In the shock of the day, Romanian newcomers Cluj stole the back pages of every Italian newspaper on the opening night of Champions League group stage action by beating the mighty Giallorossi 2 – 1 at the Olimpico.

Christian Panucci headed the Romans in front after 17 minutes but Cluj scored twice through Juan Culio to stun Roma and take three points home from the capital city. Bordeaux were thrashed 4-0 away at group superpowers Chelsea in match day one, but they will be no walk in the park for the Giallorossi who are currently going through a less than ideal moment. The French side is coached by French World Cup winner Laurent Blanc, with the manager having the likes of Fernando Cavenaghi and on-loan Milan midfielder Yoann Gourcuff at his disposal.

Bordeaux have had a mixed start to the French domestic season, and are currently sixth in the table, six points behind leaders Lyon.

Peter Pedroncelli - footballitaliano.org

Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave another top class performance in this one despite not getting on the score sheet.

The Swede was instrumental in the match, creating both goals for Brazilians Mancini and Adriano, as Inter defeated a wilful Panathinaikos side 2 – 0 in Athens in the opening game of the Milan giants’ Champions League Group B. A good start for the Nerazzurri will please their new coach Jose Mourinho and alleviate some of the pressure on him to perform. The Nerazzurri take on Werder Bremen who finished second in the Bundesliga last season, and also have the outstanding Brazilian playmaker Diego in their side as well as German internationals Torsten Frings, Per Mertesacker and Clemens Fritz. Thomas Schaaf’s team is currently third in the Bundesliga and their confidence will be high after beating Bayern Munich 5-2 last week in a thrilling encounter.

Inter will need to be concentrated to achieve a good home win and three points at the San Siro.

Peter Pedroncelli - footballitaliano.org

Lyon scored twice in the last 17 minutes to deny Fiorentina the win in a lively 2-2 draw at the Stade Gerland in France.

Italian international striker Alberto Gilardino put the Viola two goals ahead by half time with two headers. This match day two encounter brings together Italy’s Fiorentina and Romanian team Steaua Bucuresti in a tactical game which will see the Stadio Artemio Franchi as the venue. Both teams began the current European campaign with disappointing results when considering what they had deserved out of the match, dropping points against German and French opposition. They will both be keen to make up for their winless match day one attempts.

Peter Pedroncelli - footballitaliano.org