Italy

Italian Serie A football clubs have been afforded a new sponsorship opportunity after Lega Serie A, the governing body of the top division, approved the introduction of a fourth branding place on shirts.

The creation of a new European club rugby tournament and an increase in competition for qualification to the tournament from Pro12 clubs were driving factors behind an increase in the value of title sponsorship rights for rugby union’s Pro12 league.

Italian Serie A football club Napoli has agreed a new sponsorship deal with national pasta company Pasta Garofalo.

Irish beer brand Guinness has been unveiled as the new title sponsor of the Pro12 European club rugby union tournament.

Energy company SuisseGas has agreed a deal to become the new main sponsor of Italian Serie A football club Atalanta.

North American computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool builder Haas Automation has agreed a deal with Formula One motor-racing team Ferrari.

Car maker Fiat has extended its deal as an official partner of the FIP, the governing body of basketball in Italy.

The value and scope of team sponsorships varied wildly among the teams that competed in the finals of the 34th America’s Cup, held in 2013.

Italian Serie A football club Lazio has agreed a partnership with Domenico Vacca to make the fashion brand its official formalwear provider.

French car maker Renault has renewed a deal with Udinese for its Dacia brand to remain the Italian Serie A football club’s main sponsor for the 2014-15 season.

The CAA Sports agency has been appointed by AS Roma to help the Italian Serie A football club market sponsorship rights to its new stadium.

Italian footwear manufacturer Pantofola d’Oro has struck a partnership deal with the Superbike World Championship.

Online gaming company 32Red will use its recently-signed shirt sponsorship with Scottish football club Rangers to drive brand awareness, as well as consideration of the brand when sports fans choose an online gaming provider.

Italian Serie A football team Roma has reached an agreement with Sky Italia to carry the pay-television broadcaster’s branding on the front of its shirts for the final two matches of the 2013-14 season.

Italian Serie A football team Inter Milan has entered into a four-year commercial agreement with the Infront Sports & Media agency.

Japanese tyre manufacturer Toyo Tires and Rubber has agreed to become a premium sponsor of Italian Serie A football club AC Milan.

Italian power company Enel has announced a three-year renewal to its partnership with the Association of Tennis Professionals, the governing body of men’s professional tennis.

Energy company GDF Suez has reached an agreement to become a top tier sponsor of this year’s Giro d’Italia cycling race.