SoccerBlogs

A date with destiny for both Chelsea and Napoli, who will do battle at Stamford Bridge for a place in the last 8 of the Champions League. In winter 1066 Harold Godwinson was thrust to the fore and took the throne of Anglo-Saxon England after the death of his predecessor Edward the Confessor. His reign was rather short lived and he died in the Battle of Hastings later that year – he earned his.

In the round of 16's final games, Qasa Alom looks ahead to Bayern Munich trying to avenge last seasons' Final loss at the hands of Inter, and Jose Mourinho attempting to prove why he's called the Special One ...again. Eto'o rolls the ball out to the left wing where Diego Milito lurks, like a predator he strolls towards the goal in the most calm and composed fashion.

After consecutive hard fought away victories in the Champions league that have left them topping the group, midweek European encounters have proved to be a welcome break from Internazionale's disastrous domestic campaign. A 2-1 defeat to bitter rivals Juventus last weekend means that the Serpenti are flirting dangerously with the relegation zone and a massive eleven points from the top of the.

1) They're baaaaaack! And probably better than ever. The Champions have had a sluggish start to the season, but the biggest shock was not the high profile losses against Napoli and Juventus themselves, but the manner in which they were utterly outplayed by both pretenders and looked completely toothless.

Champions AC Milan are back to their brilliant best after an utterly dominant 3-0 victory against Palermo. Massimiliano Allegri stated prior to the match that Milan had to "get three points" above all else, but what he got was far more important. Accomplished performances from the midfield new boys Nocerino and Alberto Aquilani, a stunning comeback from Brazilian Robinho, doubts over Antonio.

Inspired performances by Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Cassano lead Italy to a memorable 3-0 victory over an ordinary Northern Ireland side in Pescara. Qasa Alom reports AC Milan's Antonio Cassano was warned prior to the match that this would be his last chance in the national set-up after offensive comments to a journalist last week – and FantAntonio really didn't disappoint with a brilliant brace.

The Time Is Napoli! Italy's two premier sides went head to head in the peninsula's showcase match of Week 2. Both the Partenepoi and Rossoneri earned respectable draws against hotly fancied opposition in Manchester City and Barcelona respectively midweek, were coming into the Sao Paolo clash with injury concerns.

With contract negotiations between Milan's senatori and the management set to be resolved tomorrow. Qasa Alom prepares himself for a new era at Via Turati, and looks back at some of the finer moments in the last decade. "I hope this win can open up a whole new era for Milan. My own journey is almost at an end, but when a club invests in top players, it will win" Rino Gattuso May 2011.

The eight remaining teams in Europe's premier competition go head to head and the tie could not have come at a better – or worse – time for Italy's last hope Internazionale. Qasa Alom looks ahead to this week's action The reigning European champions have been in heroic form recently, epitomized by their last gasp victory over Bayern Munich in the last round of the Champions League as well as.

With the new found optimism for Italy's goalkeeping future beyond Gigi Buffon being highlighted yesterday, Qasa Alom takes a moment to reflect on the strange and sad tale of Federico Marchetti. As another International break draws to an end, it seems that Cesare Prandelli's new look youthful Italian national team have answered many questions and passed scrutiny with aplomb.

As part of our week long build up to arguably this seasons' title decider, Qasa Alom looks at why Inter manager Leonardo's past ties to Milan make this more than just a derby "He's not that kind of player..." It is a phrase synonymous with brutish defenders such as Ryan Shawcross after his reckless challenge broke Aaron Ramsey's leg – even though he did something quite similar to.

Serie A's last hope on the continent Inter return to Germany to face Schalke as the nerazzuri aim to reach the semi finals of Europe's premier cup competition two years consecutively for the first time since 1967. Perspective; It's a curious concept that allows you to view something and from it draw two completely contrasting conclusions.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's cheeky punch has resulted in a 3-match ban. Qasa Alom argues that it could be the big Swede's most telling contribution for the Serie A push... It's just gone the hour mark on a cold night in Rome, and after a slow start I Lupi – six points clear at the top of the table and facing second placed Milan – are starting to turn the screw and threaten to take the lead.

Milan's away match against Juventus was supposed to be a huge test of their minerals. Qasa Alom evaluates what we learnt about the rossoneri in their bid for an 18th scudetti. 1. Thiago Silva cannot afford to be pushed up into midfield against Spurs. When Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva play together – Milan do not concede goals.

As AC Milan host Tottenham Hotspurs in the round of 16 first leg, Qasá Alom highlights why all eyes will be on Ibra... Zlatan Ibrahimovic has an enviable domestic record that's seen him win league titles seven years consecutively*, for four different teams and in the process scoring 112 goals in 211 appearances.

Fiorentina shocked the Rosanero in an open affair to celebrate their first away win of the season. Qasa Alom reports... ‘Meh' is probably the most fitting interjection for Fiorentina this season.... they sit in 10th place, with a +1 goal difference, 8 wins, 8 draws  and (yup you've guessed it) 8 losses to their name.

AC Milan maintained their 4 point lead at the top of the table after a 2-0 victory at home to Cesena. Qasa Alom reports... Back in week 2 Cesena made the dream start to life in Serie A, defeating Milan to sit pretty at the top of the table, whilst many doubts loomed over the work ethic and cohesion of Milan's attack.

A memorable round for the Italian clubs who took seven points from a possible nine to place themselves in good positions for progression into the knock-out stages. Inter Milan have had a torrid start to their domestic season. Following a shock loss to Turkish minnows Trabzonspor in Champions League and the dismissal of Provincial manager Gian Piero Gasperini, the European Champions of 2010 earned.

With a run of 4 draws and only 3 wins so far, it's fair to say that 2011 has not started quite how Milanisti envisaged it to. Qasa Alom ponders whether a change of formation could bring about a resurgence of form. Taking a look at the form tables from around the continent at the moment, there are three teams in particular who stand out; Napoli maintain their good form to remain in second place,.

Napoli failed to close the gap on Serie A leaders Milan after a goalless draw at home against a resurgent Fiorentina in the Saturday early kick-off match. Qasa Alom reports. Coming into the match, Napoli were full of confidence after a marvellous 3-0 victory over Juventus last weekend that propelled them into second place and received wordwide praise.

After a 1-1 draw with Bologna, Fiorentina find themselves languishing in 16th place a mere 6 points from bottom of the tabe. Qasa Alom looks at whether la Viola have what it takes to beat the drop... Alberto Gilardino is a man who earned his salt scoring goals from scraps and half-chances to keep Parma in Serie A two seasons consecutively, but I doubt that when he signed for Milan and subsequently.

AC Milan extend their lead at the top of the table to 5 points as rivals fall. Qasa Alom reports. Strong headlines abounded in a game that had little else on display. Juventus's shock defeat to Parma gave Milan the chance to capitalize; both managers faced former clubs, with Roberto Donadoni against the club of his playing years and Allegri against the club where he won il Albo Panchina.