Champions League: Two Italian teams happy, one sad, and one with a manager who has no feeling

By: Francesco | November 5th, 2008

Not bad for Italian teams in the Champions League this week: 2 wins, 2 draws. Roma and Juventus have to be ecstatic after their victories, while Fiorentina after their draw with Bayern at home can’t say the same. Inter drew away to Anorthosis, but are still top of the group so they can’t really complain but they can’t be very happy either. Quick summaries after the jump.

Fiorentina-Bayern Munich 1-1
Goalscorers: 11´ Mutu (Fio); 78´ Borowski (Bay)

Standings
Bayern Munich 8; Lyon 8; Fiorentina 3; Steaua Bucharest 1

Next round
Bayern Munich-Steaua Bucharest; Fiorentina-Lyon

Fiorentina went ahead at the Stadio Franchi through Adrian Mutu but Bayern drew level late on through Tim Borowski. Fiorentina are now third place and haven’t won yet. They still have a chance to qualify, but must beat Lyon at all costs next round at the Franchi, then beat Steaua at all costs in Romania and hope Lyon lose to Bayern on the last. They have to win and hope things go their way but it looks like more realistically they will fight it out for the UEFA Cup spot.
For more on Fiorentina, read theFiorentina Offside.

Real Madrid-Juventus 0-2
Goalscorers: 17´ Del Piero (Juv); 67´ Del Piero (Juv)

Standings
Juventus 10; Real Madrid 6; Zenit St. Petersburg 4; Bate Borisov 2

Next Round
Bate Borisov-Real Madrid; Zenit St. Petersburg-Juventus

Juventus stunned Real at home tonight with two goals from Alex Del Piero. Del Piero has been awesome so far in the Champions League, and scored two more beauties tonight to lift the Bianconeri past the Merengues. The first was a nice angled drive with his left foot, the second a trademark free kick. Juve are now top of the group with 10 points and can finish the group with ease.
For more on Juventus, read the Juventus Offside.

Roma-Chelsea 3-1
Goalscorers: 34´ Panucci (Rom); 48´ Vucinic (Rom); 58´ Vucinic (Rom);
75´ Terry (Che)

Standings
Chelsea 7; Roma 6; Bordeaux 6; CFR Cluj 4

Next Round
Bordeaux-Chelsea; CFR Cluj -Roma

Roma got a big boost by defeating Chelsea at the Olimpico 3-1. Christian Panucci scored in the 34th minute to put the Giallorossi ahead. After the half it was the Vucinic show. First the Montenegrin striker laser beamed one home from 20 yards out, then he won the ball in his own half and sped down the pitch, beating John Obi Mikel and finishing past Petr Cech. John Terry pulled one back but it should’ve been disallowed. Roma can’t afford to lose anymore and have to beat Cluj and Bordeaux and can’t simply rely on Bordeaux slipping up.
For more on Roma, read the Roma Offside.

Anorthosis-Inter 3-3
Goalscorers: 13´ Balotelli (Int); 31´ Bardon (Ano); 44´ Materazzi (Int);
45´ Panagi (Ano); 50´ Frousos (Ano); 80´ Cruz (Int)

Standings
Inter 8; Anorthosis 5; Panathinaikos 4; Werder Brema 2

Next Round
Anorthosis-Werder Brema; Inter-Panathinaikos

Inter had defensive problems vs Anorthosis and let the Cypriots gain a draw. Mario Balotelli scored to put the Nerazzurri ahead (his first Champions League goal) after a bullet of a free kick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic was parried into the U21 starlet’s path. Anorthosis drew level but then Marco Materazzi headed home from a Balotelli corner kick. Anorthosis scored 2 to bring the game to 3-2, but with 10 minutes to go Julio Cruz headed home a Balotelli free kick and Inter took home the point. Inter remain top of the group with 8 points and should qualify with ease.
For more on Inter, read the Inter Offside.