The Wave is a memorable drama

A strong drama set around the ease in which totalitarianism can be introduced into and readily absorbed by a society, either as a country – Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Spain – or as a group of school students.

Italian quartet register clean sweep

Italy enjoyed a clean sweep as all four sides recorded victories: AC Milan beating FC Zürich, SSC Napoli holding off SL Benfica and UC Sampdoria and Udinese Calcio both nearing the group stage following comfortable wins.

Camoranesi extends Juventus contract

Italy midfielder Mauro Camoranesi has added one year to his contract with Juventus, committing himself to the Bianconeri until 2011, and said: "For me it is a special day both personally and professionally."

Russia draw Italy in futsal U21 finals

Hosts Russia will take on Italy in the inaugural UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament while Spain and Ukraine were paired together after the draw for the first finals was made in St Petersburg.

Euro summer hits still going strong

Film News: 'Mamma, ' 'Knight, ' 'Wanted' still giving -- A slew of late-summer Hollywood openers boosted the European box office over the weekend, with “Mamma Mia!” making a splash in France, “Wanted” shooting to the top in Spain, “Hancock” flying high in Italy, and the U.K. buzzing on "Pineapple Express, " while “The Dark Knight” continued its reign in Germany.

Only way is up for vibrant St Pat's

Their 47-year wait for an away victory in Europe over, Dublin side St Patrick's Athletic FC travel to face Hertha BSC Berlin in the UEFA Cup as underdogs but with the ambition to pull off a "phenomenal" upset.

Another UK tour operator goes bust

A second British tour operator has gone bust days after the collapse of XL Leisure sent the travel industry into turmoil, the aviation regulator confirmed today.

XL collapse sees rivals prosper on FTSE

The collapse of a rival operator buoyed holiday giants TUI Travel and Thomas Cook today as the FTSE 100 Index surged nearly 2% in the final session of the week.

Summer blockbusters end Euro tour

Film News: 'Mamma Mia!' leaves French cold -- As the summer season sets at the European box office, “Hancock” is flying high in Italy in one of the final legs of its boffo world tour; Gauls are turning their noses up at “Mamma Mia!”; and the U.K. is getting a hit of “Pineapple Express.”

XL travel rivals see shares rise on FTSE

UK holiday giants TUI Travel and Thomas Cook were experiencing strong gains today as investors digested the collapse of rival operator XL.

More tour operators expected to go under

The collapse of tour operator XL is the latest blow to the UK air travel industry, which has endured a torrid summer with a number of companies closing down.

Leaky Saints dump defensive coordinator Gibbs

Gary Gibbs, the New Orleans Saints' defensive coordinator the past three years, was fired on Wednesday.

Saints confirm repairs to Bush's balky left knee

The New Orleans Saints have confirmed that running back Reggie Bush had surgery on his left knee, and will require months of rehabilitation.

49ers

Tom Rathman agreed to return to the San Francisco 49ers' coaching staff Wednesday night as their running backs coach.

Seahawks

Greg Knapp is the new offensive coordinator for the Seahawks, the first of many moves to be made by Seattle under new coach Jim Mora.

Broncos interview Frazier; Stoops possibility?

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has interviewed a half dozen candidates to replace Mike Shanahan, three from each side of the ball.

Elbow hurting, Mawae tries to brace for Ravens

Tennessee Pro Bowl center Kevin Mawae insisted Wednesday he is day-to-day for the Titans' divisional playoff game against Baltimore, and he didn't mean to cause such a stir by saying he wouldn't play this week.

DEs Haynesworth, Vanden Bosh practice

Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and end Kyle Vanden Bosch took part in their first full practice in weeks Wednesday, and they couldn't be more eager to chase the rookie quarterback in the Titans' AFC divisional playoff game on Sunday against Baltimore.

Giants RB Jacobs practices; DE Tuck misses workout

New York Giants leading rusher Brandon Jacobs returned to practice on Wednesday and pronounced himself ready to go for the NFC semifinal against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ex-Bills QB, politician Kemp diagnosed with cancer

The office of Jack Kemp says the former housing secretary, congressman and Buffalo Bills quarterback has been diagnosed with cancer.

Panthers get injured linemen back for Cards game

The Carolina Panthers should have starting defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu
and Damione Lewis back for Saturday's playoff game against Arizona. Kemoeatu,
Lewis and right offensive tackle Jeff Otah practiced Wednesday after being sidelined
by injuries late in the regular season.