Record of English clubs vs italian clubs are pretty good in past
years. Arsenal has met both Inter and Florentina in past
matches.
The last time Arsenal met Florentina in the UCL, they lost to a
solitary Batistuta goal despite dominating the match in both the
home and away legs, missing a penalty and peppering the goal posts
with over 30 shots on target. To the extent that even then
Florentina manager Giovanni Trappatoni admitted unreservingly that
Arsenal didn't deserve to lose.
As for Inter, a 3-0 win at highbury was reversed by a 5-1 trashing
in the San Siro, evidence of a Thierry Henry masterclass. And
judging by the quick maturing of their junior players, and Juve's
tendency to play on the counter, Arsenal just might sneak
through.
Lyon-AC Milan will be a good match up though. Would like to see
Lyon shake off their 'darkhorse' title and put one over their
illustrious opponents. They have enough strength in depth to
tighten the screw on AC Milan and finish the job on the away
leg.
Barca should make short work of Benfica unless they concede early
goals and Benfica defends in numbers. Or if Simao Sambrosa is on
top form to really run the Barca defence ragged.
Inter-Villarreal should be pretty even as inconsistent Inter
clashes with another inconsistent Spanish underachiever. UCL seems
to bring out the best in Villarreal though...boring boring match
anyone?
