The UEFA Champions League draw has been made and things don't look good for the Italians as all teams are paired with high-quality opposition. Inter take on Chelsea, Milan take on Manchester United and Fiorentina face Bayern.
All Italian teams face an uphill task if they are to go beyond the First Knockout Round of the Champions League once again. The three sides from the peninsula got probably the toughest opponents they could have drawn.
SerieA champions Inter have been drawn to face the Premier League leaders Chelsea in what promises to be a cracking encounter. It will mark the return of Jose Mourinho facing his older team and one can expect fireworks.
Inter's crosstown rivals Milan, will be up against Premier Leage holders Manchester United. Milan will be slightly confident about this encounter after having beaten the Red Devils on their way to European success three seasons ago.
Fiorentina, the only Italian group winner, have an equally difficult task as they take on Bayern Munich. Bayern's performance against Juventus last week left everyone stunned and the Viola will have to put their best foot forward to have any chances of advancing.
Inter Vs Chelsea
The first leg of this encounter will take place in Milan and so Chelsea will have a distinct advantage. English teams have proven to be the bane of the Nerazzuri for the past two years, so Mourinho will be keen to avoid yet another early exit from the competition.
The fixture will reunite the 'Special One' with his old club and the sentimental value of the tie will be sky high. It will also renew the rivalry between Carlo Ancelotti, AC Milan coach for the past seven years, and Inter just to add to the spectacle.
Chelsea comfortably won their group and were undefeated in the six games. By contrast Inter managed just two wins in their group stages. However, one could put the difference down to the quality of the groups.
Both teams are currently leading their domestic championships and there has been little to suggest they will slip up before the first legs. But as has been all to familiar with the Nerazzuri, domestic success does not necessarily translate into European glory.
The ensemble of stars in the two teams would leave anyone open mouthed. Though Inter may not have the regular household names but in Sneijder, Eto'o, Milito and Balotelli they have a highly formidable side. As for Chelsea their assembly line is packed with the likes of Lampard, Terry, Drogba, Anelka making this an absolutely delectable encounter.
AC Milan Vs Manchester United
Both Milan teams have ensured that the San Siro will be packed with the stature of the opponents they have drawn. Sir Alex's men will travel to Milan for the second year in a row after having faced Inter last year.
One will be able to recollect the same fixture from three seasons back when a Kaka inspired Milan humiliated the Red Devils 3-0. This time however there is no Kaka and Milan's form may gave Man Utd a lot of solace.
But it would be folly to discount Milan as they have already shown their potential in the results over Real Madrid. Milan are the Liverpool of Italy and the European Cup does something to the side so the onus would be on United to take the game to them.
The Red Devils won their group on the last matchday after picking up a win against Wolfsburg. The Rossoneri on the other hand just managed to scrape through their group with an unconvincing draw against FC Zurich.
And this is where the biggest test for Leonardo's team will come. The Milan side have an annoying habit of playing way below par on certian occasions as was witnessed in the 4-0 derby thrashing they got earlier this season.
If Milan are to harbor any hopes of moving forward in this competition they will have to perform out of their socks. If Ronaldinho and Pato can find that deadly touch which is more and more visible these days this may spell the end for United's run.
Bayern Munich Vs Fiorentina
Fiorentina who have had an excellent spell this year were unfortunate to draw the toughest opponents they could have. But the Viola have proved their quality this term and will not be afraid of tackling the Bavarian giants.
Bayern Munich sent a threatening message across the continent after their demolition of Juventus on the final matchday. The team have been reinvented in recent weeks and their strong run in the Bundesliga is evidence of this.
Fiorentina and Bayern locked horns last year in the group stages and the Italians were humbled 4-1 on aggregate. So they would be keen to avoid a similar fate this year, but it must be said the team looks a lot better this time around.
Cesare Prandelli's men haven't had a great start to the domestic season and despite fourth place being in sight they may choose to impress in Europe. The side's European performances have won them many admirers and their Matchday 2 victory over Liverpool was a top notch showing.
If the Viola are to progress further they will need to score in Munich. Bayern are the kind of team who will always find the back of the net so in this case the importance of the away goal will be vital.
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