Protti to retire

Livorno's ageing striker Igor Protti has confirmed he will retire in the summer.

Protti is in his second spell with Livorno, having returned to the club in 1999 following a stint at the Armando Picchi earlier in his career.

The 37-year-old has used his experience to good effect in Serie A this term and has scored five goals for Livorno.

His efforts have helped Livorno secure a respectable position in mid-table but he will not be around to establish the club as a top-flight force next term.

The popular attacker will play his final home game for Livorno this weekend against champions-elect Juventus.

It will be an emotional occasion for Protti, who also numbers Bari and Lazio among his former clubs, and he feels the time is right to quit professional football.

"Against Juve I'll say goodbye to my supporters," said Protti.

"I understood I have to quit, that I have a duty to dedicate myself to my family and at the age of 37 it's right to do so."