I do agree that Italian teams look weak in CL this year. That is mainly due to the fact that uncertainty from Calciopoli prolonged teams, apart from Inter (we all know why f**king bastards), from making transfers to strenghten the team. Milan couldnt possibly take a risk of buying world class striker when they might play in Serie B, and when they did so they rushed in to buy overrated crap in Oliviera. Roma shouldnt even be in CL under the normal circumstances.
Having said that it is notoriously hard to judge how teams will fare in the latter stages of the competition. I remember Liverpool being a
minute away from being knocked out the group that composed of disastrously weak Depor, Monaco and Olympiakos. Scoring 3 goals in the second half - who smelt that will win happen again? Arsenal was utter crap for almost whole of last year before they met Real. My bet is Roma will probably qualify alongside Inter and Milan, three Italian teams are definetely not your appetisers in the opening round. I have a feeling Milan and Inter will both make it to the Semis. Just gut feeling, I guess.
Anyway pretty much recovering from hangover right now. Man I got real pissed after Shunsuke put that dagger in ManUre's ass

. How sweet~!! Commentator for the English television was rea~l funny by almost pronouncing Shunsuki Naka-mju-ra. Obviously he hasnt been Japan before. The day would have been complete had Doll finished off Arsenal in Emirates Stadium. Taking off LB who solid game with non-factor attacker (complete stiff), and conceding two needless goals - obviously Doll isnt as good a coach as he was a player for Lazio.
BTW, Sateeh, can you give me some brief profile on Trotchovsky or something like that playing for Hamburg midfield? He seems to me better than VDV on the night. Good feet, composure, not afraid to tackle - he seems to fit in quite well with the kind of player we might need for next year.