Flachi ban extended

The 32-year-old was initially handed a 16-month ban by the League's disciplinary committee after testing positive for cocaine following a 2-0 defeat to Internazionale on January 28.

The decision to increase his punishment was taken in response to an appeal by the anti-doping wing of the Italian Olympic Committee.

Flachi, who claimed the drug was contained in a cigarette offered to him by someone he did not know, has been suspended from competition since February 22.

He will be able to return to play in February 2009.