Soccer ace Ronaldo to star in Italia Open

Brazilian soccer idol Ronaldo is set to make a shock appearance in next Wednesday's star-studded Pro-Am at the Telecom Italia Open at Castello di Tolcinasco G&CC near Milan.

It's a big day all round for three-times FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo whose AC Milan club later on host Manchester Utd with a place in the final of the Champions League at stake - Ronaldo is cup-tied having already played in this season's competition for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Admitted Ronaldo: "Obviously I would love to be playing against Manchester United as it will be a great game and a great occasion at the San Siro, but I am equally looking forward to competing in the Pro-Am.

"I've played golf for a number of years now and I thoroughly enjoy the game and am trying hard to improve. But whatever happens, I will really enjoy testing my own game against the professionals of the European Tour."

It will be fascinating to see how mid-handicapper Ronaldo fares in such a completely alien sporting arena and the same applies to Italian footballing legends Gianluca Vialli, Roberto Donadoni and Daniele Massaro who will also be performing on the big golfing stage in Milan.