Francisco Varallo, remaining survivor of the first World Cup final in 1930, has died at the age of 100, Argentine media reported on Monday.

Competing with three world champions for a place in the Barcelona midfield did not deter Javier Mascherano from sealing his move from Liverpool to Barcelona on Monday.

Inter Milan's Serie A title defence began with a frustrating 0-0 draw at managerless Bologna on Monday when scant options on the bench again undermined Rafa Benitez's new side.

One magical point from Roger Federer capped an exhilarating first day at the US Open on Monday as a host of former champions each took their turn in the Flushing Meadows spotlight.

Diego Forlan scored twice as Atletico Madrid beat Sporting Gijon 4-0 in their opening game of the La Liga season on Monday, adding fuel to the festive atmosphere among fans at the club.

Frank Lampard will miss England's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland with a hernia problem that will need surgery next week, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Saturday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was left out of the Barcelona squad for Sunday's La Liga opener away to Racing Santander, as negotiations for his possible transfer to AC Milan continued.

Inter Milan are hot favourites to retain their title when the Serie A season starts this weekend, despite a wholesale change in coaches among the big three teams.