Sporting briefs

Parma promoted: Parma were promoted back to Serie A at the first attempt when they drew 2-2 at Cittadella yesterday. The 1995 and 1999 UEFA Cup winners will join Serie B leaders Bari in the top flight next season after Antonio Conte's side secured promotion last week. Second-placed Parma went seven points above Livorno in third with two games to play.

Crespo: Inter striker Hernan Crespo is talking with Fiorentina about a free transfer in the close season. "He is an exceptional player but nothing has yet been agreed," Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli said. The 33-year-old Argentine has featured little for Serie A champions Inter this season while Fiorentina have lacked firepower up front since selling Giampaolo Pazzini to Sampdoria in January.

Pantelic: Hertha Berlin striker Marko Pantelic will leave at the end of the season after almost four years with the club. Pantelic, 31, said farewell to the fans after the last home game of the season, a 0-0 draw against Schalke 04 yesterday which effectively ended their title hopes. "I am very proud to have been part of this team. I thank you for many great years," said the Serb.

Carr: Former Ireland international full back Stephen Carr will go from retirement to playing in the Premier League in under a year after agreeing a new contract with promoted Birmingham. Carr, 32, who retired after leaving Newcastle at the end of last season, started playing with Birmingham on a short-term deal in February and impressed boss Alex McLeish so much he offered him a two-year contract.

Tennis: David Nalbandian has undergone hip surgery and is expected to be out of action for at least four months. The world number 15 would miss Argentina's Davis Cup quarter-final against Czech Republic in July and would play no part in the year's remaining Grand Slam tournaments. Nalbandian picked up a hip injury at the Barcelona Open last month. He lost in the first round of the Estoril Open on his return and underwent surgery in Barcelona last week.

Rugby: Australia have joined New Zealand in welcoming South Africa's decision to agree on a structure for Super rugby from 2011 and beyond. The three SANZAR member countries were in dispute over the best way forward for the competition but reached agreement at a meeting in Dublin last week. The details of the agreement have been kept secret until they are presented to their respective boards but will be presented to their broadcasters next month for consideration.