Champions League: Italians in Europe

Italian clubs have a proud history in Europe and Inter have the chance to enhance that even further next Saturday in the Grand Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid against Bayern Munich. Yes, Inter instead of AC Milan, twice winners in the last decade and twice in the decade before, and Juventus, winners in 1996 and runners up in 1997,1998 and 2003. Perhaps this decade represents the chance for this Inter side to carve out their piece of history in Italian football much as they, and Milan, did in the 60s.

Anyhow, its another final for an Italian club from a nation that can boast the largest amount of finalists from the big three leagues, England and Spain being the other two. Italy have produced 26 finalists in the European Cup/Champions League over its history transpiring to 11 winners, 14 runners up and Inter this year who are yet to be defined in either category. The closest rival after this is Spain who have produced 12 winners of this grand competition and 9 runners up. Its worth noting that Juventus, twice winners of the Champions League, have been runners up on a staggering 5 occasions. Indeed they have lost their last three finals in this competition against Dortmund, Real Madrid and Milan. AC Milan of course have enjoyed far more success winning this competition seven times and are just two wins behind Real Madrid who have nine Cups to their name. But, despite their success Milan also have four defeats in the final, most notably 'that' final in 2005 when Liverpool came back from 3-0 down to take the title on penalties. Their most recent win came in 2007 against Liverpool as well where Pippo Inzaghi weighed in with a brace.

However, Inter have turned a corner, beating the best team in England in Chelsea and the best team from Spain along the way. They stood alone in the quarter finals in terms of Italian representatives and now stand alone against Bayern in the final. They have the opportunity to claim a championship that Milan and Juve have had outstanding success in over the last two decades. Both of those clubs will of course be back, but for now Inter have the chance to add to their two titles claimed during the 60s, and adding a third will allow them to surpass Juve, in terms of titles at least in this competition. Madrid is the setting on May 22nd and history will be made either way.

Champions League winners

Real Madrid - Nine time Champions
AC Milan - Seven time Champions
Liverpool - Five time Champions
Bayern Munich - Four time Champions
Ajax - Four time Champions
Barcelona - Three time Champions
Mancester United - Three time Champions
Juventus - Two Time Champions
Inter Milan - Two Time Champions
Benfica - Two Time Champions
Nottingham Forest - Two Time Champions