The legendary trequartista marked his last outing for the Bianconeri with a trademark curling, finding the bottom left corner with a 25-yard shot just before the half-hour

Fifty-two players charged and 33 matches under scrutiny as Serie A teams Atalanta, Siena and Novara called before tribunal

As Italy gears up for its tilt at the European football championships in June, a growing match-fixing scandal at home is once again threatening to shatter the reputation of its game.

Three teams in Serie A, Italy's top flight, Atalanta, Siena and Novara, are among 22 clubs set to face trial this month before a sporting tribunal, accused of rigging matches, the Italian football federation said on Wednesday.

The trial, in which 52 players are charged and 33 matches are under scrutiny, is the biggest development to date in an ongoing investigation that could yet see more of the biggest names in the game charged.

In 2006 Serie A giants Juventus were relegated and stripped of two league titles following an investigation into referee influencing.

The fresh allegations mostly cover games played in the second tier, Serie B, in recent seasons. Atalanta, Novara and Siena were all playing in that division at the time, as were former European Cup finalists Sampdoria, also in the dock.

A list of charges released by the federation makes frequent reference to a Balkan betting gang known as the Gypsies which allegedly bribed players to throw games or ensure a certain number of goals were scored, with payments ranging from €5,000 (£4,000) to €35,000. The tribunal is also expected to punish players who knew about but failed to report match fixing, even if they did not participate.

Players on trial include Luigi Sartor, the former Inter Milan, Parma, Roma and Ternana defender.

The federation is working with evidence based on wiretaps and confessions provided by magistrates in Cremona who are mounting their own investigation ahead of a possible criminal trial. Using evidence handed over last year, the federation has already docked Atalanta six points and banned former Atalanta idol and Italian international Cristiano Doni for three and a half years. Giuseppe Signori, who has played for Lazio and Italy, was banned for five years.

As this year's Serie A season concludes, Novara are already due to be relegated back to Serie B, but if Siena are docked points they risk the same fate.

In coming weeks the federation is likely to send more teams to trial based on further evidence from Cremona, – which could implicate top sides Genoa and Lazio, according to press reports – and from Bari, where prosecutors are looking into allegations that players at local club Bari were paid €230,000 to throw a crucial Serie A game against Lecce last year. Bari player Andrea Masiello deliberately scored an own goal in that game. Napoli, who were defeated by Chelsea in this season's Champions League, are at the centre of an investigation by Naples magistrates.

Prosecutors are also reportedly considering questioning former Siena manager Antonio Conte who this season led Juventus to their first Serie A title since the club's 2006 relegation – their 28th title.

The club's president, Andrea Agnelli, has courted controversy by claiming the club has now won 30 titles, while players celebrating drank from bottles of champagne labelled with the number 30, deliberately ignoring the fact that two of those titles were officially stripped away in 2006.

In the wake of the so-called Calciopoli scandal that year, Italy went on to win the World Cup, with many national team players lifting their game in the face of the pressure brought by the investigations into their clubs.

It is unlikely that the national side heading for Poland and Ukraine this summer will feature players who face trial, but with the first trial due to end just before the tournament and a second likely to start just after, the team will be expected to turn around the damaged reputation of Italian football.

  Italian football clubs face trial in match-fixing scandal

  Fifty-two players charged and 33 matches under scrutiny as Serie A teams Atalanta, Siena and Novara called before tribunalAs Italy gears up for its tilt at the European football championships in June, a growing match-fixing scandal at home is once again threatening to shatter the reputation of its game.Three teams in Serie A, Italy's top flight, Atalanta, Siena and Novara, are among 22 clubs set to face trial this month before a sporting tribunal, accused of rigging matches, the Italian football federation said on Wednesday.The trial, in which 52 players are charged and 33 matches are under scrutiny, is the biggest development to date in an ongoing investigation that could yet see more of the biggest names in the game charged.In 2006 Serie A giants Juventus were relegated and stripped of two league titles following an investigation into referee influencing.The fresh allegations mostly cover games played in the second tier, Serie B, in recent seasons. Atalanta, Novara and Siena were all playing in that division at the time, as were former European Cup finalists Sampdoria, also in the dock.A list of charges released by the federation makes frequent reference to a Balkan betting gang known as the Gypsies which allegedly bribed players to throw games or ensure a certain number of goals were scored, with payments ranging from €5,000 (£4,000) to €35,000. The tribunal is also expected to punish players who knew about but failed to report match fixing, even if they did not participate.Players on trial include Luigi Sartor, the former Inter Milan, Parma, Roma and Ternana defender.The federation is working with evidence based on wiretaps and confessions provided by magistrates in Cremona who are mounting their own investigation ahead of a possible criminal trial. Using evidence handed over last year, the federation has already docked Atalanta six points and banned former Atalanta idol and Italian international Cristiano Doni for three and a half years. Giuseppe Signori, who has played for Lazio and Italy, was banned for five years.As this year's Serie A season concludes, Novara are already due to be relegated back to Serie B, but if Siena are docked points they risk the same fate.In coming weeks the federation is likely to send more teams to trial based on further evidence from Cremona, – which could implicate top sides Genoa and Lazio, according to press reports – and from Bari, where prosecutors are looking into allegations that players at local club Bari were paid €230,000 to throw a crucial Serie A game against Lecce last year. Bari player Andrea Masiello deliberately scored an own goal in that game. Napoli, who were defeated by Chelsea in this season's Champions League, are at the centre of an investigation by Naples magistrates.Prosecutors are also reportedly considering questioning former Siena manager Antonio Conte who this season led Juventus to their first Serie A title since the club's 2006 relegation – their 28th title.The club's president, Andrea Agnelli, has courted controversy by claiming the club has now won 30 titles, while players celebrating drank from bottles of champagne labelled with the number 30, deliberately ignoring the fact that two of those titles were officially stripped away in 2006.In the wake of the so-called Calciopoli scandal that year, Italy went on to win the World Cup, with many national team players lifting their game in the face of the pressure brought by the investigations into their clubs.It is unlikely that the national side heading for Poland and Ukraine this summer will feature players who face trial, but with the first trial due to end just before the tournament and a second likely to start just after, the team will be expected to turn around the damaged reputation of Italian football.ItalySerie AAtalantaNovaraSienaGenoaLazioBariEuropeEuropean footballTom Kingtonguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

• Gianluigi Buffon's mistake costs leaders Juventus
• Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi attacks his own player

Milan moved one point behind Juventus at the top of Serie A after they beat Atalanta 2-0 and a Gianluigi Buffon error handed lowly Lecce a 1-1 draw in Turin. Milan, at home, beat in-form Atalanta thanks to goals from Sulley Muntari and Robinho to close the gap with two matches remaining.

Juve could have wrapped up the title if results had gone their way and were looking good for three points almost from the start of their match with third-bottom Lecce. They took the lead after eight minutes through Claudio Marchisio and dominated the play, creating several chances that went begging.

It looked as if the win would be theirs until Buffon miscontrolled the ball under no pressure, giving it straight to Andrea Bertolacci who slotted into an open goal five minutes from time. Lecce, who had Juan Guillermo Cuadrado sent off on 54 minutes, are three behind Genoa in safety after their relegation rivals beat Cagliari 2-1 in a match held behind closed doors in Brescia because of previous fan trouble.

Milan next face Internazionale on Sunday in what promises to be a huge derby with the Nerazzurri fighting for a place in the Champions League. Juve take on Cagliari in a game being played in Trieste because of problems at the Sardinians' stadium.

Inter slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Parma, missing the chance to go level on points with third-placed Napoli and Udinese, who beat relegated bottom side Cesena 1-0. Third spot is worth a place in the Champions League play-offs while fourth this term is good enough only for the Europa League.

Lazio, two behind Napoli and Udinese but a point above Inter, managed only a 1-1 draw at home to Siena, who secured their Serie A status for next term.

Fiorentina took a big step towards safety by coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home with Novara, who were relegated to Serie B as a result after a single season in the top flight. The game was overshadowed somewhat by an incident involving Fiorentina's coach, Delio Rossi, who physically attacked Adem Ljajic – one of his own players – in the dugout during the game after a row over a substitution.

Catania's slim hope of European football were ended by a 1-0 defeat at home to Bologna.

  Milan win while Juventus draw as Serie A title race comes alive

  • Gianluigi Buffon's mistake costs leaders Juventus• Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi attacks his own playerMilan moved one point behind Juventus at the top of Serie A after they beat Atalanta 2-0 and a Gianluigi Buffon error handed lowly Lecce a 1-1 draw in Turin. Milan, at home, beat in-form Atalanta thanks to goals from Sulley Muntari and Robinho to close the gap with two matches remaining.Juve could have wrapped up the title if results had gone their way and were looking good for three points almost from the start of their match with third-bottom Lecce. They took the lead after eight minutes through Claudio Marchisio and dominated the play, creating several chances that went begging.It looked as if the win would be theirs until Buffon miscontrolled the ball under no pressure, giving it straight to Andrea Bertolacci who slotted into an open goal five minutes from time. Lecce, who had Juan Guillermo Cuadrado sent off on 54 minutes, are three behind Genoa in safety after their relegation rivals beat Cagliari 2-1 in a match held behind closed doors in Brescia because of previous fan trouble.Milan next face Internazionale on Sunday in what promises to be a huge derby with the Nerazzurri fighting for a place in the Champions League. Juve take on Cagliari in a game being played in Trieste because of problems at the Sardinians' stadium.Inter slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Parma, missing the chance to go level on points with third-placed Napoli and Udinese, who beat relegated bottom side Cesena 1-0. Third spot is worth a place in the Champions League play-offs while fourth this term is good enough only for the Europa League.Lazio, two behind Napoli and Udinese but a point above Inter, managed only a 1-1 draw at home to Siena, who secured their Serie A status for next term.Fiorentina took a big step towards safety by coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home with Novara, who were relegated to Serie B as a result after a single season in the top flight. The game was overshadowed somewhat by an incident involving Fiorentina's coach, Delio Rossi, who physically attacked Adem Ljajic – one of his own players – in the dugout during the game after a row over a substitution.Catania's slim hope of European football were ended by a 1-0 defeat at home to Bologna.Serie AMilanJuventusFiorentinaAtalantaEuropean footballLecceGenoaCagliariInternazionaleParmaUdineseCesenaLazioSienaCataniaBolognaguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

• Internazionale 0-1 Novara
• Catania 4-0 Genoa; Atalanta 0-0 Lecce

The pressure on the Internazionale coach, Claudio Ranieri, has increased following their 1-0 defeat at home to rock-bottom Novara on Sunday.

Inter have now lost three of their last four games, a run which has all but ended their Serie A title hopes and also placed a serious question mark against their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

Andrea Caracciolo scored the only goal of the game in the 56th minute as Novara completed the double over Inter this season.

They even held on to the win after Ivan Radovanovic was sent off with 10 minutes to go.

The Internazionale owner, Massimo Moratti, was forced to issue a statement on Thursday denying the club were considering dismissing Ranieri and replacing him with the former England manager Fabio Capello.

But this setback leaves Ranieri's side fifth in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Udinese and 11 adrift of the leaders Milan.

Elsewhere, Pablo Barrientos scored twice as Catania claimed their first win of 2012 in style with a 4-0 thrashing of Genoa.

The visitors went into the game on the back of two straight wins but found themselves a goal down after seven minutes through Francesco Lodi's penalty.

Barrientos then netted a quickfire double in the 49th and 52nd minutes, before Gonzalo Bergessio rounded off the scoring 10 minutes later.

Atalanta hit the post twice but their problems in front of goal continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Lecce.

The Bergamaschi were the better side at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia but could not find a way past the Lecce goalkeeper, Júlio Sérgio, although both Guido Marilungo and Federico Peluso struck the woodwork.

The result left Atalanta in 15th place, six points clear of third-bottom Lecce.

The matches between Bologna and second-placed Juventus and Parma and Fiorentina were postponed due to the bad weather.

  Serie A round-up: Pressure grows on Internazionale's Claudio Ranieri

  • Internazionale 0-1 Novara• Catania 4-0 Genoa; Atalanta 0-0 LecceThe pressure on the Internazionale coach, Claudio Ranieri, has increased following their 1-0 defeat at home to rock-bottom Novara on Sunday.Inter have now lost three of their last four games, a run which has all but ended their Serie A title hopes and also placed a serious question mark against their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.Andrea Caracciolo scored the only goal of the game in the 56th minute as Novara completed the double over Inter this season.They even held on to the win after Ivan Radovanovic was sent off with 10 minutes to go.The Internazionale owner, Massimo Moratti, was forced to issue a statement on Thursday denying the club were considering dismissing Ranieri and replacing him with the former England manager Fabio Capello.But this setback leaves Ranieri's side fifth in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Udinese and 11 adrift of the leaders Milan.Elsewhere, Pablo Barrientos scored twice as Catania claimed their first win of 2012 in style with a 4-0 thrashing of Genoa.The visitors went into the game on the back of two straight wins but found themselves a goal down after seven minutes through Francesco Lodi's penalty.Barrientos then netted a quickfire double in the 49th and 52nd minutes, before Gonzalo Bergessio rounded off the scoring 10 minutes later.Atalanta hit the post twice but their problems in front of goal continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Lecce.The Bergamaschi were the better side at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia but could not find a way past the Lecce goalkeeper, Júlio Sérgio, although both Guido Marilungo and Federico Peluso struck the woodwork.The result left Atalanta in 15th place, six points clear of third-bottom Lecce.The matches between Bologna and second-placed Juventus and Parma and Fiorentina were postponed due to the bad weather.Serie AInternazionaleEuropean footballNovaraCataniaGenoaAtalantaLecceguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds