Tuesday, March 06, 2007

The Italian school's last stand

If there is one thing we learned at the World Cup, it is that Italians know how to manage a football team. Marcello Lippi took an unfancied bunch and turned them into the best on the planet. Now it is up to his direct descendents Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto Mancini and Luciano Spalletti to uphold the nation's honour.

It looks tough for all three, particularly Mancio and Luciano. Both could do to grab a goal first if they are to stand any chance of getting the results they need away from home. Milan have to start favourites to knock Celtic out but anyone who has watched them of late will know how hard it has been for them to score goals. The longer it goes without taking the lead the more nervous things will get.

Still, the main thing I hope for is that they all give everything to these games. No thoughts of Serie A, no excuses, just a full blooded battle to make it to the quarter-finals. One team through looks most likely, two would be great and three would be exceptional.

5 comments:

martinobhoy said...

Inter & Roma to get through, Milan to crash out on the away goals rule!

Anonymous said...

No Surprises last night. It panned out pretty much as I thought it might (but it's easy for me to say that after the event). A great result for Roma. Totti's form just keeps on going. Perhaps he should break his other ankle.

It was always going to be tough for Inter (stop sniggering at the back there) they don't seem to travel well in the CL. Are they flat track bullies ?

Okay, so here's my prediciton. Celtic to go through on a penalty.

Spangly Princess said...

'E FORZA ROMA FACCI' UN GOL'
LO GRIDERO
E DAL PROFONDO DEL MIO CUOR'
DAI ROMA DAI
E NON TI LASCEREMO MAI
FORZA ROMA DAI!
NON MOLLARE MAI!

er, me, overexcited and singing? never...

martinobhoy said...

Celtic to go through on a penalty?

Celtic to go through with a jammy deflection, an own goal or a blatantly offside equaliser/winner in the last minute.

I dont care, just let us get through pleeeeeease.

ginkers said...

It was a great night for Roma and a drab one for Inter (ending in those pathetic scenes). It will take one hell of a display from Celtic to get through tonight but they have surprised me plenty of times before...