The victories of CSKA Moscow and Rostov on the penultimate day of the Russian Championship condemns Zenit St Petersburg to third place, which does not qualify them for next season’s Champions League. A flop that, in addition to the farewell of Portuguese coach Villas-Boas, will also push some important players towards the exit door.
 

 Brazilian striker Hulk and the Belgian midfielder Axl Witsel are two of the highest prized targets. The latter has been followed with interest by Serie A clubs such as Milan and Roma, with Juve now concentrating on other objectives (Andre Gomes and Pjanic). With a contract expiring in June 2017, Witsel can leave for a sum almost 50% less than the €40 million invested four years ago to take him from Benfica.  

The other main protagonists all come from the defence. Argentinean Garay (who could be replaced by Glik of Torino) and two old acquaintances of Italian football, the Portuguese Neto (former Siena) and Italian Criscito, former Juventus and Genoa. Spalletti knows him well and if he would be prepared to come to the Italian capital, he could be the ideal replacement should Digne have to return to PSG.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler