England vs. Italy: UEFA Champions League Last 16 Preview

Originally published in T.0.Sports Magazine and can be seen at www.TOsports.ca

When asked to write this UEFA Champions League last 16 preview, it was made clear to me the article had to have "legs."

Luckily, this review is for both legs, not just first legs—and every player mentioned does have a left and a right, leg, that is.

The last 16 draw threw up some exciting ties, but none are as eagerly anticipated as the battle between England and Italy—the Premier League v. Serie A, chips and cheese v. macaroni and cheese. In total, there will be three Anglo-Italian match-ups—six if you count all the legs.

Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson will renew their old rivalry when the former Chelsea boss welcomes Manchester United to Milan on 24 February to take on his new side, Internazionale.

The Italian champions hired Mourinho with the aim of turning their domestic domination into European glory, but “the special one” would have been hoping for an easier last 16 draw. European champions Man United, who have reclaimed top spot in England and were recently crowned World Club Champions, look to be moving up through the gears after a slow start to the season.

On paper, Inter look like the Arsenal of Italy with very few Italian players but that certainly doesn’t make them any weaker. Inspirational captain Javier Zanetti will be very close to 700 career appearances by the time the two side’s line up next month.

Having recently watched the marauding full back, wing back, and 400-metre runner winning his 128th cap for Argentina at Hampden Park, it is obvious that he hasn’t lost any of the energy that makes him one of the worlds best.

In Ryan Giggs, United have their own 35-year-old superstar who brings the experience of close to 800 senior appearances. His legs may not be as sharp as Zanetti’s, but he does have two UEFA Champions League winners medals at home.

The midfielder supposedly does not play as much as he used to, but still clocked up 43 appearances last year, including the Champions League Final. This year, he became the first player to score in 13 separate Champions League tournaments.

There will therefore be plenty of history on the pitch and more than a little off it.

Many will remember the war of words between the two managers in the past but surely all either man is really worrying about, is finding a rare bottle of wine to impress the other, you guessed it, one with some decent legs.

The same night, Arsenal welcome AS Roma to the Emirates in dare you say the least glamorous of the three Anglo-Italian ties.

Roma’s recent record in European competition against English opposition is pitiful, including Roma’s 7-1 record European thrashing at the hands of Sir Alex’s men in 2006-07. It was a similar story last year as United disposed of the Italians 3-0 on aggregate again at the quarter final stage.

Although not the force they were in the early part of this millennium, Roma are still a side to be reckoned with and Arsenal will need to be at their best to beat La Magica. Both sides are struggling in their domestic leagues to secure a Champions League spot next season so with the UEFA Europa League on the horizon, this game will have some added needle.

Head Coach Luciano Spaletti will rely on his sides strong Italian spine of Christian Panucci, Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti if they are to knock Arsene Wenger’s men out of the tournament.

As proved by many English team’s this season, Arsenal are susceptible to rougher, hard working teams and when that toughness can also play great football like Roma can, one would believe Arsenal could be in for a tough time. Especially with the prospect of a home final pumping up the Roman giants.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have a talented side with a strong European reputation having reached the final in 2005-06 and showing last year in their unlucky quarter final defeat to Liverpool (5-3 on aggregate) that their young side is more than capable of taking on all comers under Wenger.

There is pressure from parts on the Frenchman, however, after a barren few years at the Emirates and fans are getting restless for success. Another UEFA Champions League final in Rome on 27 May would certainly silence any doubters but the Gunners are missing some old heads on their young legs.

Wednesday, 25 February will see Juventus take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Italian giants have made a successful return to Europe this campaign after two years in the wilderness, one of which was spent in Serie B after a match fixing scandal.

The punishment has done nothing to diminish the efforts of the Turin outfit and they’ll be looking to complete their comeback with a prolonged European run. Sadly for the Italians, their draw couldn’t have been much tougher. Last years losing finalists, Chelsea, are not in the form they were in last season but they are also desperate for European success and possibly at the expense of domestic honours.

Juventus, on the other hand, would love nothing more than regaining the Italian crown and may possibly be looking at over turning an Inter side who are like Chelsea, desperate for European success to complete their period on top of Italian football. Italy’s “Old Lady” don’t look as strong on paper as the London club but they are more than capable with an on form Alessandro Del Piero proving the return to the form of his early career is no flash in the pan and will lead his side out hoping to dare I say, cause an upset.

Chelsea are far less settled at the minute than their Italian counterparts and are struggling for domestic and European form. With Didier Drogba out of form and Joe Cole out for the season with a knee ligament injury, the Blues squad is being tested. Michael Ballack, Deco and Florent Malouda have proven European pedigree and tend to thrive on the big European nights compared to tough games away (or at home these days) to some of England’s hard working sides.

Guus Hiddink has been brought in to turn Chelsea's season around The Dutchman has the backing of his side and Mr Abramovich. The Russian wants the UEFA Champions League title and wants it at the same time as playing beautiful football all the time. Maybe there really is something money can’t buy?

And no, it is not a new pair of legs.

Of course, the fact there are three ties means there will be a winner. Whether it is 2-1 to Italy or 3-0 to England, only one country will triumph. Last year was England’s year but everyone must admit that the recent form of Italian side’s in Europe, has been disappointing and we’d all like to see Inter Milan, Juventus or Roma challenging again but it is a shame that this early in the competition, one countries hopes must take such a dent.

So put those four days down in your diary, make sure your TV license or subscription is sorted out and look forward to taking the heat off those legs by putting your feet up and watching the world’s greatest show, the UEFA Champions League.

The second legs will be played over the 10th and 11th of March, with the quarterfinal draw due to take place on the 20th of the same month.