Court opens inquiry into match-fixing in Serie A

Prosecutors in Genoa have opened a match-fixing investigation into Italian league soccer games from last season.

The investigation is focusing on seven matches, including the Rome derby between AS Roma and Lazio on May 15 that ended 0-0.

Several Italian newspapers have published alleged phone transcripts of conversations between players discussing that game.

The other matches being examined are AC Milan-Palermo, Livorno-Juventus, Reggina-Lecce, Sampdoria-Inter Milan, Messina-Livorno and Empoli-Genoa in the second division.

All of the games finished in draws except for Inter's 1-0 win over Sampdoria.

The investigation is being led by the same court that opened proceedings against Genoa for fixing its final match against Venezia last season to guarantee promotion to Serie A.

Genoa was found guilty and relegated to the third division.

The Italian soccer federation said Monday it had called Sampdoria striker Francesco Flachi to appear before a separate inquiry for his alleged involvement. He has denied any wrongdoing.