Antonio Cassano says Cristiano Ronaldo is football's version of tennis ace Rafael Nadal, while Argentine striker Lionel Messi is closer to Roger Federer, insisting the latter is the best player in the history of the game.

Antonio Cassano's wife Carolina gave birth to the couple's second son on Monday, who has been named "in honour of the greatest player of all time."

Inter Milan fell further behind Serie A leaders Juventus on Saturday after being held 1-1 at home to struggling Genoa.

Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni and striker Antonio Cassano have been handed one and two-match bans respectively, Italian league bosses announced on Tuesday.

Inter Milan maintained their pursuit of Serie A leaders Juventus with a 2-0 win over Catania as Fiorentina lost ground after being held to a 1-1 draw at Chievo on Sunday.

Inter Milan striker Antonio Cassano said he is still mystified about why he has been left on the sidelines by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli.

European football's governing body on Friday said it had fined Italy forward Antonio Cassano for homophobic comments he made during a news conference at Euro 2012.

Spain centre-back Sergio Ramos says preparations for the Euro 2012 final against Italy are complicated by the fact his side do not know how their opponents will play.

Striker Mario Balotelli struck twice to seal Italy's 2-1 semi-final win over Germany on Thursday to leave the Germans' Euro 2012 ambitions in tatters while the Azzurri marched on to the final.

England will attempt to reach the last four of a major tournament for the first time in 16 years on Sunday as they face Italy in a heavyweight Euro 2012 quarter-final collision.