IFFHS Claim La Liga Is The Best League In The World

According to IFFHS, the English Premier League is no longer the strongest league in the world. The Spanish Primera Division is the new number one in IFFHS' special ranking system.

Every July it is possible to make the first assessment of the relative strengths of the various leagues. The methodology for determining the current strength of the national leagues takes into consideration that, because of the national and international schedules, the South American and west Asian leagues are better placed in the first half of the year and those from northern and eastern Europe less so.




The rankings indicate that the English Premier League has shown a drop in performance not previously seen in the first decade of the 21st century. At the beginning of the year the English league had a lead of 110 points ahead of the Spaniards. In the month of July though, the Spanish Primera División was ahead of the Englishmen by 94 points.

The trend shows that the Spanish Primera Division is on the way to becoming the strongest league in the world. But the gaps to the next placed national leagues are small.

A similar drop in performance to the Englishmen took place also in the leagues of Ukraine and Romania. Negative trends have also been shown by the national leagues of the Netherlands, Turkey and Greece while the leagues of Portugal and Belgium remained constant.

1. Spain
2. Brazil
3. Argentina
4. Italy
5. England
6. Germany
7. France
8. Peru
9. Chile
10. Paraguay

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Ronaldinho Will Leave Milan

Ronaldinho's Milan future is still looking vulnerable, despite Adriano Galliani claiming he was not leaving the club just 24 hours ago.

Il Corriere dello Sport insists the Brazilian playmaker will leave the club regardless of desperate attempts to keep him.

Ronaldinho and his agent brother Roberto De Assis are expected to return to Milan on Saturday in time for Tuesday's ritiro.

However, both men will inform the club of the will to leave. De Assis will unveil a good offer from Brazil with Flamengo ready to invest in the ace - Brazilian voices have already said a verbal agreement over personal terms has been reached.




Furthermore Thiago Silva spoke with 'Dinho and he told him of his desire to leave and experience a new adventure elsewhere, leading to further doubts over his commitment to Milan.

Silvio Berlusconi is likely to have the final say despite Galliani appearing certain when he tried to cover the cracks in haste on Thursday.

"Ronaldinho is not leaving Milan. He will remain here for next season. He has not told us he wants to leave and we have not received any contact," Galliani told the press.

However, a lucrative offer could convince Berlusconi, who has continued to repeat the club are facing financial cuts on the transfer front.

"If I look at the balance sheet I feel like fainting," he said yesterday.

Despite being strongly linked with Flamengo by Italian and Brazilian media, the newswires in the United States suggest Ronaldinho is heading for the LA Galaxy.

Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts believes the Milan ace could be heading straight to Galaxy, but he was reluctant to make it clear whether the suspected move related to 'Ronnie' when asked to name the player.

"I expect, by the way, Major League Soccer to make another announcement [in addition to Thierry Henry's move] in the next couple of days about another very big world superstar coming to our league [MLS]," Cheketts told Kall Am 700 Sports.

"Another one of our teams [in the MLS] is going to make a major investment and that will be a big announcement in the next couple of days"

"I would imagine that this guy is coming to LA and you will recognise who he is.

The RSL chief was probed on whether the player was Brazilian. His reponse was simple: "I think he might."

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Bologna Sign Former Roma Goalkeeper Cristiano Lupatelli From Cagliari

Bologna have signed goalkeeper Cristiano Lupatelli from Cagliari, the club announced in a statement on Tuesday.

"Bologna FC 1909 communicates to have signed Cristiano Lupatelli. The goalkeeper played for Cagliari for the past two years and he also served time at Roma, Chievo, Fiorentina, Parma and Palermo."

The 32-year-old arrives on a free transfer and hopes to earn some regular action having played second fiddle to Italian international Federico Marchetti at Cagliari.

Bologna add to their experience as Lupatelli was part of Roma's Scudetto winning side in 2001, playing eight games that season.


Having signed his deal, he will travel to Andalo in Trentino to meet his new team-mates for their pre-season ritiro.

It's Bologna's second signing of the transfer season after they landed striker Riccardo Meggiorini from Genoa on a co-ownership deal.

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Chelsea Could Ask FIFA To Extend Adrian Mutu Ban

The agent of Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu has said that Chelsea could petition FIFA to slap a lengthier ban on the Romanian striker because of the €17 million owes the club.

Mutu has already been suspended for nine months and has been ordered to pay €17 million to the Premier League giants. However, the 31-year-old is unable to garner that much money.





SkySport24 now quotes Victor Becali as saying that Chelsea have asked FIFA to ban Mutu until his debt is paid in full. Becali is reportedly trying to negotiate with Chelsea to bring this saga to a close.

Reports had linked Mutu with a move away from Florence but it now appears that the 31-year-old will remain with the Tuscan outfit if Chelsea do indeed ask FIFA to increase Mutu’s ban.

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Inter Milan Will Appoint Rafael Benitez As New Manager Within Next Few Days

Inter are ready to offer former Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez a three-year deal worth €5 million per annum, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Benitez spoke with Inter director Marco Branca over the phone on Sunday, and a deal was agreed following a long conversation in which both men established guidelines and demands over the role.


The Spanish coach will bring in his trusted assistants Mauricio Pellegrino as his No. 2, fitness coach Paco De Miguel and goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero. Clarification talks over the futures of Jose Mourinho's former assistants Beppe Baresi and Daniele Bernazzani are expected.

The next step is to establish a transfer market strategy, and Benitez has presented a long list in anticipation of his arrival. Javier Mascherano is top of his agenda. Striker Edinson Cavani of Palermo is also a hot target.

There is also a request to bring in Valencia winger David Silva and Diego Capel of Sevilla.


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Roma Sign Fabio Simplicio

Fabio Simplicio has joined Serie A rivals Roma on a free transfer after his contract with Palermo expired.

An official club statement from Roma read:





“A.S. Roma and Fabio Henrique Simplicio [wish to] make public, with mutual satisfaction, having signed a contract for economic performance in sports: taking effect from July 1, 2010 until June 30, 2013.

"The player shall be awarded a compensation of €1.8 million gross for each season with the club for sporting performance, as well as rewards for individual set goals achieved.”

The 30-year-old had been strongly linked with a move to the capital all season and has expressed his delight at finally putting pen to paper.

"For me, it's a very important occasion. To wear the Roma shirt is an honour,” the Brazilian told the club's official website.

“It’s a huge leap in my career and I have to thank everyone who believed in me.”

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Real Madrid Offer Daniele De Rossi €10 Million Wages A Season, Roma Respond With €4.5 Million

Roma are eager to tie Daniele De Rossi to a new deal in an attempt to kill off all possibilities of him joining Real Madrid, according to Leggo.

De Rossi said he "could join Real Madrid" last week, but his ideas were met with a regiment of opposition by Claudio Ranieri and Lupi chief Rosella Sensi who both said there was no chance of him leaving.



Jose Mourinho has been busy designing his new look Real Madrid squad. He said he needs only three or four players. One of those is De Rossi.

Real are ready to offer the Italian €10 million per season. Roma have responded with a maximum of €4.5m per annum. But he wants the Italians to table at least €6m to guarantee his stay.

With the World Cup on the horizon, the Giallorossi are hopeful of pushing through a deal before Italy fly out to South Africa next week, but with question marks hanging over wages, a deal could drag on.

De Rossi's current deal expires in 2012.

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Mario Balotelli's Inter Future???

Mino Raiola says his client must meet with the Nerazzurri to discuss whether he will remain with the European champions.

The agent of Inter striker Mario Balotelli says that his client's future will be up in the air until he meets with the Nerazzurri's directors.

The club are coming off a historic treble season, but several players are now being linked elsewhere, as is coach Jose Mourinho, who looks set to sign a deal with Real Madrid.

"We must see what the club's plans are," explained Mino Raiola to Sky Sport 24.

"For now we are happy with how the season ended and to be back in the first-team, we must still speak with the club."

The 19-year-old's troubles with Mourinho were well documented this season, as he was left out of the team on occasion after disciplinary problems and clashes with 'The Special One'.

"I don't know if the problems were only with Mourinho. We'll have to see," he continued.

"It's an open discourse. We haven't had any contact with the directors of Inter yet."

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Who Should Rossoneri Buy?

Looking ahead to the summer of 2009, few people seemed to believe that Milan could get away with a slow transfer season if they were to mount a serious title challenge. Until mid-March those predictions were very much being realised, with the Rossoneri proving to have too thin a squad to trouble city rivals Inter. But as Inter slumped in February and March, there was a door left open for an outsider. At first it seemed that the Diavolo may be best placed to come up on the rails, but their lack of strength in depth was to prove their downfall and instead they fell so far off the pace that they were hanging on for automatic Champions League qualification until the final fortnight.



Whilst the excellent addition of Thiago Silva had already been confirmed before the end of the previous campaign, their close season addition of Klaas Jan Huntelaar was an insufficient attacking purchase in light of the €65 million loss of Kaka to the Dutchman’s former club Real Madrid and Yoann Gourcuff's permanent switch to Bordeaux. Elsewhere, Standard Liege defender Oguchi Onyewu was brought in as back-up but played only 30 minutes all season due to injury and winter loan signing David Beckham’s season met with a similar end in March.

But it was the Rossoneri’s inability to offload the dead wood in the squad which was most concerning, and the same job still needs doing this summer. So whilst signings are important, a change to the whole make-up of the squad is very much needed in the next three months at Milanello... even if that means weakening the senior panel in quantity.

However, with warnings from Marina Berlusconi et al that the club has less than no money to spend, it may well be a case of Milan’s new coach having to sell to buy and so a cautious approach needs to be taken whilst the excess is rightly offloaded.

Goalkeepers

Dida is on his way out this summer, and about time too. He has lost his place at various stages over the past few years to Marco Storari, Christian Abbiati and – more humiliatingly – Zeljko Kalac, and his confidence has sunk lower than the last of the 20,000 leagues. Flavio Roma’s presence has been negligible at best, so the recall of Storari from Sampdoria should be an obvious move, and Abbiati has proven he is game for a three-way battle so is well worth holding onto. Top class options on Milan’s budget are scarce to say the least, so their best option would be to look on the loan market. Overlooked by his Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Azzurrini No. 1 Vito Mannone is likely to jump at the chance of getting some first team games in, and in his few opportunities at the Emirates his form has suggested he could see off Storari and Abbiati. A one-year loan with an agreed fee should he sign permanently could well work in Milan’s favour.



Defence

The Rossoneri’s reputation for shopping in the senior section comes mainly from the age of their backline, which needed addressing last year and sure needs looking at this time around. Giuseppe Favalli and Marek Jankulovski need to go, whilst serious attention needs to be paid to the potential sales of Luca Antonini and Daniele Bonera, who have both proved insufficient for such a top club. Massimo Oddo’s best days were at Lazio, and he doesn’t seem capable of reversing his poor San Siro form, especially since picking up some troublesome injuries. The experiment of using Ignazio Abate as a full-back needs to be ended, whilst extra cover for the creaking Alessandro Nesta also should be taken into consideration.

With his ability to play on either side of the defence, Gianluca Zambrotta should escape the cut, but his place in the first team is no longer a guarantee. At right back there are options within Serie A, with Stephan Liechtsteiner at Lazio and Palermo’s Mattia Cassani raising the bar over the past nine months. But Napoli’s Juan Zuniga has been used out of position since moving to the San Paolo from Siena and would welcome the chance to prove himself at the very top level. Given the resemblance between his game and that of ex-Milan man Cafu, it would be an ideal fit. He would probably cost more than Milan have, but they could part fund a deal by offloading Antonini. On the other flank they could give themselves the option of playing Zambrotta or starting Torino’s Angelo Ogbonna from his secondary position. He would then also be well placed to become the heir to Nesta should things work out for him in red and black.



Midfield

The stagnation of some of Milan’s star international midfielders is at least as concerning as their defensive issues. Reno Gattuso has struggled since picking up a career-threatening knee injury in December 2008, while Andrea Pirlo had his worst club season in many a year this time around. Higher up Clarence Seedorf has struggled to supply the same energy without the ball that he does when on it, and this either means introducing more mobile midfielders behind him or playing him much further up. One of the alternatives is to switch Pirlo to a more attacking spot given his decreased ability to cover the yards either side of the halfway line. It is a position he has filled capably for Italy at times under Marcello Lippi.

It’s all too easy to forget the presence of Matthieu Flamini given his lack of match time since switching from Arsenal in 2008, but he deserves to be given a closer look. Such a move could wave in a move for Gattuso to either the bench or a new club. A new signing in the mould of Sampdoria’s Andrea Poli, at a cost of around €10m, would fit perfectly into the Rossoneri’s middle three, with Flamini and/or Massimo Ambrosini to his side. Abate could be considered as a possibility on the right when four men across the middle suits. A left-footed option should also really be added, but with such a limited budget, targets such as Sevilla’s Diego Perotti or Fiorentina’s Juan Manuel Vargas could prove to be pipe dreams. Given their fondness for the narrow midfield set-up, this is a position they could address at a later point, but if they can get the Spaniards to accept a bid in the region of €10-12m then Perotti could well be brought in before the new campaign begins.



Attack

Having lost Kaka so early in the window last summer, the thought of losing Alexandre Pato too became the thing of Rossoneri nightmares. But with so little money to spare this time around it could well be looked at as a necessary evil for 2010. Should the Brazilian youngster attract a fee in the region of €45m, most likely to come from Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea, then it will more than likely meet with a positive response from the Via Turati paymasters. Add to that the possibility to cut their losses on Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Milan could give themselves a much more flexible transfer budget. With the earlier signings taken into account, this would leave enough money to offer a take-it-or-leave-it €35m bid for long-time target Edin Dzeko of Wolfsburg. Marco Borriello could stay on as a capable back-up, though a failure to snap up Dzeko should prompt a move for further striking options rather than a reliance on the former Genoa man as first choice. Other centre-forwards who could be considered include Valencia's Nikola Zigic and Sevilla's Luis Fabiano. Ronaldinho should continue as the main creative force just off the point of the attack with one of Pirlo and Seedorf coming from the right when tactical necessity dictates.

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Chelsea 0-1 Inter

Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League by a magnificent Inter performance, capped off by an superb display by Wesley Sneijder and a 78th minute winner from Samuel Eto'o.

The main team news came from the visitors, with Jose Mourniho include all three of his available attackers Samuel Eto’o, Diego Milito and Goran Pandev, with Wesley Sneijder in close proximity. For Chelsea, Ross Turnbull was given the nod in goal as expected.
Inter created the first half-chance in the opening moments. Maicon squared the ball for Esteban Cambiasso, whose shot from 20 yards cannoned off a defender and landed for Samuel Eto’o, but his decision to take a touch before attempting to shoot was a costly one and he was dispossessed.

Florent Malouda tried to claim a penalty for Chelsea soon after as he advanced through the center, but after knocking the ball past Lucio, the Frenchman had run straight into the Brazilian defender.
Inter went back on the attack, and Goran Pandev picked up the ball and played a neat cross to the marauding Maicon, who was in acres of space on Inter’s right, but after drawing Yuri Zhirkov, the right-back blasted high into the crowd at the near post.
Chelsea’s first real sight of goal came on 11 minutes, when Michael Ballack picked up the ball 20 yards out and drove a right footed cross-shot just wide of Julio Cesar’s goal.

Inter were awarded a free-kick 20 yards from goal on the right after Frank Lampard made contact with Eto’o after more good work by Maicon had opened up Chelsea. Sneijder swung the set piece into a dangerous position, but Milito couldn’t get a head to the ball.

Moments later Lucio’s dangerously high foot caught Malouda, prompting a two-part showdown between the two sets of players. When the referee finally managed to calm the sides down, Didier Drogba belted the free-kick straight into the wall.

Samuel Eto’o then picked up a yellow card when he protested against referee Wolfgang Stark’s decision to give Milito offside as he ran into space from the Cameroonian’s pass.

There was an opening for Chelsea when, from a cross from the right, Malouda flicked the ball on for Drogba, whose shot with the outside of his right boot was well blocked by Maicon, and Lampard skied the rebound.

The home side could have made more of a great opportunity in the 32nd minute. Nicolas Anelka made good progress down the right and fortuitously received the ball back from an attempted one-two, but his pull-back was a poor one and was easily cleared.

The Blues were almost made to pay in the cruelest of fashions when Inter attacked down the right through Maicon once more. The Brazilian’s cross was completely missed by John Terry, but Eto’o reacted too slowly to the chance and could only head the ball into the ground. It was the best chance of the game up to that point.

More good work down the right between Maicon and Eto’o created a half-chance for Diego Milito, but he was dispossessed by two just as he was about to turn and shoot.

From the corner, Anelka broke well, but when he tried to bring his supporting team-mates into play, Cambiasso swept up superbly to send Inter forward again. The move resulted in a free-kick from 35 yards out, which Sneijder fired straight at the wall.

A magnificent passing move by Chelsea seemed to have created the opening goal as Malouda ghosted through to gain a sight of goal, but his fierce left-foot shot was brilliantly cut out by Walter Samuel’s amazing last-ditch diving challenge.

As chances started to come thick and fast for the Englishmen, Malouda chipped in from the left, there was confusion between Lucio and Samuel, and Anelka’s shot was saved by Julio Cesar, with the rebound coming off Thiago Motta and running for a corner to the home side.

From the resulting flag-kick, Samuel and Drogba ended up in a pile on the ground, but the Ivorian’s extensive protests (he was still at it two minutes later) fell on the deaf ears of referee Stark.

Samuel’s toe again came to the rescue for the Italians when Drogba’s chest down sent in Lampard, but the Argentine covered superbly to deny the England midfielder and keep the scores level at the break.

Chelsea started the second half as they’d ended the first, and after Thiago Motta was booked for bringing down Malouda, Drogba hit the target with a long range free-kick, but there wasn’t enough pace in the shot to trouble Julio Cesar.

Inter should have had the lead, and a crucial away goal, after a magnificent ball from Sneijder found Eto’o in acres of space, but the off-form striker took an age as he bore down on Turnbull’s goal, allowing Zhirkov to get back and get a vital challenge in.

Another Drogba free-kick looked set to hand Ballack a chance, but the ball skipped beyond the German, who in any case had started from an offside position.

Yellow cards were traded between Lucio and Malouda as the pace was ramped up and nerves appeared to be playing an increasingly huge part in the game. Didier Drogba was also booked for a challenge on Thiago Motta, though the Ivorian striker appeared to have been hard done by.

Goran Pandev so nearly broke the deadlock on 59 when he raced onto Sneijder’s magnificent flick and closed to within 12 yards of goal, but just as he was about to strike left-footed, Zhirkov came in with a superb challenge. From the corner the ball broke for Milito, whose shot on the turn didn’t quite have the power to beat the well-positioned Turnbull.

Chelsea made the first change when Carlo Ancelotti replaced Ballack with Joe Cole. The England man immediately brought down Thiago Motta, allowing Sneijder to swing in another dangerous free-kick, but again Inter were unable to capitalise.

Inter spawned another golden opportunity in the 65th minute. Having kept the ball brilliantly down the left for nearly a whole minute, they fashioned a marvellous chance when Sneijder sent Milito into space. But the Argentine, having drawn Turnbull, screwed the ball wide of the far post.

The failure to take chances will have frustrated Jose Mourniho, but, similarly, Ancelotti will have become concerned with the amount of space Inter were being able to find with regularity.

Again Inter created a great chance. Another magnificent Sneijder free-kick from the right found Thiago Motta free at the far post, but he headed over the bar from a tight angle three yards out.

Carlo Ancelotti’s second roll of the dice was to bring on Salomon Kalou for Zhirkov in an attempt to make the Blues more potent down the left. Jose Mourinho responded by bringing Dejan Stanklovic on for Pandev for the final 15 minutes.

Kalou’s first act was almost a match-changing one, but after he’d cut inside two, his right-foot shot from 25 yards was an erratic one.

And with 12 minutes remaining, Inter finally got the goal they’d been threatening throughout the second period. Wesley Sneijder delivered a delightful left-foot through ball from his own half for Samuel Eto’o, who took two touches as he bore down on goal, kept his composure under Ivanovic’s challenge and hit a superb right foot finish beyond Ross Turnbull at the near post. The importance of the goal could not be overstated, as Chelsea’s body language told the whole story.

It was then all about seeing time out for the away side, and Wesley Sneijder was rightly given a standing ovation by the traveling support when he was replaced by McDonald Mariga with five minutes to play.

Chelsea were unable to mount any attacks of real note as they sought two goals just to take the tie into extra-time. And to make matters worse, they had Didier Drogba sent off with four minutes left on the clock when he tussled with Thiago Motta in the Inter area, throwing the Nerazzurri man to the ground.

Inter could have had a second in injury time when Eto’o got clear on the right, but his shot across Turnbull was magnificently stopped by the keeper’s trailing foot.

But it couldn’t stop the Nerazzurri recording a memorable away win, and progressing to the last eight for the first time since 2006. Similarly, Chelsea failed to make the quarter-finals for the first time in four years.

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Chelsea - Inter Preview

Without trying to making a hyperbolic statement, Chelsea's Champions League clash with Inter on Tuesday threatens to be the Blues' biggest game of the season.




The elusive trophy, that the west London side were a John Terry slipped penalty away from in 2008, would be the final piece in a silverware jigsaw that makes up the Stamford Bridge trophy cabinet.

And fate dictates that it should be Jose Mourinho - the former king of Stamford Bridge - who should stand in Chelsea's way of another crack at Holy Grail of the Champions League.

Mourinho's Inter side carry a lead 2-1 from the first leg of this round-of-16 clash to his former stomping ground and will be keen to remind Chelsea fans he remains the 'Special One' - while at the same time trying to mastermind a first Italian capture of the trophy since 2007.

Inter have never lifted the Champions League trophy, since its re-branding in 1992, and an aggregate victory on Tuesday night would take the bullish Portuguese manager one step closer to winning the cup the Nerazzurri last claimed in 1965 when it was the European Cup.

The first leg victory for Inter exposed woeful cracks in a previously tight Chelsea defense, with John Terry looking a shadow of his former self, and since then Chelsea have stumbled domestically, losing handsomely to Manchester City before beating weak West Ham and Stoke sides less-than-convincingly.

Those results seem to have handed the initiative back to Manchester United in the Premier League, but Blues fans would walk the Premier League trophy to Old Trafford if it meant getting a hand on the European Cup.

Taking the cup back to west London would be validation for Roman Abramovich's millions poured into the club over the past few years, but losing out to their arrogant former boss will be hard to swallow.

FORM

Chelsea

Feb 20: Wolves 0-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
Feb 24: Inter 2-1 Chelsea (Champions League)
Feb 27: Chelsea 2-4 Man City (Premier League)
Mar 7: Chelsea 2-0 Stoke (Premier League)
Mar 13: Chelsea 4-1 West Ham (Premier League)

Inter

Feb 20: Inter 0-0 Sampdoria (Serie A)
Feb 24: Inter 2-1 Chelsea (Champions League)
Feb 28: Udinese 2-3 Inter (Serie A)
Mar 7: Inter 0-0 Genoa (Serie A)
Mar 12: Catania 3-1 Inter (Serie A)

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Third-choice goalkeeper Ross Turnbull will face the biggest test of his career when he lines up to face Inter, thanks to injuries to Petr Cech and Henrique Hilario. Turnbull was between the sticks for the 4-1 win over West Ham at the weekend and his only Champions League experience to date is a 2-2 draw with Greek minnows Apoel Nicosia.

There is better news for Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti in defense, where Ricardo Carvalho returns following a hamstring staring. Ancelotti has no fresh injury doubts elsewhere, with Michael Essien (knee), Ashley Cole (ankle), Jose Bosingwa (knee) all still sidelined for the Stamford Bridge return leg.

Last starting XI (v West Ham): Turnbull, Ferreira, Terry, Alex, Ivanovic, Malouda, Lampard, Mikel, Ballack, Drogba, Anelka.

Inter

Striker Mario Balotelli hasn't traveled with the team to London, although quite why remains a mystery to the temperamental Italian's agent. "I don't know why he has not been called up. I will find out," Mino Raiola vowed.

Meanwhile, Julio Cesar was involved in a minor car accident over the weekend but is expected to be fit to take his place in goal.

Defender Cristian Chivu is out with a fractured skull and David Santon has a knee problem, so Javier Zanetti will line up on the left side of defense.

Last starting XI (v Catania): Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Materazzi, Zanetti, Stankovic, Cambiasso, Mariga, Sneijder, Milito, Eto'o.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea - John Terry

After a less-than-convincing performance in the first leg at the Guiseppe Meazza two weeks ago, Chelsea captain John Terry will be keen to prove that was just a slip-up and not a sign that the previously-indestructible center-back is human after all.

Terry allowed Diego Milito to shimmy and score in Milan, and will be determined not to let the Argentine do the same on Tuesday. Any errors from Terry will be pounced upon by Milito and Eto'o, and a goal for Inter could be curtains for Chelsea.

Inter - Samuel Eto'o

The Cameroon forward is something of a veteran of clashes with Chelsea, having faced the Blues on six occasions as a Barcelona player. He managed to notch two goals against the west London outfit, including the winner in a 2-1 first-leg knockout game in 2005.

And as much of the Chelsea team is unchanged from those he has lined up against in the past, the live wire Eto'o is the one Inter player who knows where the cracks can appear in the Blues game plan.

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Juventus 3-3 Siena

Juventus' march for Champions League football was stalled by minnows Siena in Turin, who came from three goals down to earn a draw. Meanwhile, captain Alessandro Del Piero reached a career milestone.

The hosts started third-choice goalkeeper Antonio Chimenti due to the absences of both Gianluigi Buffon and Alex Manninger. Star midfielder Diego was given a rest and started on the bench.


Juventus got off the mark immediately. Antonio Candreva dribbled through three players before laying off to David Trezeguet, who forced a save from Gianluca Curci before Del Piero pounced on the rebound, scoring the 300th goal of his career.

Candreva was involved once again and his deflected shot came to Del Piero, who made no mistake firing a first-timer into the net, making it 2-0 after just six minutes of play.

After creating the first two goals, Candreva hismelf got in on the action with an unstoppable screamer from outside the area into the top corner. Siena were reeling as they went down 3-0 after just ten minutes of play.

The goals were coming thick and fast, as Siena veteran Massimo Maccarone pulled one back after running at the defence and creating space to fire past Chimenti from the top of the box.

Felipe Melo kept the visitors from getting another one by clearing off the line after Francesco Pratali's header following a corner.

With a two-goal lead, the Serie A giants were content to play on the counter and there was little more action before the end of the first 45 minutes, although Reginaldo had a deflected strike which worried Chimenti, but landed wide of the goalmouth.

Juventus were given a wake up 30 seconds into the second-half. Maccarone's daisy-cutter from the left side of the area came back off the post and Abdelkader Ghezzal tapped it in to cut the deficit to one!

The Bianconeri were forced to use a make-shift backline as Nicola Legrottaglie left through an injury, replaced by Hasan Salihamidzic, meaning Fabio Cannavaro was the only centre-back in the line-up.

The visitors almost made it 3-3 when Reginaldo laid off for the awoken Ghezzal, but his volley was deflected off target with Chimenti frozen.

Siena eventually tied it up on 75 minutes. Zdenek Grygera took down the tricky Maccarone in the penalty area and Ghezzal stepped up to slam the spot-kick home and earn an equaliser that looked very unlikely in the first-half of the match.

It was a deserved result as the Robur fought very hard in the second-half and Juve pressed for a late winner, that did not arrive despite the entrance of Diego.

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Beckham To Miss World Cup

AC Milan have confirmed that David Beckham has broken his left achilles tendon, and will be out for a minimum of three months, thus ending his Serie A season and ruling him out of the World Cup barring a miracle.

The midfielder suffered a crack in the foot in the closing stages of Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo at San Siro on Sunday night.


Beckham pulled up in the centre circle under no pressure with just minutes remaining and immediately signalled to the bench, hopping towards the touchline on his healthy leg before collapsing to the floor in agony.

The 34-year-old was close to tears as he was treated for at least five minutes on the touchline, and the bad news of a broken achilles tendon has now been confirmed.

Becks infamously almost missed out on the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan after breaking his metatarsal close to the tournament.

It will take an absolute miracle for Beckham to go to South Africa as he is not expected to be back until the middle of June, at which point the tournament will have already begun.

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Champions League Preview: Fiorentina - Bayern Munich

It is Italy against Germany in Florence and it promises to be a very closely fought encounter.


Setting The Wrong Right

Fiorentina were certainly not happy with Tom Henning Ovrebo's decision in the first leg of the Round of 16 tie against Bayern Munich a fortnight ago as Miroslav Klose's offside goal in the 89th minute was allowed to stand. It robbed la Viola of a vital 1-1 away draw that would have put them in the driving seat for this leg.

However, a 2-1 away defeat isn't too bad either, especially as Cesare Prandelli's side have the advantage of an away goal. As such, a 1-0 victory at home will be enough for Fiorentina to reach the quarter-finals.

Fiorentina have an impeccable home record in the Champions League this campaign as they have won all their games at the Artemio Franchi, those against Liverpool, Debrecen and Lyon. Moreover, they have a great defensive unit which kept the world class Bayern attackers at bay at the Allianz Arena.

Yet things have not been going well for Fiorentina in the league as they sit 10th in Serie A, 11 points off a Champions League spot. Since their defeat to Bayern in Munich, la Viola have won only one of the four matches they have played. This means that they would have to very careful for Tuesday's game and will have to make sure that they do not concede any goals.

Basking In Hype And Expectation

Bayern Munich had a terrible start to the season but they have now picked up momentum both in the domestic and the European arena. At the moment Die Roten are two points clear at the top of the table in the German Bundesliga.

Bayern were arguably the second best side in their game against Fiorentina in the first leg of the round of 16 tie a fortnight ago but still won 2-1 in the end, all be it by a dubious late offside goal. Their performance wasn't very encouraging, as Fiorentina exhibited an exemplar of how to play away form home in Europe and coach Louis van Gaal will be aware of that.

Moreover, Bayern have had defensive problems since that win and will be without two of their main defenders. The Bavarians were held to a 1-1 draw in Cologne on Saturday and although this shouldn't have much bearing on Tuesday night's game, Bayern should be aware of the threat posed by Fiorentina in Florence.
FORM GUIDE

Fiorentina
March 6 v Juventus (H) - LOST 2-1 (Serie A)

February 27 v Lazio (A) - DREW 1-1 (Serie A)


February 24 v Milan (H) - LOST 2-1 (Serie A)

February 21 v Livorno (H) - WON 2-1 (Serie A)


February 17 v Bayern Munich (A) - LOST 2-1 (Champions League)

Bayern Munich

March 6 v Koeln (A) - DREW 1-1 (Bundesliga)

February 28 v Hamburg (H) - WON 1-0 (Bundesliga)

February 20 v Nuernberg (A) - DREW 1-1 (Bundesliga)

February 17 v Fiorentina (H) - WON 2-1 (Champions League)

February 13 v Borussia Dortmund (H) - WON 3-1 (Bundesliga)

TEAM NEWS

Fiorentina

Massimo Gobbi was sent off in the first leg and is therefore suspended for this game. Juan Manuel Vargas was doubtful for the weekend match against Juventus but recovered to start the match and he will again be deployed on the left flank against Bayern on Tuesday night. Alberto Gilardino will be the lone striker up front, but Stevan Jovetic, who has looked good on occasions of late, will play behind him as the creative midfielder-in-chief.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Frey, Comotto, Kroldrup, Felipe, Pasqual; Zanetti, Montolivo; Marchionni, Jovetic, Vargas; Gilardino

Bayern Munich

The German giants have a whole host of injury concerns ahead of their trip to Florence. Martin Demichelis has already been sidelined for weeks after suffering three facial fractures whilst on international duty for Argentina last week and young left back Diego Contento suffered a deep gash to the right knee in Saturday's game against Koeln and has been left behind in Munich. 17-year-old David Alaba will be his replacement in the squad against Fiorentina, although it is expected that Danijel Pranjic will start at left back. However, coach Louis van Gaal has some good news as winger Arjen Robben, who missed the trip to Cologne with a cold, is back training and will start at the Artemio Franchi.

Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Butt, Lahm, Van Buyten, Badstuber, Pranjic; Robben, Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger, Ribery; Gomez, Mueller

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina)

The Italian international striker has been among the goals this season and has netted 11 times in Serie A and thrice in the Champions League with three assists. Deployed as a lone striker, the former Milan hitman is lethal when given even a small amount space and time on the ball. Gilardino is not necessarily quick or technically a genius but his positional sense, striker's instinct and clinical ability augmented by his shooting prowess make him a very dangerous player indeed. Bayern's defence has been severely stretched and they will have to be doubly careful to see that they do not allow Gila to get a free run on their goal.

Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)

Arjen Robben was the star of the Bayern side that narrowly defeated Fiorentina at the Allianz Arena in the first leg a fortnight ago. He chipped a brilliant pass to Mueller and was the chief architect of Bayern's moves in Munich. The former Real Madrid winger has had his injury problems this term but the 26-year-old is world class when fit. He missed Bayern's weekend trip to Cologne because of a cold but resumed training on Sunday, which means that Bayern coach Louis van Gaal will be relieved given that the Bavarians will potentially have a better attack line with Robben on one flank and Franck Ribery on the other.

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Champions League Preview: Manchester United - Milan

Manchester United were the favourites to progress through to the quarter-finals from this tie, but their 3-2 comeback victory against Milan at San Siro a fortnight ago must have come as a huge surprise even to their own supporters. Technically, the United side didn't look on a par with the Rossoneri but it was their spirit, physical stamina and superiority and clinical ability to take the chances when they came that eventually led them to return home with a narrow lead.



All this implies that the Red Devils are almost certain to qualify for the last eight stage. United have been in great form since that win in Milan and defeated Aston Villa at Wembley to lift the Carling Cup. This weekend Sir Alex Ferguson's side went top of the table in the Premier League after a narrow 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers away from home.

However, United shouldn't be complacent as Milan do have a very strong side and, with Alexandre Pato's return to the stating line-up on Wednesday, the Rossoneri will have a formidable front line. Last season at a similar stage, when United were up against another Italian side, Milan's city rivals Inter, they did eventually win 2-0 at Old Trafford in the second leg, but the Nerazzurri actually struck the frame of the United goal twice. United will certainly not like things to be that close this time around.
David Beckham returns to Old Trafford and will play his first competitive match against his old side at the Theatre of Dreams. The 34-year-old left the club under acrimonious circumstances after falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2003 and has since gone on to feature for Real Madrid and LA Galaxy.

It will indeed be an emotional night for Beckham, but the England international midfielder has persistently insisted that this time he will be happy to see United lose. A Milan triumph is not probable, but Clarence Seedorf's goal in the 85th minute for Milan in the first leg has given the Rossoneri a glimmer of hope.

Milan have recovered in Serie A and are now just four points off the pace. Coach Leonardo will be hoping that his side get an early goal and get the momentum going. Alexandre Pato's return to the starting line-up is a matter to rejoice too, but it is indeed a daunting task for the Rossoneri to overhaul a 3-2 deficit from the first leg. Milan will have to score at least twice to progress to the quarter-finals and, although it is not an impossible feat to achieve, it is unlikely under the current circumstances; but then again, football is full of miracles.

FORM GUIDE

Manchester United

March 6 v Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) - WON 1-0 (Premier League)

February 28 v Aston Villa (N) - WON 2-1 (Carling Cup)

February 23 v West Ham (H) - WON 3-0 (Premier League)

February 20 v Everton (A) - LOST 3-1 (Premier League)

February 16 v Milan (A) - WON 3-2 (Champions League)

Milan
March 6 v Roma (A) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

February 28 v Atalanta (H) - WON 3-1 (Serie A)

February 24 v Fiorentina (A) - WON 2-1 (Serie A)


February 21 v Bari (A) - WON 2-0 (Serie A)

February 16 v Manchester United (H) - LOST 3-2 (Champions League)

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson must be relieved that he has Wayne Rooney back training with the rest of the squad. The England international striker missed Saturday's 1-0 win over Wolves but attended the training session at Carrington on Tuesday morning. Fortunately for the Red Devils, there are no new injury concerns. Rooney is likely to be partnered by Dimitar Berbatov up front and Rafael could be given the nod ahead of Gary Neville at right-back, although Ferguson might like to go with a more experienced defender given that both Ronaldinho and David Beckham could be on the pitch from the start.

Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Van der Sar, Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Valencia, Scholes, Fletcher, Park; Rooney, Berbatov

Milan

Alexandre Pato has been passed fit to feature at Old Trafford and he will certainly start. Clarence Seedorf too has recovered from a minor injury setback. David Beckham started the first leg at San Siro and he will be drafted into the starting line-up, although coach Leonardo may change his mind and start with Seedorf instead. Marco Borriello remains in pole position to start in the centre of a three-man attack line that will see Ronaldinho on the left and Pato play from the right.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Abbiati; Bonera, Nesta, Silva, Antonini; Beckham, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Ronaldinho, Borriello, Pato

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

The England international striker was arguably the best player on the pitch when the two sides met at the San Siro a fortnight ago as he got the better of Alesandro Nesta and Thiago Silva and scored twice to lead his team to a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory. Rooney, placed at number nine in the Castrol Rankings, missed this weekend's trip to Wolverhampton in the Premier League, but he will be back to the starting line-up on Wednesday evening. Rooney has been superb for United this campaign and has shouldered much of the scoring burden, having scored 23 times in the English top flight and twice in the Champions League. Rooney will again be a menace for the Milan defenders and given that he will have the home crowd backing him all the time, the 24-year-old could once again get the better of Nesta and Silva.

Alexandre Pato (Milan)

Ronaldinho might still remain Milan's main creative strength and indeed the most dangerous man from United's perspective, but Alexandre Pato's return to the Milan side after an injury lay-off implies, in Goal.com Chief Editor Ewan Macdonald's words, "this is still a contest". Pato will start on the right and his pace and skills will be a handful for Patrice Evra, who will be checked back continuously. Pato has scored 12 goals in Serie A and two in the Champions League and the Brazilian international striker's understanding and link-up with Ronaldinho is going to be crucial if Milan are to make the mother of all comebacks at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

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Bidding War Starts For Juventus Striker David Trezeguet

Following the purchase of Diego for €25 million, Juventus need to start selling in order to continue purchasing new players to strengthen the side for next season.

The next name among the incoming transfers is Udinese midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino, and the Bianconeri are ready to start freeing up funds.



The first on the out-tray is David Trezeguet, who has admitted himself that he will be leaving this summer due to lack of play in the past Serie A campaign.

On Tuesday, his agent, Antonio Caliendo, is expected to meet up with sporting director Alessio Secco to discuss the player's future.

There are various teams interested in signing 'Trezegol', but his value has decreased considerably following the knee injury he sustained last year.

The main stumbling block in the striker's proposed transfer would be the fact that the 31-year-old attacker has a high salary that might put off some clubs.

In the meantime, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Olympique Lyon are ready to offer €10m in order to bring the player back to France. Roma have already expressed their interest in the player, and Milan have also been linked.

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Lazio Sign Mauro Zarate

Lazio have finally come up with money to finalise the transfer of Mauro Zarate from Al Sadd after the player spent a successful season on-loan at the Stadio Olimpico.

The 22-year-old played a key role for Lazio this season, bagging 13 goals in Serie A and also scoring during the team's victorious Coppa Italia run, including a stunning goal in the final.



Sky Sport 24 report that the Aquilotti have paid €21 million to the Qatar based club to complete the permanent transfer of the former Birmingham City forward.

Although the club's official website have yet to confirm the news, Lazio president Claudio Lotito, who has been confident of securing Zarate for some time, announced the successful deal on the television program Roma Uno on Monday.

Zarate is now expected to lead the Lazio frontline again next season, but may have a new partner as the future of striker Goran Pandev has yet to be determined.

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AC Milan in secret negotiations with Bosnian star Edin Dzeko

BILD revealed that Dzeko’s agent Irfan Redzepagic and Milan director Adriano Galliani met in Sarajevo this weekend for secret negotiations.

A price tag of €30 million and a contract until 2011 is under believed to be under discussion.

But Serie A champions and AC’s bitter rivals Inter Milan are also said to be interested in the striker.



And both clubs may have to see off competition from England, where Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United are in the race for Dzeko's signature.

Dzeko, just 23, set the German Bundesliga alight this season as he smashed in 26 goals to help ensure Wolfsburg were crowned champions for the first time in the club’s 64 year history.

But they may be a victim of their own success, with Dzeko looking set to leave Germany.

The Wolves are already closing in on a possible replacement in the shape of Mladen Petric (28) from HSV.

Hamburg director Dietmar Beiersdorfer said: “An offer has been made for Petric, but Mladen is going to stay here.”

Wolfsburg have offered around €9 million for the Croat.

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Spalletti: I Am Happy To Be At Roma

After confirming his presence on the Roma bench next season, Luciano Spalletti has already begun working with president Rosella Sensi, sporting director Daniele Prado, and club official Bruno Conti to help Roma rebound from a disappointing campaign.



"The team will certainly be reinforced a little bit, because it's necessary," he was quoted as saying by tuttomercatoweb on Friday.

"These meetings were focused on this and creating the right incentives to restore Roma to performing in the correct way at every level."

Spalletti has indicated he would remain until June 2011 and knows there is plenty expected of him.

"The important thing is to always try and give something more to everyone that cares about the fate of Roma. I have never spoken about money regarding my contract. In Rome I work willingly," the former Udinese and Empoli boss concluded.

Spalletti had previously been considered a candidate to take over at Juventus, but Ciro Ferrara will continue in the Bianconeri role.

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