Atletico sign Salvio

MADRID: Atletico Madrid, looking to recover from a dismal first half of the season, have signed 19-year-old striker Eduardo Salvio from Argentine side Lanus for eight million euros, Spanish media said on Tuesday. Lanus chairman Nicolas Russo confirmed the transfer, lamenting that this "fantastic player" was "irreplacable." The Spanish club have been looking for a striker to replace Frenchman Florent Sinama-Pongolle, who left for Sporting Lisbon earlier this month. Atletico last

week signed Portuguese international midfielder Tiago from Juventus

and he was presented to the fans

on Tuesday.

Lavezzi sidelined

ROME: Argentina forward Ezequiel Lavezzi will be out for at least a month after suffering a thigh injury against Sampdoria on Sunday, his club Napoli said on Monday. Lavezzi pulled a muscle during the first half of the match and was replaced by countryman German Denis, who went on to score the only goal of the game. Napoli said 'El Pocho' -- which means 'the chubby one' -- will miss four to five weeks. It means he will not be available for Wednesday's Italian Cup trip to Juventus where Napoli will try to extend their 14-match unbeaten run under coach Walter Mazzarri.