Champions 2012: Cavani scores, Napoli dreams

In the 5th round of the UEFA Champions League group elimination stage, Inter settled for a tie (1-1) against Trabzonspor to ensure a spot in the next round of the competition. Milan also was certain of its qualifications despite being defeated at home by Barcelona (2-3) in a tough match that saw Milan coming up short in the end even after coming back from behind twice (Ibrahimovic and Boateng scoring) against last year’s champions. The most memorable match of the day Napoli’s win against the powerful Manchester City (2-1) with Cavani (photo) scoring both goals and giving Napoli a good chance to seal qualification in the next round.

Champions 2012: Milito’s Inter gets it done

In the 4th round of the UEFA Champions League group elimination stage, all 3 Italian clubs struggled. Inter, however despite continuing to disappoint in Serie A, won at home against Lille (2-1) thanks to goals scored by Samuel first and then Milito (photo) and is close to sealing its qualification. Milan on the contrary disappointed its fans by settling for a tie (1-1) in Russia against Bate Borisov after Ibrahimovic had given it an early lead. Finally Napoli shined in Munich despite losing to Bayern (3-2), playing a tough match and contesting it to the end without ever giving up against the more experienced opponent.

Champions 2012: Pazzini gives Inter hope

In the 3rd round of the UEFA Champions League group elimination stage, all 3 Italian clubs did well. Inter, despite struggling in Serie A, won at Lille (0-1) thanks to a goal scored by Pazzini (photo) in the first half, which gives hope to both its fans and new Inter coach, Ranieri, for a rebirth. Milan also collected a win (2-0) at home against Bate Borisov led as usual by goals scored by Ibrahimovic and Boateng. Napoli held to a tie (1-1) at home Bayern Munich coming back from behind.

Champions 2012: Cavani leads Napoli to key win

In the 2nd round of the UEFA Champions League group elimination stage, all 3 Italian clubs found key wins. Napoli beat (2-0) at home Villareal led by Cavani (photo) and Hamsik offering a convincing performance and clinching valuable points in a very competitive group. Milan also nailed its first European win (2-0) this season against a modest Viktoria Plzen with Ibrahimovic and Cassano finding the net. Inter under the care of Ranieri also clinched an important win at Mosckow against CSKA with Zarate scoring the winning goal after allowing the home team to come back from 2 goals down.

Champions 2012: Napoli shines with Cavani

In the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, Napoli came close to winning in England against Manchester City but settled for a tie (1-1) forcing the home team to come back from behind. Napoli took the lead with Cavani (photo) and show how dangerous it can be on the counter offensive which will be a valuable asset to leverage in a difficult group. Milan also did well, without shining, grabbing a tie (2-2) at Barcelona thanks to an early lead scored by Pato and a very late goal scored by Thiago Silva. Inter on the contrary started with an awful loss at home (0-1) against Trabzonspor showing all the difficulties the team is having this new season. The Italians did not started the Champions well with Udinese earlier in the summer being eliminated by Arsenal and thus losing the right to participate in the group stage.