Euro Round up: Dismal week for Italian clubs

A dismal week in Europe for the Italian sides has done little to enhance their qualification chances for the next phase. Inter were the only side to win and even they made a real mess of it when all was said and done by conceding three times after having a 4-0 lead thanks to a superb first half performance. There was no such luck for city rivals AC Milan,  outclassed in Madrid against Real by 2-0. It could have been more, and frankly Milan coach Allegri got it all wrong by playing a side with little balance in it. Robinho probably should have started from the beginning as should have Kevin Prince Boateng as his work ethic and defensive coverage would have helped Milan a lot more than Seedorf and Ronaldinho who contributed next to nothing all night long. If their defeat was bad, Roma's was diabolical. A 3-1 reverse at home to Basel put a serious dent in them securing qualification in a relatively straight forward group. They'll need to set the record straight in Basel in two weeks time to put their noses in front before welcoming Bayern to Rome.

In the Europa League both Napoli and Juve secured draws, but not in credible fashion. Napoli dominated against Liverpool but just could not find they way through, while Juve came from behind to draw in Salzberg. Both sides are well positioned to qualify but must pick up a win in the next round to get themselves on the road for the next phase. Sampdoria however crashed to a pathetic defeat away to Metalist. They took the lead but the home side leveled before they were reduced to ten men. Despite this, Metalist took the lead through a stunning overhead kick. Samp had no answer. Palermo also had no answer in a much tougher test against CSKA Moscow. Last years Champions League last eight side cruised past ten man Palermo 3-0. 

So, a poor week in Europe but all clubs still have the chance to make it to the next phase. Objectively, perhaps only Palermo are in trouble as their trip to CSKA next round will be very difficult, but it remains a must win for them.