Calcio comment: Italian clubs avoid bigger tests

Many feared the worst for the Italian clubs when the draw for the second round of the Champions League was made on Friday. With all the Serie A sides finishing up second in their groups there remained the potential for nightmare second round draws for them, against Barcelona, Real Madrid , Chelsea and Manchester United most notably. The good news for Milan, Inter and Roma is that avoided all of the above and instead will face Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Shakhtar Donestsk respectively. All games will be tough in the second phase of this competition no doubt, but the feeling in Italy is that it could have been much much worse for the Serie A sides this year. All three Italian clubs will fancy their chances here, but will be aware of the potential dangers that each of the three opposing sides can create. 

Arguably the most interesting of the three fixtures in a repeat of last years final as Inter are reunited with Bayern again. The Germans will no doubt be out for revenge but much like Inter have experienced a poor start to their domestic campaign leaving themselves well of the pace of the Bundesliga title. Both sides as well have experienced big injury problems which have hampered them so far this season. However, these factors will be likely irrelevant when they face of in February for a place in the Quarter finals. Motivation will take over for both sides knowing that victory here could galvanise a path to the final, like it did for both sides last year.

Tottenham will once again travel to Milan but this time face the Rossoneri. Based on this season alone it will be a tougher test for the London side, but with Gareth Bale they have a player who can exploit Milan's weakest positions, their full backs. However, the Italian league leaders have an abundance of mussel in midfield and real quality up front. Lets not forget that they are top in Serie without the help, for much of the season, of Alex Pato. 

Roma however have Shakhtar Donetsk, and this will be a tough game. Having beaten Arsenal to their group leadership the side from Ukraine are not to be taken lightly. Roma will want to build up a home advantage before having to play the second leg. However, under Claudio Ranieri they have improved as the season has progressed.

In the Europa League Napoli will entertain Villareal in a game that see's two teams having super seasons clash. Napoli have grown in strength under Walter Mazzari and of late have been grinding out wins, showing the sort of form that Champions do. However, Villareal are a polished European outfit. A win here for Napoli will raise their profile across Europe no doubt.