Scandal verdict now deferred

Local media speculated that the tribunal8217;s rulings could come as late as Friday or Saturday, allowing Italians more time to revel in Sunday8217;s penalty shootout win over France. Justice Minister Clemente Mastella called for a judgment that 8220;takes into account the victory in Berlin8221;.

8220;Let8217;s do what they did in ancient Rome: whoever has given us prestige and dignity should be treated differently, as one who has done something exemplary,8221; Mastella said.

Champions Juventus risk relegation to the third division if found guilty of trying to influence the appointment of match officials for games during the 2004-05 season. AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio face possible relegation to the second tier Serie B while 26 individuals 8212; including club and football federation officials, referees and linesmen 8211; risk bans from their nation8217;s favourite sport.

FIGC commissioner Guido Rossi has consistently ruled out the possibility of an amnesty and many fans believe Italy8217;s Cup win will not soften the sentences handed down by the tribunal. James Eve