“I invite you to the press conference next Tuesday after the game, and I’m sure you will see our strengths of character”, were the words of Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, at Wednesday night’s press conference following Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg encounter of the much anticipated Champions League semi-final.

Sitting with an Wenger-esque grin on his face, Arsenal’s philosopher extraordinaire was clearly in defiant mood. For 30 minutes, Manchester United were perfect. For 60 minutes, Arsenal defended well. Clearly, the importance of an away goal was not underestimated by both footballing geniuses before the showdown. Sir Alex Ferguson had spoken of his worry of the such a goal (obviously seeing as Porto had managed to secure a dramatic draw at Old Trafford) whilst Arsene Wenger conceded before the game that Arsenal’s path to the final would require that all important aggregate goal before his side could take United on at the Emirates.

However, whilst most media pundits, podcasts and self proclaimed football analysts have claimed United’s superiority have got them one step into their second Champions League Final in an row, one shouldn’t underestimate the rather bizarre situation that is unfolding in this drama of the “All-English Semi”, with Tuesday’s showdown guaranteed to bring further drama.

It would be a mistake if anyone thought this tie was over. Despite Fergie’s claims before the match that he would take a 1-0 scoreline to the Emirates, it seems the scoreline has actually had an adverse affect on United.

With European games the away goal is important, but even more so is the home leg. Home legs are those which you dominate from start to finish, ensuring you have done enough for the opposition team to feel wary about. Arsenal, for the first 30 minutes, looked like they would collapse when wave after wave of United attack came from all corners of the United team – defenders, midfielders, forwards – until the unlikely source of John O’Shea popped up to score a goal (so unlikely that Sky Sports commentators Martin Tyler and Andy Gray kept reminding us it was his birthday). It was almost as if United had decided to repeat that 4-0 drubbing they gave Arsenal last year in the FA Cup, which adversely affected Arsenal’s whole season thereafter.

Had it not been for Manuel Almunia’s heroics in thwarting Tevez (twice), Ronaldo and Rooney, United would have tied up this game in the first half, with over 45 minutes and a second leg to play.

Arsenal most definitely rode their luck, visible in their rattled players during United’s high tempo in the opening 18 minutes.

Wayne Rooney ran triangles, Carlos Tevez upset Mickael Silvestre’s judgement on long balls, and Darren Fletcher’s high paced, high octane engine prevented Song and Nasri from making Arsenal pass the ball like they do.

But United’s lack of goals should not be seen as Arsenal getting out of jail like on a monopoly board; instead, United will feel that they haven’t done enough to ensure a safer passage. From O’Shea’s goal, United could only watch as Arsenal defended more resolutely, most noticably with the performance of 19-year-old Kieran Gibbs, who showed Ronaldo a thing or two in being fearless. And with Gibb’s confidence growing, Arsenal’s confidence grew too.

Even if Adebayor looked lacklustre and Walcott looked lost at times, Manchester’s United’s second half display only produced a debatable Ryan Giggs offside ‘goal’, Cristiano Ronaldo’s thunderbolt off the bar from 33 yards, and a late but timely tackle by Bacary Sagna on the goal-bound Wayne Rooney. United didn’t create so many chances, but rather hoped Arsenal’s makeshift defence would make more mistakes.

But be that the case, Arsenal of course have it all to do in the second leg. 2-1 (the result they got in Novembers mouth watering clash at the Emirates) won’t help Arsenal – of course because of that away goal. Yet Arsenal are capable performers at home. They put three past Villerreal in the last round, and managed to put four past Porto too in the group stage.

At home, Arsenal haven’t conceded yet in the Champions League, but this game isn’t about records. What Arsenal need is a bullish performance, but one in which they play to their strenghts. Most Gooners will still be realing from Wenger’s tactics against Chelsea in the FA Cup, with his choice of Diaby and Denilson ahead of Nasri and Arshavin being called into question. With Arshavin, Van Persie, Eduardo and long term absentee Rosicky unavailable, it’s not Arsenal’s personnel that one must question, but their approach.

From the start, they must concentrate on scoring and putting the ball into United’s court. They cannot think about defending because conceding sloppy goals like they have done in their last three matches against their big rivals (Chelsea 2-1, Liverpool 4-4, United 1-0) won’t send this young team into their second Champions League Final.

Arsenal must attack and Wenger must stick to his philosophy of gung-ho rather than playing reservist football. Arsenal aren’t a team like Liverpool, who can hold onto leads in European games; Arsenal aren’t Chelsea who can park the bus at the Nou Camp and claim it was a good result; Arsenal aren’t Manchester United and let teams attack them until the final third and then destroy them on the counter attack. Arsenal are Arsenal – a team that only knows one way, and that’s going forward. If anybody thinks this tie is far from over, its far from that, because with the scoreline at 1-0, Arsenal have to do what they know best how to do – attack.

In his closing remarks, Wenger, still bullish despite knowing it could have been a lot worse, claimed “There’s a final at stake and, don’t worry, when we are playing at home and can reach a final we will be up for it. I’m confident because I know we will be on top on Tuesday.”

Whatever happens on Tuesday, for Arsenal to progress, being on top will only be a minimum requirement as Wenger chases the European trophy that has eluded him for so many years.

I have watched every single match, (yes even the repeated ones on the BBC’s iPlayer), and what has impressed me the most has been the level of passion involved. Even the French, who at times seemed like they were playing a friendly match, provided glimpses of determination and nationalistic qualities. But this has been more evident in the team that surprisingly find themselves in the Quarter final after losing their first game – Turkey.

Even with that opening defeat to Portugal, a distant memory 2 weeks ago, Turkey’s drive throughout the match was admirable to say the least. Even with the Portuguese two goals to the good, Turkey always seemed like scoring, but their frustrations got the better of them.

Is it any surprise then, judging by the late chances created by the Turks, that they find themselves in the last four of the competition? In all the three matches since that opening defeat to Scolari’s Portugal, Turkey have scored late goals; when I say late, I’m not saying the last ten minutes, i mean the last kick of the game, literally. It is often a good habit to have if a team can turn around a dire performance for 89 minutes and then come up with the gold in the remaining 1. Just ask Croatia, who were probably still celebrating in their minds when Semih powerfully hit that shot past Plestoika.

But now the Turk’s face Germany. And many will argue that the roller-coaster fairytale comes to a end here. I’m not too convinced. Their is something mildy odd about Turkey. Its not that they are like Greece four years ago, who tactically won the tournament with 1-0 wins and 10 men defensive formations. Rather, the Turks, under a adventurous coach in Fatih Terim, have this amazing spirit, which seems to be carrying them through.

Suspensions, injuries, sending offs, erratic decisions, you name it, Turkey have had it all. There is a old Turkish proverbs that says ‘a man does not seek his luck; luck seeks its man’, and judging by the way the tournament has gone so far, Turkey have acquired quite a fair bit of it so far. Against the Swiss in matchday 2, they turned around a 1-0 deficit in the worst weather conditions which ended being more like a Turkish mud bath. In matchday 3, the conceded 2 goals, yet scored 3 in the last 15 minutes. But confirming that luck is on your side is scoring a last gasp goal against one of the tournament favourites, in injury time of extra time, after they had scored two minutes earlier.

So far, Turkey have scored when it has mattered,, and that is the key thing about this run to the semi-final. It was sad seeing a excellent Croatia side knocked out, but then it is quite endearing seeing Turkey prod along with the problems they face. They have lost Tuncay to suspension for the upcoming game with Germany, whilst the have lost Nihat (hero of the game with the Czech’s) to a long term injury. That being said, and with talk of a third choice keeper playing upfront, Germany might be rubbing their hands with joy. One thing they cannot take for granted however, is that for Turkey have the spirit. The body of the Turkish team is slowly decapitating as the tournament goes on, but as Robert Louis Stevenson said, you can ‘kill the body, but not the spirit’.

Germany v Turkey, WED, BBC 1, 7.30pm

Roberto Donadoni: Criticised

Whilst the Dutch turned it on and the Don got it wrong, Italy still have enough quality to qualify writes Ravin Sampat.

The best team performance of the European Championships so far could be a tight call between Germany’s win over Poland, Spain’s over Russia, or Portugal’s triumph against Turkey. But as Round One drew to a end on Tuesday, only one performance stands out – the Dutch crushing of Italy on Monday night.

Now, I prefer not to take anything away from the Dutch; they looked composed, professional, and dangerous, but that’s not to say that Italy did not either.

The Italian press is knocking on Donadoni’s door as to how and why the Azzurri, the World Champions, got beaten by a Dutch team that has already had its usual training ground bust-up (Van Persie and Sneijder), has had the outspoken ex-squad member (Clarence Seedorf) whilst at the same time has been criticised by a former player (Frank De Boer). But Italy’s 3-0 defeat was as much down to Holland as it was Roberto Donadoni’s selection. His tactics were spot on, but his selection was not.

Italy created enough chances to win – that’s probably what made this game so special. Toni, Di Natale, Del Piero and Ambrosini all had clear opportunities, but luck was with the Dutch side.

That said, why did the Italian Job falter so badly?

De Rossi factor

Leaving out Daniele De Rossi was a big move and a brave one by Donadoni. Had De Rossi started, then Andrea Pirlo would have been able to influence the game more from midfield as De Rossi would have acted as the anchor and engine of the midfield. With Ambrosini starting, Italy (or rather Milan) looked less penetrating through the middle, and Ambrosini is not exactly known for his dynamic midfield performances, rather pragmatic ones. The Dutch on the other hand, employing a similar formation to the Italians, had both Van Der Vaart and Sneijder penetrating through the middle, giving Van Nistelrooy the support when needed.

Gross miscalculation

Fabio Grosso has not had the best season with Lyon but the man who scored Italy’s winning penalty in the World Cup final two years ago still has all the attributes to be in the starting eleven.

With Zambrotta being the only full-back able to get forward competently, Donadoni made the mistake of playing Panucci, who has played mostly at centre-back this season, as right-back.

With a narrow midfield, Italy lacked any width as Mauro Camaronesi came inside whilst Di Natale hogged the touchline but tended to cut in. When Grosso came on, Italy had more width – and hopefully this is a sign that against Romania, Grosso will start at left-back with Zambrotta on the right.

Donadoni had miscalculated the value of having two able full-backs in a narrow 4-3-3 system; even though the formation is quite attacking, his choice of midfielders meant that any crosses were highly unlikely to find their target, and with only Zambrotta pushing up one wing, Ambrosini or Gattuso were hardly going to do that on the other side.

Del Piero must start

Despite his little cameo for 30 minutes when he came on, Italy’s little magician must start the next game as for the 90 minutes against the Dutch, Luca Toni seemed isolated.

Toni has bagged 31 goals this season for Bayern Munich, but he was so isolated up front that by the time the ball was played to him, he had to waste priceless seconds for Di Natale to move in from the touchline, or for any of the trident midfielders to join him in attack. If Del Piero starts, Italy will of course lose a defensive outlet as Del Piero will not come back to follow a full-back. But that’s the risk worth taking.

Donadoni must realise that by employing Del Piero as the second striker, he gives Toni more room to manoeuvre and an outlet like Del Piero can link up play intelligently. Luca Toni’s gain is Italy’s gain, for the front man will not feel so isolated.

Italy can still come top of the group, and despite their inauspicious start, I believe they will reach the last four at worst. But Donadoni must not change his tactics – Italy had enough opportunities to at least earn a draw with the Dutch.

Instead, they must change things around in terms of personnel, because on his bench he has more talented individuals at his disposal than he may care to think.

Likely Italy team to face Romania:
Buffon; Zambrotta, Barzagli, Chielli, Grosso; Pirlo, De Rossi, Perrotta or Gattuso; Del Piero, Toni, Di Natale or Caromanesi

Italy v Romania: ITV1, 5pm

Daniele De Rossi was in terrific form for Roma last season

Formation
This being the season for goals, 4-3-3 seems the ideal one for Serie A’s Team of the Year.

Goalkeeper

Realistically, there were only three choices; Gigi Buffon, Julio Cesar and Seb Frey. Of the three, Frey has been the best consistently, largely because Fiorentina’s game plan almost invites others to attack them. Frey doesn’t have the same defence in front of him as Cesar or Buffon so his job is much harder. But it is key saves that win you matches, and titles. Despite not winning anything, Juve had a renaissance season, whereas Inter won a third successive Scudetto, and for that reason, Cesar is the top keeper. He has kept Inter in matches they were struggling to win, and won them matches with point blank saves against the top teams.

Defence

Inter’s captain Javier Zanetti must surely take up the right-back berth as the attacking full back/midfielder combines attack and defence so well. Zanetti has performed in an odd season for Inter, and after 12 years at the club is still regarded as one of the best. On the left, Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini has shown his versatility at either centre-back or left-back, and has been described as the new Cannavaro with his last-ditch tackles.

Selecting the centre-backs is a tough job, considering that the art of defending has been almost non-existent this season.

Roma’s Phillipe Mexes has grown in stature this season, and no longer is he viewed as a weak link. His technical skill and ability to play with the ball from out of defence gives him the first centre-back position. If we have one technically gifted centre-back, the other must surely be the rugged, last ditch defender who is willing to break every bone in his body to prevent the ball from going in. With that being the case, only one player fits the bill – Paolo Cannavaro – the younger brother of Fabio. Although not as famous as his World Cup-winning brother, Paolo’s performances in defence have guided Napoli into the dizzy heights of the top end of the table, bringing back the memories of Napoli’s glory days under Maradona. The Intertoto Cup awaits.

Midfield

A three-man midfield in the modern game is defined most likely by a holding player in front of the defence, flanked with a attacking midfielder and a more centralised midfielder who is the midfield engine.

Over the past few seasons, half of the AC Milan midfield (Gattuso and Pirlo) would take up two of these positions yet Milan’s failure this season has been as much to do with their inadequacies in front of goal as it has been the poor midfield performances. In front of the defence, Roma’s Daniele De Rossi fits the bill perfectly. Despite his awful disciplinary record, De Rossi has grown this season and expect him to have a big role in Euro 2008. His midfield partner Simone Perrotta would fill the midfield engine role, but this season he has been used more as a central attacking midfielder off the forward than a central midfielder.

In contrast, Fiorentina’s Zdravko Kuzmanovic has been a fantastic presence in Fiorentina’s energetic midfield. Playing alongside Mario Santana and Mario Donadal has evolved the Serbian into an established member of Prandelli’s team, alerting interest from Premier League side Arsenal.

Alongside De Rossi and Kuzmanovic is Slovakia and Napoli wonderkid Marek Hamsik. The attacking midfielder, who idolises Juve’s Pavel Nedved, has played a key role in Napoli’s rise into eigth position in Serie A. Keeping him at the club will be a test for manager Reja, but Hamsik’s performances in midfield and attractiveness to clubs such as Inter, Juve, Barcelona, Chelsea and Lyon only confirm his excellent form and he deserves his place in this eleven.

Attack

The Italian Golden Boot (Capocannoniere) was an interesting battle between two of Italy’s strikers for Euro 2008. Marco Borriello, Genoa’s goal-scoring phenomenon showed what Milan missed when he scored 19 goals on-loan from the Rossoneri.

Interestingly, it was Alex Del Piero who won the boot with 21 goals, which earns him a spot in this team of the season. Del Boy has captained Juve well under Ranieri, earning himself a place in Roberto Donadoni’s Euro 2008 squad as well as helping Juve to a top three finish as planned. With Del Piero’s leadership and creativeness, it is only fair that poacher Borriello is placed alongside him. Both strikers may not start at the Euros but their instinct in front of goal is undoubted.

Even though Mutu, Ibrahimovic and Trezeguet all scored vitally important goals throughout the season, the third attacking birth goes to Udineses’ Antonio Di Natale. The marksman has scored 17 goals this season, but has also captained Udinese to a Uefa Cup spot as well establishing himself as a regular Italian international. Di Natale is quick, conjuring and brave, three vital ingredients for the modern day striker. Not only can he play upfront or on the wing, but he can drop into deeper midfield positions when needed, a versatility that is unique.

Manager

So Roberto Mancini is leaving Inter despite winning the Scudetto, while Spalletti came close but ended up with only the Coppa Italia. Two excellent managers who have guided their teams to success, but both were regarded as unsuccessful too. Mancini failed miserably in the Champions League and Spalletti could not mount a consistent Roma charge in the league despite the late turn of events.

But then trophies are not everything, and the Serie A manager of the year goes to two men – Eddy Reja of Napoli and Claudio Ranieri of Juventus.

Both secured finishing positions to be proud of under differing circumstances. Ranieri has rebuilt Juve, earned respect and given them a chance to fulfill dreams that were quashed after Calciopoli scandal. Meanwhile, Reja has brought Napoli in from the cold, from relegation and bankruptcy, to a top 10 finish and some sublime football.

CESAR ZANETTI MEXES CANNAVARO CHIELLINI DE ROSSI KUZMANOVIC HAMSIK DEL PIERO DI NATALE BORRIELLO

Serie A Team of the Year

1. Julio Cesar INTER
2. Javier Zanetti INTER
3. Giorgio Chiellini JUVENTUS
4. Paolo Canavarro NAPOLI
5. Phillipe Mexes AS ROMA
6. Daniele De Rossi AS ROMA
7. Zdravko Kuzmanovic FIORENTINA
8. Marek Hamsik NAPOLI
9. Marco Borriello GENOA & AC MILAN
10. Alex Del Piero JUVENTUS
11. Antonio Di Natale UDINESE

Managers: Claudio Ranieri and Edy Reja

Some notable players left out: Kaka; Pandev; Berhami; Cambiasso

The true magic of the FA Cup was evident on Saturday when two underdogs of the competition, Portsmouth and Cardiff took over the Wembley turf in what pundits will surely describe as a classic cup-tie in the world’s oldest cup competition.

Harry Redknapp richly deserved victory in the FA Cup final

Only the weather was the characteristic that was not typical of the usual Saturday sunny May day that have become synonymous with the FA Cup final. But in what turned out to be a cool afternoon, the game started at an unexpectedly frenetic pace with Pompey winning a free kick within the first 30 seconds. But as Sully Muntari’s free kick flew high of the Cardiff goal, it became slowly evident that Dave Jones’ men were here to play football, and not make up numbers.

Perry, the lively striker, outpaced Sol Campbell only to hit his shot straight at David James. Just moments before, James had made up 12 yards rushing onto a through ball and preventing Perry from making contact. The tenacity at which James had smelt Cardiff’s danger demonstrated the goalkeeper’s great starting position.

Judging by the way Cardiff passed the ball around, it seemed more likely the Welsh finalists would find the first goal. However, midway through the first half, Kanu single handedly carved out his own chance with a fantastic turn and great close feet movement, only finding goalkeeper Peter Encklemen’s post. The fanfare of this great cup competition was clearly evident when television replays showed three time winner Tony Adams turn to manager Harry Redknapp and scream ‘I can’t believe it!’

But even if Cardiff continued to trouble Pompey, it was Lassana Diarra’s cameo in midfield that really caught the eye in the first half. The former Arsenal man was by far the best player on the pitch, and his first touch, strength and determination were beautiful to watch.

Jones may have felt Cardiff were good enough in that first half to warrant a goal, but patient wing play from the ever-unpredictable John Utaka resulted in his deep cross being parried by goalkeeper Encklemen straight to Kanu, who instinctively turned the ball into the net.

What followed for the next seven minutes demonstrated why the FA Cup is a competition that keeps even the simplest supporters off their seats. Sol Campbell made a excellent interception against Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink just moments from the restart, whilst Perry stayed onside a minute later only for a cross to be too strong for the on rushing right back.

A classic Cup tie continued into the second half with good performances from the winger Joe Ledley and defender Glenn Loovens. Ledley caused Pompey right-back Glenn Johnson problems all afternoon, whilst Loovens comfortable dealt with Kanu. But as the game went on, Cardiff ran out of steam. Even the introduction of the much talked about Andrew Ramsey was not enough to save them. Portsmouth hung on near the end, but as the game went on they looked the more likely to score whilst Cardiff left gaps at the back seeking a equaliser, David Nugent going closest.

Compared to last year’s final, the performances of Portsmouth and Cardiff City put shame upon that dire game that was settled by a single Didier Drogba goal late into extra time.

This season’s FA Cup showed just how the magic of the Cup is as much for teams outside the top four as it is within the elite.

The 2008 final had it all – two underdogs in the final, the first English manager to win the competition since Joe Royle, and Portsmouth became the first team to win the competition outside the big four for 12 years. Yet the competition this year has had fairytales in each round. Barnsley knocked out both Liverpool and Chelsea, Havant & Waterlooville scared Liverpool for 45 minutes, Premier League teams fell as quick as dominoes and Portsmouth’s run to the final was a dream come true for one of England’s most respected gaffers.

Well done Harry. Well done to the FA Cup.

Sometimes I hate the English media. They always tend to depict Italy’s Serie A as the most boring, most dire, most uneventful league in Europe, if not the world. But let me say this; this season the Serie A title race is as exciting as the English Premier League finale, if not spicier.

Probably about half of the footballing fans around the world watched in anticipation as Chelsea and Manchester United slugged out their title finale on Sunday. It was not as exciting as I anticipated, but all the same, it was fun to watch and ended a thoroughly good season.

Compared to Europe’s other leagues, Serie A has not had an exciting finale like this in a long time. Last season, Real Madrid won the La Liga title through their head-to-head matches with rivals Barcelona after finishing with the same number of points. In the Premier League this year, both Chelsea and Manchester United went to the wire with United being crowned Champions on Sunday. Both exciting endings to those respective seasons. But the third best league in Europe is surely now having the last laugh.

Commentators and pundits always describe the league as the most boring of all of those in Europe. Of course, many of these so-called pundits are free to their opinion, as it seemed almost unavoidable that league leaders Inter would run away with the title, especially since Roma’s charge faltered with weak draws to lower opposition.

Three weeks ago, Inter were six points ahead with three games remaining. With one game left, they are now a mere point ahead. The situation is clear; the Scudetto is NOT guaranteed to go back to the San Siro, and even if Luciano Spalletti has stated that Inter’s title is back in their hands, results in recent games suggest otherwise. Mind games? Not at all. Roma could still pip the Nerazzurri to the final hurdle and celebrate a thoroughly entertaining end to a fantastic Serie A season. Credit must go to Roma and Inter, for they have created a fascinating finale to a fabulous season.

The Scudetto

Roma lie one point behind Inter, with one game to go. It’s simple really. If Inter win, they lift the Scudetto; if Inter lose, and Roma win, then the title returns to the Capital after a seven-year absence. If Inter draw, then Roma must win, and anything but a Roma win will hand Inter the title. Sounds simple, but all is not what it seems.

The line between winning and losing is so thin

Unfortunately for Inter and Roma, the route to the Scudetto is not as easy as one may think. Both teams face tough opposition on Sunday in the form of Catania and Parma. Scheduled as easy fixtures in March, favourable reactions have now turned to groans, particularly as one of Parma or Catania will be joining the already relegated Livorno. The situation is spicier then an Indian dish.

Parma must beat Inter, and hope Catania lose to Roma to have a chance of staying up. Conversely, Catania must beat Roma and hope Inter beat Parma to ensure they stay up. Parma are the highest scorers in the bottom half of the table, whilst Catania join Empoli as the lowest scorers. That is a good sign for Roma, who will hope Parma can score against Inter whilst their opposition continue their drought in front of goal. A draw is not an option for any of the four teams: it’s win or nothing.

What happened to Milan after the derby win?

Milan played extremely well against Inter, and it has often troubled me how they have not captured this form over the whole season.

Surgical changes to an ageing squad are needed, but what’s more important is that the players and staff understand that the Milanesque school of 2003-2005 is not the same as the one currently present.

The derby win demonstrated a change in style, and with most things going through Kaka, Milan found it easier playing directly against Inter’s backline, a tactic that meant man-marking Kaka was not as efficient in previous matches. Winning the derby proved a small sign to a change in the Milan way under Ancelotti. As I had stated previously, the prospect of Milan beating Inter was very high, not least because the consequences of not being in next season’s Champions League would have confirmed the Rossonerri’s failure over the season.

But they say things happen in three, and with Fiorentina losing and Milan winning, it was certain that the weekend would end on a high for Kaka and co, ensured by Arsenal’s tireless midfielder Mathieu Flamini’s confirmed transfer to the club.

However, the tide has turned again. Milan lost 3-1 at Napoli and Fiorentina took advantage of this and now find themselves back in the driving seat. Fourth spot is out of Milan’s hands. They may end up looking on if Fiorentina end the season with a win. Will the lack of Champions League football deter Kaka away? Has Flamini made a mistake? Questionable times ahead.

The final day of the campaign will see a Champions League place decided, a relegation battle concluded and the most tightly contested Scudetto in years come to a thrilling climax. The excitement of Inter’s persistence, Roma’s footballing style, the emergence of Juventus, and the tightly drawn out battles between the minnows below have made this season’s Scudetto thoroughly enjoyable. Watching Milan struggle, Udinese impress, and Parma fall to new lows have encapsulated a fantastic year for Italian football.

Sadly for all teams involved, the interweaving between success and failure is so great that the final day will prove a fairytale ending for only a select few, while the others contemplate what could have been.

Arriverderci

Serie A’s top tier establishment will effectively be decided this weekend as the most anticipated Milan derby in recent history takes centre-stage at the San Siro. Both teams go into the battle of the Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday afternoon needing a win, albeit for different reasons.

Internazionale could effectively win the Scudetto by beating rivals Milan with two games remaining thereafter, ending Roma’s title hopes. AC Milan on the other hand realise that anything but a win will likely settle the dust over a poor season, positioning themselves outside the Champions League places.

The last Milan derby, as I had argued previously, had lost its beauty, not least because AC Milan were 22 points behind Inter, and nowhere near a Champions League spot. But somehow, Carlo Ancelotti’s men find themselves within a whisker of fourth spot, though struggling to overcome a Fiorentina side who have had a marvellous season under Cesare Prandelli.

That makes this derby all the more interesting. Who would have guessed that the derby this Sunday would act to clarify the entire campaign?

Sunday may not seem significant for some, but four teams will be affected – Inter, Roma, Fiorentina and Milan. If Inter win, the Scudetto returns and Milan can forget about fourth spot. If Inter lose, Roma (if they win), would be within three points with two games to play. The consequences are clear.

Although most had predicted that Roberto Mancini’s men would be runaway leaders, Roma’s sporadic title charge has meant that the race has continued into the latter stages of the season.

This has been brilliant for Serie A, especially for those that argue that Italian football is negative. You only have to look at Juventus, Roma and Inter’s goal tally, the emergence of attacking football played by teams like Fiorentina and Udinese, or even the relatively high number of goals scored last weekend to show this has been an excellent year. And the derby may be a testament to what Serie A has done for the footballing year. Plaudits fall to Cristiano Ronaldo, Villarreal or Arsenal’s performances, but we are often forgetting the contribution that Serie A has made to European football the whole year round.

However, I guess all things being equal, the Milan derby might begin slowly, developing into a cagey type of game until late into the second half when goals will be needed and hearts will need to be on the sleeve. Hardly characteristic of a season of fantastic football throughout the league but in the end, fates will be decided in this encounter.

But this is the point, as playing in the Milan derby is not just about the result. The bragging rights are a high price to pay in a city which has one of Italy’s most supported teams (Inter) and Italy’s second most successful team (AC Milan). Styles of football contrast, approaches to passion do too, and although there are higher stakes for the short-term futures of both clubs, one should not be disappointed with the outcome. Expect a Gattuso tackle, a Materazzi lunge, Pirlo prodding the ball, Zanetti making a mazy run, either Kaka or Zlatan scoring a goal. All vital ingredients for a classic are at hand.

Only one can win, none can afford to draw, and neither will want to lose. This is by far the most anticipated Milan derby for years – so enjoy!

You can watch AC Milan v Inter live on Five (UK), Sunday 13:30 BST

News Briefs

Juventus continue to demolish and destruct anything in their way as they defeated Lazio 5-2, confirming their appearance in next season’s Champions League.

Claudio Ranieri has been applauded by former Juventus great Pietro Vierchowood for sustaining Juventus this season and notching up an impressive 70 points.

Alex Del Piero claims he deserves the call up for Euro 2008. Hard to disagree.

Mathieu Flamini, the tireless Arsenal midfield seems to be heading to the Diavolo. Both Ancelotti and Flamini have claimed that a deal has been struck. Of course, this can only be true until Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger confirms this.

Luca Toni may be signed by AC Milan to replace want away striker Alberto Gilardino; Barcelona have claimed that Ronaldinho and Gianluca Zambrotta’s signatures will cost the Rossoneri €40 million.

And finally… AC Milan’s Kaka has been named on Time Magazine’s ‘100 most influential people’ list. He is the only footballer on the list, superseding Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham or any other footballer. That is a true testament to Kaka, as he joins leaders of all walks of life, authors, politicians and celebrities. Well done Kaka.

Arriverderci

Roma’s chance of winning the Scudetto were left in tatters on Saturday evening as influential talisman Francesco Totti limped off on 33 minutes with torn knee ligaments.

Doctors initially diagnosed that Totti would be out for six months, but new tests show that it will be four.

But it was not only Totti’s injury that ended the title hopes of the Giallorossi, but their dropped joints in a winnable game against Livorno. With Inter playing the following evening in a tough encounter against Torino, Roma couldn’t maintain the momentum and drew 1-1.

Often this season the battle between Roma and Inter has been neck and neck and with the season entering its final hurdle, the Scudetto was always going to be won by the team that seized on the initiative. Of course, a point is not a bad result for Roma, especially if it brings you one point closer. but with Inter’s ugly win in Turin, Roma are now six points behind, with four games to go.

Inter still face the unpredictable Milan but realistically, two wins from four will win them the title.

Maths being maths, Roma need to win all their remaining games. But without Totti, they will find this even more difficult. The chances they missed in the opening half were dreadful. For a team who finds it easy to score often, Roma played like a team who hadn’t scored before.

HAT-TRICK HEROES

Alex Del Piero and Ricky Kaka both bagged hat-tricks as both Juve and Milan ran Atalanta and Reggina ragged. Del Piero’s goals move him on to 17 for the season, and surely now he is knocking on Donadoni’s door. It would be a major mistake for the Azzuri to leave Del Boy behind, considering he has captained Juve so well this year.

Milan on the other hand gave their most attacking performance of the season yet, creating no less than 20 chances on goal. Despite the 5-1 scoreline, Milan could have won by 10. The goal of the game however was by Reggina’s Barreto, a belter from 30 yards.

In Brief

Jose Mourinho, according to the Sun, is heading to the San Siro come July, and he will bring Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard with him too.

Ronaldinho’s move to Milan is in doubt after Inter and Man City both claim to have spoken to his agent.

Amauri looks set to join Juve as Palermo have confirmed ‘no one but Juve’ have made a bid for the Italian-Brazilian.

Former Juventus full back Gianluca Zambrotta could make a sensational return to Juve, according to Spanish Press.

AC Milan’s Gennaro Gattuso has been linked with Manchester United, whilst Clarence Seedorf could also leave for Valencia if Milan’s summer overhaul takes place.

Finally, George Soros, speculator, philantropist, political activist, Forbes’ 80th richest man, deemed to be responsible for bringing down the Bank of England by himself on Black Wednesday, is rumoured to be a potentially big investor in AS Roma and a full takeover.

If the deal goes through, Roma are expected to be handed a transfer kitty of €70 million, with deals for Hernan Crespo and Alberto Gilardino very likely.

Arrivaderci

Billed as the most important thus far, as both Inter and Roma would face stern tests, the latter went down 1-0 to Udinese, came back and stormed the Stadio Frulli with three second half goals to close the gap within one point of rivals Inter. However, Sunday evening saw Inter face an excellent Fiorentina side and they ran out comfortable winners, with an impressive performance from youngester Mario Balotelli.

Every time one of the two title contenders could have slipped up, either both have done so or have avoided the banana skin. Inter have led Serie A since November, and despite certain slip-ups in between, Roma have not been able to maximise on this.

Last weekend, however, unfolded with the type of explosive form that title contenders need at this crucial time.

Roma did not demonstrate any signs of a hangover after an impressive second leg performance at Old Trafford, whilst Inter showed that they may be getting that Scudetto pedigree back again. Every weekend from now on will be crucial in the title race. The story continues as it started, Inter must fail somewhere and Roma must seize the advantage.

Juventus grabbed the headlines as they beat Milan 3-2 in a thoroughly entertaining game that was a good advert for Serie A. Five goals in a league deemed boring is a good way to quieten the critics. Claudio Ranieri has done a fine job at Juve this season and it will be a shame if he is asked to leave in the summer. However, you can see where Juve want to be, and they must be shrewd to get there again. No doubt Marcello Lippi is keeping a close eye.

Briefs

Alex the great?

Alex Del Piero is pushing strongly for a place in Italy’s Euro 2008 squad. The little maestro performed wonderfully as Juventus beat rivals AC Milan 3-2 on the weekend. However, he faces strong competition from Fillippo Inzaghi.

Amauri Arsenal bound?

Palermo’s Brazilian/Italian striker Amauri was all set to join Juve but his signature is also being chased by Liverpool, Real Madrid and AC Milan. However, Arsenal have emerged as favourites after it was announced that the Gunners would be willing to pay Amauri’s €3.2 million wages.

Milan giants in Ronaldinho claim reminiscent of Suazo transfer

Last season, David Suazo arrived at Millanno and practically signed a contract with AC Milan before Moratti stepped in and sneaked the Honduran superstar to Inter. 12 months on, and we may see a deju vu situation occuring.

Adriano Galliani, Milan’s transfer guru, has claimed Ronnie will be a Rosseonerri player next season. However, Moratti has claimed that this move all depends on Inter’s actions. Expect a battle of the Milan giants to take place over the next few months.

The top weekend games

Milan entertain Reggina (live on Five @ 1.30pm). Inter travel to struggling Torino, whilst Roma face Livorno.

I was only five years old, but my heart and gut tell me Arsenal will repeat their 1989 feat 19 years on..

After coming home from Wednesday night’s game against Liverpool, I felt as if my beloved Arsenal had lost. Of course, we had drawn 1-1 with a good team managed by a defensive-minded genius. Nevertheless, it really did feel like a defeat.

For about 65 minutes, I watched Arsenal not only play some sublime football, but also comprehensively teach Liverpool a lesson in the art of attacking, one touch, free-flowing football.

This optimises Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal of course, and this season I had not seen a match so one sided since we got thoroughly examined and defeated at Old Trafford by Manchester United 4-0 in the FA Cup. In that match we were outplayed, out-foxed, and simply put, United were class. Even against Spurs in that 5-1 defeat, we always looked like scoring, and controlled the tempo.

The night started with me and my best friend walking towards our turnstiles with the final words ‘enjoy the game’ exchanged. I was getting nervous, and I do not think I have ever been so nervous since we played AC Milan here in the last round. That game ended 0-0, and naturally I went away with about 60,000 other Gooners wondering what would have been had we taken a lead going into the second game in the San Siro.

For the next three days, Adebayor’s header off the bar went through my mind repeatedly. I even started watching the highlights of the game, and every time the big Togolese connects with the ball, I always have this hope that the ball will end up in the onion bag, one nil to the Arsenal, but of course, I knew that he hits the bar. Watching the game on numerous occasions always made me feel like we had lost, exactly how I felt after Wednesday’s first leg.

A 1-1 draw with Liverpool and 0-0 a few weeks back against Milan are not bad results, especially as we have played last year’s two finalists. It hurts more though when you see a side running rings around a Liverpool team that only scare me every time I think of Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley or Joe Fagan. In all honesty, what would Shanks, Paisley and Fagan be thinking now?

I can imagine Shanks turning in his grave every time Liverpool decided to opt to whack the ball in the sky, almost hoping that it would not come back down to the pitch. It makes me think of Brian Clough, who once said ‘If football was to be played in the sky, god would have put grass up their’. I cannot agree even more.

But back to now. Arsenal are technically 2-1 down, as the away goal counts for two. Yet am I scared about next week’s showdown at Anfield? Not particularly. I always feel under Wenger that every time we go to Anfield, Old Trafford or any ground for that matter, that winning is always the priority, but winning in style is the way forward. The second leg will be a tough game – matches against a tactically astute Liverpool under Rafa Benitez always are, but I do not have the scepticism that most people, including the majority of the media have.

I woke up on Thursday morning reading the pages of the broadsheets, and they really had watched a game so different to me that I felt my eyes had deceived me. Dirk Kuyt was given man-of-the match (I can only think for getting away with that penalty incident) and the Beeb’s Alan Green said Arsenal rarely troubled Liverpool (I guess that biased account is expected when he is a Liverpool fan).

However, I am a realistic Arsenal fan and I will be the first to say that the outstanding players on the pitch were Javier Mascherano and Arsenal’s unsung hero was William Gallas. He kept Fernando Torres in his pocket, and it was a magnificent defensive display. What was Torres’ excuse for not turning up? The papers decided not to comment on that.

Mascherano was immense. He completely eclipsed Fàbregas and Gerrard in that match, and the one thing I noticed about Liverpool was that they all followed suit of his style of game. There were 11 Mascheranos on that pitch, a pity for football in general.

That is football. I guess you are applauded for scoring an away goal and sitting back for 90 minutes.

So what for Arsenal? Well, everyone writes and speaks as if the tie is over. Maybe it is, especially if you are a person to give up on something before it takes place. But I am not, and neither is this Arsenal team. I go to bed every night knowing one thing: this Arsenal team isn’t dead until the final whistle blows.

At Anfield, we drew 1-1 earlier in the season, at the Emirates we scored in the 91st minute against Manchester United, and in Milan, we scored twice in the last six minutes to finish off a thoroughly good display against the European champions. The world can turn on Arsenal, may be jealous of the type of football they play, or more worried about the killer instinct they have in big games, but come Tuesday, the 1-1 result will mean nothing. It’s half time and it’s 1-1. In their minds, they are 2-1 down, but in their hearts, they know they must score two goals. My granddad always tells me never listen to your mind, always listen to your heart.

And so to that special number ‘two’. Back in 1989, I was five years old, and my father sat me down to watch some game between two teams, one in red, one in yellow. I knew he supported Leeds United, who wore white, so why were we watching this game, I thought. However, in the end that night became special.

Emotions ran high, titles were at stake, and the belief of a whole part of North London was in the hands of eleven men up in Merseyside. With Liverpool the favourites, George Graham’s Arsenal pulled off the unthinkable. They needed to win at Anfield by two goals to clinch the title on the last day of the season. Much had been said of Arsenal’s inability to achieve a result at Anfield, where Liverpool had not conceded two goals in over four years. The task was clear: Arsenal had to win by two goals in order to take the title on goals scored.

The same situation of 1989 presents itself to this current Arsenal side. The task is clear. If Arsenal score, and concede none, the tie is over, and all the questions regarding whether Wednesday’s 1-1 draw had finished the tie are forgotten. Will they do it? Well, had we won 2-1, everybody would have said Arsenal need to be disciplined on Tuesday and get through. But the fact that we need to go out and play to win only makes the tie even more interesting – and works in Arsenal’s favour. We must score, something we love doing, we must attack, something we also find to be our forte, and we must do it in a stadium known for its history. These three elements only add up to formulate a scenario similar to that faced by George Graham’s boys in ‘89.

On that day, Michael Thomas wore the number four shirt, raced forward in the 90th minute to score Arsenal’s second goal after Alan Smith had scored earlier on. The title was won and Arsenal were champions. They say history always repeats itself and Tuesday may show that. Arsenal fans, this article is for you. Don’t give up yet, and don’t bet against against history repeating itself. Only this time, Cesc will be wearing number four and memories of Brian Moore’s ‘it’s up for grabs now’ will be ringing through the Arsenal faithful.