Former Formula One driver Eddie Irvine has been sentenced to six months in prison in Italy after being convicted of assaulting another nightclubber.

Irvine, who raced alongside Michael Schumacher for Ferrari, and Gabriele Moratti, the son of a former Milan mayor, were found guilty of "mutual injury" during the incident at Hollywood nightpot in Milan in 2008.

Each had accused the other of using a glass in the brawl, but the sentences are likely to be suspended and neither is to go to jail.

Moratti's lawyer denied reports the incident was over a woman. Lawyers for Irvine, who was not in court, did not comment.