Giovanni Scalzo
Business Manager
The Champions League, Europe’s most prestigious club tournament, has returned. While all the matchups are fairly even, only two notable heavyweight clashes will take place this round: AC Milan v Manchester United, and Internazionale Milano v Chelsea.
These two heavyweight bouts continue the rivalry between Italian and English clubs, which in the last four seasons have seen English opposition come out on top. While only one English side has won the Champions League in the last four years, there is no denying the recent successes of English clubs in the tournament. In contrast, Italian clubs have performed poorly in this competition since AC Milan’s 2007 triumph, usually being eliminated by English opposition in the early rounds of the knockout stage.
All four teams have been successful thus far within their respective leagues. As of February 6th, Manchester United and Chelsea occupy first and second place in the English Premier League, while Inter and Milan sit first and second in Italy’s Serie A.
AC Milan and Manchester United are similar in that they have both depended on a key player to maintain their usual dominance within their respective domestic leagues this season.
After a dismal start to the season, AC Milan has bounced back, climbing up Italy’s top-flight standings to second place. This recent success is in part due to Ronaldinho. The midfield maestro has returned to form and shown glimpses of his previous ability that was common during his golden years at Barcelona where he won the 2006 Champions League and was twice voted FIFA World Player of the Year. AC Milan’s success is strongly correlated to Ronaldinho’s form, and the club will need him to be fit and focused if they want to beat Manchester United or any top European side.
Whether in England or Europe, Manchester United is always a force to be reckoned with. Despite the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid this summer, the Red Devils still sit atop of the table at the moment, and are a favoured side to win this year’s Premier League title and Champions League. Like AC Milan, United’s success can be attributed in part to one player that has been in scintillating form. Following Ronaldo’s departure, Wayne Rooney stepped up his game and scored 21 goals in the Premier League, and is certainly a contender to be the Premier League’s top scorer for the 09/10 season. He is the heart of United’s attack and it will be difficult for any team to contain him.
In sharp contrast, Inter Milano and Chelsea have enjoyed successful seasons thus far by playing as tightly organized units that display an offensive style of play.
Inter has dominated this season in Serie A with exceptional skill. This star-studded team has the ability to create plays, score goals, and break down any opposition. With the likes of Julio Cesar, Lucio, Maicon, Zanetti, Muntari, Stankovic, Cambiasso Sneijder, Milito, and Eto’o, the team is capable of beating any side when in form.
Like Inter, Chelsea is a strong side with a lot of great players. The team has a strong chemistry that developed out of the starting lineup remaining largely the same over the last few years. The club boasts the likes of Cech, Terry, A. Cole, Carvalho, Ivanovic, J. Cole, Essien, Lampard, Mikel, Malouda, Anelka, and Drogba. The side is full of depth and is a favourite to win the English Premier League, and the Champions League.
While AC Milan and Manchester United are both good teams, their teams lack depth relative to squads like Inter or Chelsea, and their reliance on one individual is risky, as players can pick up injuries or lose form and fitness. The winner between Chelsea and Inter will certainly be a favourite to win this year’s Champions League, along with European giants Real Madrid and current cup holders Barcelona.