Italy Watch: Keeping Tabs On England's Champions League Opposition

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ir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho have always been rivals and will rekindle their flame when United meet Inter Milan in 2009 (PA)

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The countdown has started! Just over a month to go before the Italian and English sides square off in the Champions League.

Roma will take on Arsenal, Inter will face reigning European champions Manchester United and Juventus will clash with Chelsea. Which sides will prevail and go through? Will one nation overpower the other? We will lead you to the event by monitoring the health status of the contenders after every official game.

Here we go…

WHAT HAPPENED?

Inter-Cagliari 1-1 (Acquafresca, Ibrahimovic) The Nerazzurri suffered and risked losing to Massimiliano Allegri’s side. After going 1-0 down to a Robert Acquafresca strike, José Mourinho was forced to chase the game with five strikers on the playing field. And the Rossoblù squandered at least two chances to restore their lead.

Juventus-Siena 1-0 (Del Piero): A sub-par game for the Bianconeri who once again relied on a typical Alessandro Del Piero masterstroke, but an organised Siena side really scared Claudio Ranieri’s men.

Roma-Milan 2-2 (Vucinic, Pato, Pato, Vucinic): A thrilling match with David Beckham stealing the limelight before the start. But the Giallorossi showed some free-flowing play and were only penalised by a five-minute ‘black out’. Mirko Vucinic is in great form.

TOP & FLOP

Inter: Nerazzurri skipper Javier Zanetti turned back the clock and put in a great performance at right-back and also created a couple of scoring chances. Ricardo Quaresma came on as a substitute after half-time and his display once again warranted the jeers that came from the stands.

Juventus: Claudio Marchisio showed a great character, while Olof Mellberg was very attentive and Amauri equally stubborn. Aside from his goal, Alessandro Del Piero was rather profligate.

Roma: Vucinic scored two goals and was justifiaby named man of the match. Daniele De Rossi was efficient. Philippe Mexes gave a good performance, but was bamboozled by Alexandre Pato on the Rossoneri’s second goal. John Arne Riise is improving.

TREATMENT TABLE

Inter: There are no fresh injury concerns after the game with Cagliari. Walter Samuel suffered a head blow but continued until the end. Dejan Stankovic is still on the sidelines.

Juventus: Gianluigi Buffon will be back next weekend, while David Trezeguet is in line for a return to action at the end of the month. No fresh injury concerns.

Roma: David Pizarro and Alberto Aquilani have recovered from injuries and the Giallorossi seemingly rediscovered their form in the match with Milan.

PRESS ROOM SOUND BITES

Inter, Mourinho: “Can we overcome Man Utd after this showing with Cagliari? No way. If we play like this we will suffer against any side. Manchester are European champions and my experience tells me that you need to be at your best to go through in Europe. If we go into this tie in good health, we will have good chances.”

Juventus, Ranieri: “Siena did not deserve to lose, they had a great game and we are lucky to have our captain Del Piero, who can get you out of trouble on such difficult days.”

Roma, Spalletti: “Several important players are back and they will be very useful on Wednesday, as we have a fixture pile-up.”

Vince Masiello, Goal.com