Illegal immigrants break out of detention centre in Italy

ROME - Hundreds of illegal immigrants broke out of an overcrowded detention centre in Italy’s Lampedusa Island in protest against the inhuman condition there.

Osvaldo starts training with Bologna

ROME - Striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo began training with his new club Bologna after his transfer from Fiorentina.

Chrysler, Fiat sign merger agreement

NEW YORK/ROME - Italian carmaker Fiat and US car concern Chrysler have signed an agreement to merge their companies, Chrysler disclosed Tuesday.

Manchester City, AC Milan juggle Kaka’s future

ROME - A crucial week for the future of AC Milan star Kaka started Monday with the scheduled arrival in Italy of his father Bosco, who will act as his agent as Manchester City look to buy the Brazil player from the Milanese club for a world record fee.

Milan beat Fiorentina amidst fears of Kaka’s departure

ROME - AC Milan beat Fiorentina 1-0 as Brazilian Pato was on target in a late game in the Italian Serie A.

Young striker Pazzini leaves Fiorentina for Sampdoria

ROME - Italian football club Fiorentina transferred striker Giampaolo Pazzini to Sampdoria and hired Emiliano Bonazzoli on a loan from Genoa.

Baptista’s brace helps Roma to beat Sampdoria

ROME - Brazil striker Julio Baptista scored a brace as Roma beat Sampdoria 2-0 in a Serie A football game.

Juventus close in on leaders Inter Milan

ROME - A free kick from Alessandro Del Piero helped Juventus beat Siena 1-0 to move within four points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan.

Pope Benedict celebrates midnight mass in Rome

ROME - Pope Benedict XVI late Wednesday led the Vatican’s Christmas festivities by celebrating the traditional Midnight Mass.