the league and won the Turkish Cup last season, but the 49-year-old has been linked with a return to his native Italy and his former club Lazio.

Phil McNulty
BBC chief football writer in Brazil

It may only be 08:10 in Rio but Avenida Atlantica, which runs alongside Copacabana, is already alive with noise and the city's familiar heavy traffic.

Copacabana's Fanfest site is still very much a work in progress and plenty of observers - including this one - have expressed surprise at the obvious lack of World Cup fervour around Rio.

This, of course, will surely change once the first ball is kicked by a Brazilian player at the 2014 World Cup.

Ghana striker Majeed Waris faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup after scans revealed he has a torn quadricep.

The 22-year-old suffered the injury in the fourth minute of Monday's 4-0 friendly win over South Korea, but the Black Stars' team doctor Adam Baba says Waris is improving and "can now bend his knee with little pain".

Naming newborn children after leading international footballers is apparently a Brazilian tradition synonymous with the World Cup. Perhaps this doesn't just happen in Brazil though. Do you know anyone named after a famous player or manager, maybe even a team? Perhaps you've named your own children after your hero?

Let us know via #bbcworldcup,, external text 81111 (UK users only) or post on BBC Sport Facebook., external

BBC commentator Conor McNamara ‏on Twitter:, external This day 24 years ago, Kevin Sheedy scored for Ireland v England in Cagliari at Italia 90.

Who would have thought when England drew that group game 1-1, they would go on to be a penalty shootout away from the World Cup final. Ah, memories.

Who said training was boring?

The countries competing at the 2014 World Cup are finding different ways of enjoying training ahead of the tournament.

Watch here as Dutch players are forced to do push-ups in front of their team-mates, Mexican players strike balls into their team-mates' backsides and the Algeria team soak their coach in a post-training water fight.

Image source, @DanWalker

BBC presenter Dan Walker on Twitter:, external Good job they've got plenty of time to sort this pitch out #sarcasm #Manaus #England.

Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo signs a new two-year deal with Juventus - not bad for a 35-year-old.

Since leaving AC Milan in 2011, the midfielder has inspired Juventus to three successive Serie A titles, scoring six goals last season for the club.

Pirlo will now be concentrating on Italy's World Cup opener against England on Saturday.

Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

Image source, Getty Images

Lineker said: "Spain will win the group and I'll back Van Gaal to get the Netherlands through."

Read Gary Lineker's World Cup group guide here.

Calls for Wayne Rooney to be dropped by England at the World Cup have turned into a "witch-hunt", according to his Manchester United coach Phil Neville.

The 28-year-old striker's place in Roy Hodgson's side has been questioned ahead of Saturday's game against Italy.

But Neville told BBC Sport: "I just think it is a witch-hunt we don't need.

"Everything has been going so well with the team's preparation that people are looking for a negative now. But there isn't a negative with Wayne."

Phil McNulty
BBC chief football writer in Brazil

Image source, EPA

It may have been raining in Rio last night but there were still plenty of late night football games going on at Copacabana - some complete with a referee.

The FA are expected to give an update later on striker Danny Welbeck's fitness after he failed to complete Tuesday's training session with a thigh injury.

If he is out for any length of time, it would be a serious blow to England manager Roy Hodgson, who regards the man from Manchester United so highly.

Nathan from Plymouth: If England beat Italy, which I think is very possible, the team will go far; semi-final you never know. Young squad with no fear, Sterling, Barkley and the Ox the secret weapons.

Sam Goldberg: I reckon Spain will top their group, with a shock Chile getting 2nd place, leaving Holland knocked out of the group stages!

Continue to give us your views on who you think will qualify from the World Cup groups via #bbcworldcup, text 81111 or on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Italy expect a "very difficult match" when they open their World Cup campaign against England on Saturday, according to midfielder Claudio Marchisio.

The Azzurri knocked England out of Euro 2012 at the quarter-final stage, winning on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

The Juventus player, 28, said: "I think we'll meet a different England to Euro 2012. They are always great clashes.

"They have changed a lot of players. But we have changed too."

BBC Radio 5 live

If you missed the 11 Moments that Shocked the World Cup programme on BBC Radio 5 live on Tuesday night, it is now available as a podcast.

From Zidane's headbutt to Rijkaard's spit, Schumacher's assault to Schillachi's brilliance, the programme, presented by Mark Pougatch with guests Rory Smith and Tim Vickery, remembers the World Cup moments that shocked, surprised and appalled the global football audience.

Manchester United defender Phil Jones admits he is relieved to be fit for England's World Cup campaign after injuring his shoulder at the end of last season.

Once I did it I thought I might not have a chance, but thankfully it healed quickly and I'm feeling fit, ready and I'm so looking forward to it," Jones told TheFA.com. , external

"The World Cup was the first thing that came into my mind when I did it.

"I remember getting the scan sitting there thinking 'it might knock my chance'. But, thankfully it's healed nicely and I'm able to be a part of what's going to hopefully be a successful tournament."

England striker Daniel Sturridge on Twitter:, external I need to iron my clothes for training tomorrow. Can't be bothered one bit.

Ironing your own training kit Daniel? What is the world coming to?

Image source, EPA

Go on Sepp...

Fifa president Sepp Blatter shows his moves as he dances on stage with Brazilian presenter Fernanda Lima during the governing body's congress opening ceremony in Sao Paulo.

Blatter is facing calls to stand down next year, but he doesn't seem to be letting that bother him.

This is video gold. Have a look.

Spanish newspaper AS, external reports that the Chilean football federation has contacted the World Cup governing body to move them to a hotel with better air conditioning and internet connectivity.

Chile are in Group B along with Spain, Netherlands and Australia.

Striker Luis Suarez is working overtime to be fit for the World Cup as he recovers from knee surgery, says Uruguay team-mate Cristian Rodriguez.

The Liverpool star had keyhole surgery to repair meniscus damage in his left knee on 22 May.

After facing Costa Rica, Uruguay meet England on 19 June, before completing their group games against Italy five days later.

Rodriguez said: "He is very focused. He is working in double and triple shifts and we hope to have him with us soon."

According to Spanish newspaper Marca,, external Brazilian footballing legend Pele says Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo will find it harder to succeed at the World Cup than Lionel Messi because the 26 year-old Argentine forward is surrounded by good players.