Zenit's title party warms Spalletti spirit

The 51-year-old former AS Roma coach's side had clinched the title a fortnight ago with a 5-0 thrashing of Rostov and yesterday he 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 said. "We praise our fans for their support. Thank you all."

Zenit finished six points clear of CSKA Moscow, who were held 0-0 by Perm.

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

Russia's nine-time champions Spartak Moscow, for whom former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady now plays, drew 1-1 against Dynamo Moscow and finished fourth in the table. McGeady, who set up his side's goal for Brazilian striker Welliton, was later sent off.