Chelsea breathed life into their faint title hopes, while also helping open up the English Premier League title race after handing Manchester City their first loss of the season in a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Frank Lampard came off the bench to convert the game-winning penalty as a Joleon Lescott handball doomed City to their first defeat, which leaves the Premier League leaders just two points ahead of Manchester United.

In a stunning display of showmanship, both Balotelli and DeRossi are set to be axed by manager Prandelli for next weeks clashes against Slovenia and Ukraine (it's been reported). These bans fall under Prandelli's long advocated code of ethics policy which promotes a sense of responsibility and fair play amongst the Azzurri ranks.