Bundesliga and Serie A and the Chase for the Champions League Spots

The general opinion in the footballing world is that whilst Serie A is in a steep decline, the Bundesliga is on the rise. But this theory was tested last year by a German-Italian Champions League final which contested this popular idea to a certain extent.

Italy's best club beat Germany's best club, this much is true, but would it happen again this year without Mourinho's brilliantly effective and horrendously dull uber-defensive strategies?

Inter swept the Italian league. Their closest competitors, Roma, were knocked out of the Europa League following consecutive losses to Panathinaikos while Bayern were hounded throughout the season by Leverkusen (who traditionally declined as the season advanced) and Schalke who very nearly stole it, were it not for a fortuitous Franck Ribery strike in their deciding playoff.  

Indeed, the leagues' statuses are mirrored by their national teams. The Italian debacle was overshadowed by the French and their only very slightly worse World Cup failure, while the Bundesliga's talents earned plaudits left and right. 

The strongest test for a big club is its European adventure, as only the biggest and best clubs can challenge on multiple fronts. It was not so long ago that Italian clubs ruled European competition, but look at last year. Juventus were humbled by Bayern in the group stages 4-1 in Turin, an unthinkable loss, while AC Milan got further but were destroyed by Manchester United.

Admittedly, aside from Bayern, the German clubs didn't do well either, but Wolfsburg were not ready for European competition and Stuttgart were having massive internal problems. This is in contrast to the Italian elite and their European pedegree. 

Internally, Inter will quite possibly win the league again. Juventus have marginally strengthened, but are still haunted by the transfers of last season who don't fit into the new system, most notably Diego. AC Milan have been rather quiet on the transfer front, and neither club are in particularly good financial order which is representative of the league itself. 

On the contrary, Schalke have signed aging Real legend Raul to replace Kuranyi alongside a few other decent signings, which will give the Royal Blues a good chance of challenging Bayern's supremacy of last season. 

Wolfsburg have got Steve McClaren into their managerial position and judging by their performance on the opening they will be serious challengers too. Bayer Leverkusen have a strong team as well, the loss of Kroos having been tempered by Michael Ballack's return, and one can imagine he will not allow a late decline in club form.  

On top of these the normal chasing pack, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Dortmund, and Werder Bremen will all be there or there abouts come season's end.

The German coefficient points tally is rapidly catching up to the Italian total. Only Hamburg's surprising loss to an impudent and exciting Fulham side, as well as Inter's final victory, staved off German European advancement, but that may well not happen this year.

Werder have already struck a blow for Germany with their 3-1 victory over Sampdoria in the Champions League qualifiers and if they finish the job, Italy will already be one Champions League team light.

Opposed are German teams who look like they can do well in the Europa League while Schalke's robust defensive play may well see them advance in the grander brother competition of the Europa league. The enigmatic Werder Bremen team are so hit-or-miss that it is impossible to gauge how they will fare, but if Aaron Hunt can regularly play as he did in Europe recently and Mertesacker and Naldo can remain focussed there is no reason to fear for Bremen's continental adventure.

The Italian teams will not give up without a fight, but their aging stars and internal scandals have cost them dear in Europe recently, and unfortunately for Italy there is no sign of this abating in the near future.

It would be something of a surprise if Germany did not wrestle the fourth Champions League spot from Italy this year.

Many would argue that due to their superior league infrastructure that they deserve it; indeed one can assume that the extra revenue from two extra European spots (one Champions League and one Europa League place) would only speed up the German Leagues already rapid improvement, but it will be an even greater test to keep said spot. 

The thread holding the Damoclean sword of poor investments and match-fixing scandals and the like looks to have finally snapped over the Italian league, and it would be a serious task for the German's to avoid such a fate for themselves.

But the German stereotype of Teutonic efficiency might just be accurate enough to ensure the Bundesliga's long-term strength. All that remains is for that elusive fourth spot to fall into German hands. 

With the new and entertaining brand of attacking football played by the likes of Bayern, Werder, and Leverkusen, I for one am looking forward to it. 

How do you feel about this? Which nations representatives deserve the Champions League spot? Who will/would entertain more in Europe? Let me know below.