Europa League: Mixed night for Italian clubs

It was a mixed night for the Italian clubs in the Europa League.

Lazio 2-1 Villareal
Lazio, despite going down to ten men, managed to tame Villareal and all their creative genius in Rome. Lazio went ahead through a well worked goal, in which Dabo's long ball was trapped by Cruz who fed Zarate who applied a smart finish. However, it was against the run of play and after Villareal dominated in possession and leveled through a well worked move in which Eguren finished with a header. Half time arrived and with great thanks from the Lazio fans perspectives. After the break Villareal again dominated in possession without posing the same threat it had to be said. Travesty struck for Lazio though as Matuzalem was sent off despite replays showing he should have been given a penalty. Amazingly though this forced Lazio into life as they began to take charge of the game and created a host of chances. Cruz should have scored and Zarate went close with a mazy run and hit the post. Zarate again had an effort through a freekick. But, it was Kolarov's superb cross that found Rocchi who slotted home to send the Curva nord into elation.

1. Salzberg 9pts
2. Lazio 6pts
3. Villareal 3pts
4. L. Sofia 0pts

Fulham 1-1 Roma
Roma came from behind in London tonight against Fulham. Fulham started the brighter and attacked Roma in the early stages resulting in a headed goal from Hangeland. However, after Roma began to dominate and in the second half Fulham barely registered a move beyond their half way line. Roma were confident in possession and used it well without having the ball cross the line. It looked like they would get back in the name when Menez was brought down in the area but he missed his spot kick. Roma were pouring forward in the latter stages and were finally rewarded at the death when Andreolli volleyed in from the tightest of angles.

1. Basle 6pts
2. Fulham 5pts
3. Roma 4pts
4. CSKA 1pts

Lille 3-0 Genoa
Genoa crumbled away in France tonight loosing by 3-0. Its not a game I saw, but I think its fair to assume that the hammering their received on Saturday night had some effect on the confidence that this squad holds. Thankfully for them there next game is at home to Lille, and perhaps in the two weeks between Genoa can recapture form. Lille top the group, but face difficult trips to Valencia and Genoa yet.

1. Lille 7pts
2. Valencia 5pts
3. Genoa 3pts
4. Slavia 1pts


Overall, its been a very good week in Europe for Serie A clubs. Four wins, two draws and one defeat. A classic win by Milan over Madrid, Juve getting back to winning ways, Fiorentina looking strong. Indeed, arguably all the clubs are still in a qualifying position in their group and it would not surprise me if all went through to the second round of the respective competitions. European action returns in two weeks with the fixtures of this round reversed, so Milan with host Madrid in arguably the tie of the round again.