Spalletti bares his chest in pride at Zenit title

Italian coach Luciano Spalletti celebrated Zenit St Petersburg’s Russian league title by ripping off his shirt and baring his chest at the award ceremony following their final match of the season on Sunday, a 0-0 draw with Samara.

The 51-year-old former AS Roma coach defied the freezing weather to express his joy at delivering the title to Zenit in his first season in charge.

“It’s a great celebration day for all of us today!” he roared.

“We praise our fans for their support. Thank you all,” added Spalletti, whose bare chested appearance reflected that of the supporters.

All the top three recorded 0-0 draws in the final round of matches as Zenit finished six points clear of CSKA Moscow, who were held 0-0 by Perm.

Deposed champions Rubin Kazan finished third this time round and ended with a 0-0 draw against Lokomotiv Moscow.

Russia’s nine-time champions Spartak Moscow ended a disappointing campaign – which has also seen them exit the Champions League at the group stage after losing 3-0 to Marseille last Tuesday – with a 1-1 draw with Dynamo Moscow and finished fourth.

Brazilian marksman Welliton ended as the league’s top scorer as he netted his 19th of the season in the 27th minute, giving Spartak the lead after being set up by former Celtic star Aiden McGeady – who was to be sent off near the end of the match.

But Dynamo skipper Dmitry Khokhlov ended his career on a high note as he levelled 11 minutes later with a header from Andrei Voronin’s well-struck freekick.

Novosibirsk and Alania Vladikavkaz were relegated. Krasnodar and Volga Nizhny Novgorod will replace them in the Premier League next year.