Champions League: Milan and Napoli pick up great away draws while Inter disgrace themselves

Milan and Napoli both emerged from tough encounters with Barcelona and Manchester City respectively with a hard earned away point but Inter's truly woeful start to the season continued as they crashed to a 1-0 defeat to Turkish side Trabzonspor. 

Milan were handed a nightmare start to their champions league campaign but despite being subjected to the usual avalanche of Barcelona possession they emerged from the Camp Nou with a 2-2 draw, thanks to an early wonder strike from Pato and a header at the death from Thiago Silva. Despite being out bossed in terms of possession Milan were strong defensively and well organised and with three less complicated fixtures up next will hope to go into their home game against Barca in round five of the Champions League with ten points under their belt. It's early days but they have at least given themselves a chance to top this group and avoid a tougher round in the second round.

Napoli also emerged with a credible point, although it could have been more. City dominated the early proceedings but arguably the best chance fell to Lavezzi in the first half as his curling effort was half an inch away from gracing the back of the net. City, not to be outdone, also hit the bar through Yaya toure but 0-0 at half time it was. After the break Napoli started the stronger and should have gone in front through a Marek Hamsik volley which was cleared of the line, in superb fashion, but Vicent Kompany. City were rocking though and Hamsik again was at the centre of it all. A lightning fast counter attack led by Hamsik broke away and Cavani applied the finish to Hamisk's exquisite through ball. The lead did not last long however as Kolarov fired home from a free kick but replays showed Napoli really should have done better defensively as no attempt was made at jumping by the wall. Still, it ended 1-1 and Napoli will entertain Villareal at the San Paolo in the next round.

That leaves Inter and their crisis depend tonight after a truly woeful defeat at home to Trabzonspor, losing by one goal to nil. Despite creating numerous chances Inter were kept at bay by superb goalkeeper from Zengin and woeful misses in front of goal, especially from Pazzini and Milito who both spurned great chances. They were punished for their complacency and now have it all to do. The only good news was that Lille and CSKAs game ended all square, and that leaves Inter still in serious contention but with their tails between their legs for now. 

Champions League: Inter tame Bayern

Inter Milan came from behind in Munich tonight to edge out Bayern Munich when all looked completely lost at half time. Inter started the game in the ascendancy and went ahead through Samuel Eto'o after just four minutes but Julio Cesar continued his bizarre form when virtually gifting the German giants a goal which Gomez took with aplomb. It did not take Bayern long to double their lead, and young star Thomas Muller saw to that when he drove the ball past Julio Cesar from close range.

Inter were rocking and shortly after Ranocchia managed to clear the ball of the line, had he not the tie would surely had been over. Inter however came out after the break in far more energetic fashion and began to stamp their authority on the game. Wesley Sneijder once again showed why he is one of the best players in the world when he hit a screamer from the edge of the area that almost broke the net in Munich. Bayern had a double blow not long after when Robben was taken off. Inter continued to dominate although Bayern threatened on the counter, but just when it looked like the holders were heading out Pandev found some space on the right hand side of the Bayern area and when fed by Eto'o he made no mistake, for once in this game, in finding the back of the net.

A huge win for Inter than and one of pride for Serie A in a year which had been devoid of performances like this from clubs of this league. Inter join Barcelona, Tottenham, Shaktar, Manchester United and Schalke in the next round. Lyon take on Real Madrid and Chelsea meet Copenhagen to decide the final two places.

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.

Champions League: Italian Trio win

All three Italian clubs were victorious in the Champions League this round, with Milan and Inter both securing qualification into the next phase. Milan put two past French side Auxerre to secure their passage into the next round. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a fantastic goal to put Milan in front, with Ronaldinho adding the second after some wonderful play by himself and Robinho. City rivals Inter also secured their passage tonight, beating Twente 1-0 thanks to a strike from Estaban Cambiasso who provided Inter with the sort of quality and technique that has been missing in that position. 

However, performance of the round was reserved for Roma who came back from 2-0 against Bayern Munich, last years beaten finalists, to win 3-2. Marco Boriello scored when it seemed impossible to do so after virtually lying on the floor. Danielle De Rossi leveled with a tap in before Francesco Totti converted from the spot to assure the win. Roma need to sweat a little more however and need one point to assure passage to the next phase, although if Basel loose to Bayern then Roma will be through anyway.

If your expecting Europa league action this week, then you'll be disappointed as next Wednesday and Thursday will host the fifth round of that.

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.

Champions League: No stopping Eto'o

Samuel Eto'o helped Inter dispatch of German side Werder Bremen with relative ease weighing in with a hatrick as inter steamrolled their way to victory by 4-0. It could, and should, have been 2-0 to Inter before Inter even registered their first of the night with Coutinho and Biabiany playing very well in the absence of Pandev and Milito. However, it was the Samuel Eto'o show as he scored twice before Sneijder applied a lovely finish to make it 3-0. Eto'o got his hatrict late on, playing with a photographers camera as he pracised yet another celebration. It was too easy for Inter, but there is still four games to play in this group and many points still to win. However, it remains a much better start than it was last year. 

Rivals AC Milan earned a credible draw against Ajax the night before. They came from behind thanks to a Zlatan Ibrahimovic's well taken strike. The same level of quality could not be said of Robinho. He timed his runs well but his finish when clear though on goal was poor, infact a sign of a man short on confidence. When he does get that back, then Milan will be a different proposition and they will need to be against Real Madrid in three weeks time.

Roma won their second game on the trot, with Mexes and Boriello on target against FC Cluj. Boriello's goal was absolutely superb in the end was the difference between the two sides. Roma face Basel next at home.

Champions League: Ibra sends Milan on their way

Zlatan Ibrahimovic weighed in with a brace to send AC Milan past Auxerre and on their way in the Champions League. They didnt secure a home win last season nor a clean sheet in this competition, but both those negative statistics were conquered tonight. A turgid first half gave way to a much better second as Ronaldinho ran the game from whistle to whistle, playing provider for both goals with the aid of Kevin Prince Boateng for the first as Zlatan did the honours. The first was a well taken tap in while the first was a superb shot angled past the keeper. They go top of their group along with Real Madrid.

Inter did not get off to a winning start but did secure a point away at FC Twente thanks to a stunning Samuel Eto'o goal. Jansen's freekick for Twente was equally as stunning but Inter only had themselves to blame for not taking the three points, especially given Diego Milito's own goal. They host Werder Bremen next in a game that even at this stage can be considered a must win.

Roma however lost 2-0 away in Munich, last years runners up. Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose did the damage, but with four games now against Basel and FC Cluj Roma will still be confident of progressing given that their toughest game is now out of the way.

Euro Preview: Tough trip for Roma, Inter, Napoli and Samp go dutch

An exciting week of European action awaits the Serie A clubs as most have very winnable fixtures on their plates as they look to get an early foothold out of the group stages into the knock out rounds. First up is reigning European Champions Inter Milan who begin the defence to their crown away at Dutch Champions FC Twente, currently fifth in the Eredivisie after seven rounds. Inter will be without Dejan Stankovic but with Sneijder, Milito and Eto'o all fit there will be no excuses if three points are not brought back to Milan. On Wednesday night rivals AC Milan host french side Auxerre, currently 17th and without a win in Ligue 1 after five rounds. A response will be expected after the stuttering defeat against Cesena Saturday night. By far the toughest game however is handed to Roma who will look to a respond against Bayern Munich after a 5-1 beating by Cagliari. Quite how they plan to do that is anyone's guess, but if ever there is a game to reap confidence from with a good result then it is this.

In the Europa league Juve have a very winnable game against Lech Poznan at home, while Napoli host Dutch side Utrecht, a club famous for their own fans tearing down their Stadium when a new one was about to be constructed. Continuing the Dutch theme, Sampdoria travel to Eindhoven to take on PSV. The Dutch giants are not quite the side they used to be and a win here is achievable Sampdoria, especially given the form Cassano is in.

Europa League; Italian clubs through / CL draw

Napoli, Juve and Palermo all came through the qualifying round of the Europa League in comfortable fashion when all said and done. Napoli dealt with the threat of Elfsborg away from home with a brace from Edison Cavani, and a well taken brace at that on his debut in a 2-0 win. Juve also wrapped up their qualifying campaign with a win over Sturm Graz with a stunning goal from Alex Del Piero on the day that Diego moved to Wolfsberg and David Trezeguet edged closer to the exit. Clearly their mercato has not finished and Guiseppe Rossi and Fabio Quagliarella have been mooted as the next arrivals. Palermo went through 5-3 on aggregate against Maribor. At one stage Palermo trailed 2-0 but Abel Hernandez hit a brace to ensure qualification to the next round.

Champions League draw
The draw was made today and all three Italian sides will be confident of going through, although some tricky ties remain in the way however. Inter take on Werder Bremen, Spurs and FC Twente, beginning away at the Dutch side before taking on Bremen at the San Siro. A difficult group but not as hard as last years ties with Barca, Kiev and Russian champs Rubin. Milan have the so called group of Death with Real Madrid, Ajax and Auxerre. But, the Dutch side are not what they were and the French minnows should be brushed aside. Indeed, it would not surprise me to see Milan top the group given their new arrivals, the impending deal for Zlatan and the guidance of the talented coach Massimo Allegri. Finally, Roma take on beaten finalists Bayern as well as Basle and FC Cluj. Bayern away is their first test in round one.

Euro Round up: Trio win in Europa League but Samp crash at Europe's top table

Champions League
Samp crumbled under the pressure of Werder Bremen's attacking game play in Germany last night to put their chance to reach the Champions League propper in serious doubt. 0-0 was the score at half time but Fritz soon put Werder ahead after the break with a stunning strike. Samp them committed suicide by giving away a penalty and a red card to allow Frings to step up and convert for 2-0. Almeida made it 3-0 almost immediately after and Samp looked dead. They would have been but for a last gasp well taken Giampaolo Pazzini header. 3-1 it finished and it remains game on at the Marassi. But Samp will need to make big improvements between now and next week.

Europa League
Good results for the Italian clubs tonight. Palermo blew Maribor 3-0 at home which included an absolute wonder goal from Javier Pastore in which he rode 3 challenges a then applied a consummate finish leaving their keeper with no chance. It should have been a similar scoreline for Napoli against Elfsborg but they could only manage a 1-0 win after Lavezzi rounded the keeper in injury time in the first half. However, as mentioned it should have been much more but wasteful finishing from Lavezzi especially put paid to that. Juventus left it late but came away with a win in Austria tonight. Leo Bonucci put them ahead in the first half with a strong header. However, Gratz pulled level again through a header with Marco Storari just getting his fingers to it, but it was not enough. Yet, Amauri however continued his impressive form so far this season by hitting another goal in Europe drilling home a strong header from a Del Piero corner.

Palermo 3-0 Maribor: Maccarone pen 35, Hernandez 37, Pastore 78
Napoli 1-0 Elfsborg: Lavezzi 46
Sturm Gratz 1-2 Juventus: Bonucci 15, Amauri 91

Champions League: Inter Champions of Europe

Inter Milan crowned the most stunning of seasons with a 2-0 win over Bayern at Real Madrid's historic Bernabeu. You could smell the history of the proceedings before kick off as Inter and Bayern fans both unveiled fantastic banners and flags over their adopted Curva's. But the real show was on the pitch. Bayern, as expected, dominated possession in the early going but Inter soaked it all up. Arjen Robben however was having a field day down the right channel against Christian Chivu and began to influence proceedings. However, a route 1 goal from Inter late in the second half gave the Nerazzurri the lead. After a goal kick from Julio Cesar Sneijder and Milito combined and the Argentina scored a superb effort to put Inter ahead. It could, and should, have been 2-0 moments later and Sneijder and Milito combined again. This time it was the Dutchman's turn to shoot, but his left footed drive was well saved by Bayern goalkeeper Butt.

After the break Inter were almost caught napping as Bayern began the half with much more pace and purpose than they had in the first. Arjen Robben was again at the centre of it all, and his curling effort later on produced a fine save from Julio Cesar. However, Inter, masters of the counter attack, broke again midway through the second half. Eto'o this time, who energy and sacrifice epitomised Inter on the night, fed Milito once more who cut inside on his right, then outside on his left to bamboozle the Bayern defence and ultimately fired home with a consummate right footed finish confirming himself as arguably the best forward in the world at present and bring the trophy back to Italy for the 12th time, the joint most in any league with Spain. Zanetti lifted the cup in a joyous moment for the third European Cup in Inter Milan's history, moving them ahead of bitter rivals Juventus.

Trophy winners

Real Madrid: 9 Titles
AC Milan: 7 Titles
Liverpool: 5 Titles
Bayern Munich: 4 Titles
Ajax: 4 Titles
Barcelona: 3 Titles
Inter Milan: 3 Titles
Manchester United: 3 Titles
Juventus: 2 Titles

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

Champions League: Inter the Final

Inter Milan have reached the final of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1971-1972 Season where they were defeat by the mighty Ajax in Rotterdam, of all places considering the dutch rivalry there between Ajax and Feyenoord. Tonight however Inter held out, a resistance if you like, against a Barcelona side that dominated in posession especially after Thiago Motta was sent off in the first half after he left a hand trailing. After this, it was backs to the wall and rightly so against a side that can outfootball any team on the planet. Inter defended majestically, limiting Barca to few chances and only Lionel Messi's superb effort in the first half forced any kind of world class save out of Julio Cesar. In the second half, Barca dominated as expected but Inter held out despite an excellent goal from Gerard Pique.

For Inter this will be their 5th European Cup Final. Inter have two wins so far in this competition from 'Grande Inter' in 1963-1964 against Real Madrid and 1964-1965 against Eusebio's Benfica. Two defeats followed, to Celtic in 1966-1967 and 1971-1972 to Ajax. Bayern await, and potentially so does a third European cup. Bayern have been dogged in this competition, but may be without Franck Ribery in the final as they attempt to shut down an Inter side that has eliminated Chelsea, CSKA and Barcelona now on their way to the worlds greatest club competition. Its too early to say 'Grande Inter' again, but May the 22nd may provide Inter the opportunity to do that again.

Champions League: Inter with one foot in the final

Inter came from behind at San Siro to take a decent league to the Nou Camp next week against Barcelona. Pedro gave Barca the lead after a defensive error from Maicon allowed space to open up for Messi to cut back for Pedro, who converted with consummate accuracy as Julior Cesar attempted to dive across in time, but to no avail. It looked a very difficult task for Inter, but Diego Milito had a guilt edge chance moments later but cut it too far across towards the right post as Eto'o was waiting in the centre. Still, Milito made up for it moments later as he laid off a pass for Sneijder who slotted home to level the tie. After the break Inter came out full throttle and Maicon gave Inter the lead after Sneijder played him in. Maicon slotted it home and Inter were in control. It didn't stop there however, as Milito made it 3-1 heading home from close range. Barca were rocking but they managed to change their mindset and poured forward in the closing stages looking for a second away goal. They didnt find it and were met only will the rock solid backline of Inter players, but perhaps Inter should have put the tie to bed when Sneijder came through on the counter but dragged his effort wide instead of drilling it home. 3-1 it finished, and it is still in the balance but you feel one away goal for Inter will seal the deal in Spain next week. Ultimately, it is there's to loose. Is the wait since 1965 coming to an end for Inter, after all the AC glories in Europe they have lived through maybe this time the Trophy is coming to the black and blue side of Milan.

Champions League: Milan prepare for mission impossible

After Fiorentina's brave exit from the competition last night where their 3-2 win over Bayern saw them go out on away goals the focus shifts to AC Milan, one of the two remaining Italian teams in the competition. Traveling to Old Trafford is never an easy tak but to do so with 3 away goals conceded appears like mission impossible. 3-2 is the aggregate score in Manchester's favour after some defensive madness and dreadful finishing from Milan in the first leg appeared to put them out of the competition. At half time it was 1-1 when arguably Milan could have scored three in the first half, but instead they trailed 3-1 with moments to go before Clarence Seedorf fired home to give them a small chance in the second leg.

And a small chance is all it appears to be and will only remain possible providing Milan score the first goal in tonight's game and do not conceded at all. A win by 2 goals is what is required and the Rossoneri have been very good on the road of late picking up wins in extremely difficult grounds such as Fiorentina and Bari away and that has been a familiar pattern this season as shown by the superb win over Real Madrid in the Bernabeu. However, clearly tonight's task represents the toughest of them all against the 2008 winners and 2009 finalists. Miracles do happen, maybe tonights match will exibit proof of that.

Image: Shevy

Champions League: History beckons for Fiorentina

Fiorentina have a great opportunity tonight to make history for their club and put themselves in the last eight of the Champions League. A packed Franchi will hope to inspire the Viola to get past Bayern Munich tonight after the disgraceful officiating that blighted a good game in the first leg. First, there was the red card, and then Bayern's omission of one when a similar foul occurred and then of course there was the goal by Bayern that was five yards offside. More than frustrating for Fiorentina for sure, but a vital away goal was registered and all that is needed now is a 1-0 victory and the Viola are home and dry. This will be no easy task however, as Bayern now find themselves top of the Bundesliga with a two point advantage of Schalke 04. They have been formidable at home, with 9 wins and 4 draws but not so much on the road with 6 wins, 4 draws and 2 defeats. Fiorentina however do not sit top of Serie A, in fact they are as it stands 10th in Serie A and just lost at home at the weekend to Juve. However, in Europe this season they have come alive with victories over Liverpool and Lyon at home in the group stages, and it is this influx of matches and the stretching of their squad that in reality forces them into 10th in the league rather than a higher position. However, tonight should be seen as an opportunity to reap the reward rather than capitulate against a European giant.

Fiorentina v Bayern 1945 UK time (1-2 aggregate score)

Image: Pedro Varela

Euro Round up: Mixed bag for Italian club

A mixed bag of results for Italian clubs in this weeks European action. Inter Milan got the ball rolling in positive fashion last night with a 2-1 win over Chelsea, semi finalists in this competition five times in the last six years. Diego Milito finished off a fine Inter move after three minutes, and Estaban Cambiasso's scortching effort left Petr Cech with no chance on 55 minutes. Saloman Kalou did however give Chelsea a vital away goal when Julio Cesar made an error by not getting enough on the Chelsea mans effort. The tie is in the balance, and both will see viable reasons as to why they will go through but will this win over English opposition for Inter may finally give them the confidence to finish the tie.

Europa League roundup
Roma crashed out of Europe tonight in shocking fashion, conceding three goals in five minutes to Greek side Panathanikos.

Much like in Greece last week, where two goals were conceded in no time at all, Roma lacked the mental concentration to finish this tie off and fell to a 2-3 defeat. They only have themselves to blame here, and should be sitting pretty in the next round given their current form but failed to apply that on the continent. Juve however did not fail to do so, and progressed to face Fulham in the next round after a 0-0 tepid home draw with Ajax. It was a poor game compared to the first leg as both sides rarely threatend but nonetheless Juve find themselves in the last 16 and continue to build on their fresh start under Zaccheroni.

Cambiasso Image from Wiki commons

Champions League: Juve take a solid point, Milan confirm they are a shambles

Bayern Munich 0-0 Juventus
Juve took a solid point from Bavaria. The Bavarian side had the better of the early going with Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery going close. Juve were under pressure but started to get into the game with in form Mauro Camoranesi going close testing the Bayern keeper. All in all, this was a tepid affair. Both teams cancelled each other for large periods and Bayern's creativity took a hit when Arjen Robben was forced to go off after half an hour or so. After the break, both teams had chances. Vincenz Iaquinta blazed over from the D confirming that perhaps he is not up to the task at this level. He did have an excellent effort go just wide later on, when he took the ball on the turn, but in the end both teams settled for a point.

AC Milan 0-1 FC Zurich
Quite simply, one of the worst results in AC Milan history. Abysmal. It could have been 1-1 in the dying embers as Zambrotta hit the post with an almighty volley, but even 1-1 would have been poor. In a week where Juve and Fiorentina have flown the flag of Italy high, Milan have embaressed it. Already at San Siro, its time for a change. Yes, Milan may not have the quality of old but its still a great side on paper. The coach is simply not getting the best out of it. With ex Roma coach Spaletti waiting in the wings, is it already time for a change?

Europa League look ahead
An interesting set of games for the Italian clubs tomorrow. Lazio head to Sofia to play Levski in a must win clash after defeat in round one. Roma host another Bulgarian team in CSKA Sofia in another must win clash for them after defeat in round one also. Both Capital clubs must make amenze and get themselves back into a qualifying position. Its imperative they take this seriously. In the other game, Genoa head to Valencia. Genoa are top of that group on three points with Valencia and Lille next level on 1 point. Despite their quality going forward, having seen Valencia play this season its evident that they are weak at the back. Genoa are strong everywhere, and perhaps Crespo will start to give them some European pedigree up front. It also is a return to the Mestalla for Emiliano Moretti who now wheres Genoa colours. This game is live on ESPN at 8pm. Roma also kick off at 8, while Lazio begin at 6pm UK time.

Champions League: Solid start to Euro week round 2

Rubin Kazan 1-1 Inter Milan
Inter picked up a solid point against the Russian Champions Rubin Kazan after going down to ten men. Rubin took the lead through a stunning Dominguez goal after just 11 minutes as the player weaved his way through the Inter backline. Inter though leveled through a well taken Dejan Stankovic header on 27 minutes. But, any hopes of them pouring forward were ended when Mario Balotelli was sent off as he brought down a Rubin player in a late challenge for his second yellow card.

Fiorentina 2-0 Liverpool
Fiorentina put in a fantastic performance against 2005 European Champions Liverpool. Fiorentina were dominant from the start with Vargas, Mutu and Jovetic especially looking dangerous. It was the latter that gave Fiorentina the lead after he beat the offside trap and slotted past Reina to the bottom left. It was 2-0 on 37 minutes with Jovetic again the scorer. Vargas has a shot from distance that Jovetic connected with to tap it past Reina for a goal similar to the one that he scored against Palermo. 2-0 it remained, as Fiorentina picked up three points. They must now make the most of their next two games against Hungarian side Debrecan, and six points there could put them top of the group with two rounds to go.

New Stadium
Roma have announced the plans for a new stadium that will see them move away from the Olimpico by 2014. The capacity is believed to be around 55,000-60,000. With construction already well underway on Juve's new stadium this is positive news for Italian football. The only question that remains in who will be next. Lazio, Inter, Fiorentina, Genoa, Palermo, Siena and Napoli have all be rumoured to have plans to move to new stadia.

Champions League: Inter 0-0 Barcalona, Lyon 1-0 Fiorentina

Inter 0-0 Barcelona
Inter and Barca settled for a point in the game of the round. Barca, unsurprisingly dominated possession, but Inter arguably had the best two chances of the game which really failed to get into gear. Messi started well and ran through the Inter defence only for Cesar to pull off a solid save. Indeed Cesar was key again when he pulled a Messi header of the line. Messi was on fire and only a fantastic tackle from Chivu prevented him being through on goal. However, Inter began to settle and Diego Milito had a fantastic chance to give Inter the lead. His low shot was saved by Valdes, but with more power it could have been 1-0. After the break Sneijder had a good chance from distance and his shot went just wide. Barca though continued to dominate possession, but Milito wasted a golden chance later on. Eto'o played a wonderful ball through to Milito who slipped as he ran onto it into the area. If he had stayed on his feet it would have been a great chance to score. It was all Barca in the last ten minutes, but it finished 0-0. The other game in the group saw Dynamo Kiev beat Rubin Kazan 3-1.

Lyon 1-0 Fiorentina
Fiorentina went down to a disappointing defeat in france to Lyon. Disappointing as somehow Alberto Giladino was shown a straight red card for an elbow that simply did not happen. It was an extremely harsh decision and influenced the rest of the game as up until that point Fiorentina had had the best of the match. Gila was sent off on 45 minutes. Playing a whole half a man down the bubble finally burst on 76 minutes when Pjanic put Lyon ahead to give them the three points. With Liverpool up next, Fiorentina will have to put in a great performance to collect the three points.