Neil Lennon put Celtic’s Champions League exploits into context following the Hoops’ exit in the last 16 of the competition after a 2-0 defeat to Juventus in Turin last night.

Juventus 2 Celtic 0

Neil Lennon has to rally his troops for a “miracle” trip to Turin following Celtic’s 3-0 Champions League defeat by Juventus at Parkhead last night.

Celtic 0 Juventus 3

Celtic 0 Juventus 3

Neil Lennon has warned doubters not to underestimate Celtic ahead of the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash against Juventus at Celtic Park night.

Mario Balotelli made the perfect start to life at AC Milan last night as he scored twice — including a last-minute penalty — in his new side’s 2-1 Serie A win over Udinese at the San Siro.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will include Man City striker Mario Balotelli in his squad to face Ireland at the European Championships.

Italy 0 United States 1

No formation is ever perfect.

BARCELONA defender Gerard Pique has hailed team-mate Lionel Messi as the finest player in the world as the Argentinian waits to discover if he has won the FIFA Ballon d’Or award for 2011 today.

Yes, says Jonathen Wilson

REAL MADRID slumped to their first defeat of the season after suffering a 1-0 setback at Levante last night.

Republic of Ireland 2 Italy 0

LEADERS AC Milan warmed up in style for their Champions League tie against Tottenham with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Parma — but a key player will miss the European showdown.

Juventus have confirmed the loan signing of Cagliari striker Alessandro Matri until the end of the current season.