Saturday evening’s match between Monza and Genoa was not only one of the more entertaining encounters of the Serie A weekend, but it was also a significant occasion for Portuguese strikers representing both sides.

Monza came away with the spoils in a five-goal thriller, winning 3-2 having seen off a brave fightback from hosts Genoa. The highlight of the game was Dany Mota’s wondergoal for Monza, while former Braga man Vitinha opened his account for Genoa with what could be an important goal to help the striker settle in Italy.

Portuguese defender Diogo Leite has admitted to being flattered by recent interest from Real Madrid, while saying he feels ready to finally make an impact for his country at international level.

Leite has been speaking to Spanish publication AS, which is based in Madrid, following the winter interest from Los Merengues. The former Porto man’s rise in the Bundesliga has also raised questions over when Leite will finally earn his first senior cap for his country, as Roberto Martinez comes closer to choosing his squad for the European Championships.

The new Brazilian season is still in its early stages of regional championships, but Palmeiras and their Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira are at the centre of a heated story in South America.

Local rivals Palmeiras and São Paulo met in the Campeonato Paulista on Sunday, playing out a 1-1 draw at São Paulo’s Morumbi Stadium. The result saw both sides remain top of their respective groups, but tensions flared within the grounds of the stadium after the match as São Paulo raged at refereeing decisions.

Portugal international Pedro Neto has been speaking about the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo on his career, as well as his hopes of playing for his country at the European Championships this summer.

Neto has been in fine form for Wolverhampton Wanderers this season in the Premier League, with his dynamic eye-catching performances resulting in links to England’s major clubs resurfacing ahead of the summer transfer window.