Say what you like about Silvio Berlusconi’s political career, he’s proved a better judge of football than most owners.

England 0 Italy 0 (Italy won 4-2 on penalties)

Barcelona ensured the La Liga title race will go on another week after a crushing 7-0 win at Rayo Vallecano last night.

Barcelona’s bid to become the first club to be crowned European champions in successive seasons in the Champions League era remains on track after Lionel Messi scored two first half penalties to lay the foundations of a convincing victory that secured the Catalan club’s impressive progress into the semi-finals.

Barcelona 3 AC Milan 1

One of the problems with past success is that it can freeze time for declined teams.

Arsenal 3 AC Milan 0 (AC Milan go through 4-3 on aggregate)

No formation is ever perfect.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has labelled the Gunners’ 4-0 Champions League defeat at AC Milan “a disgrace”, launched a stinging attack on the club’s recruitment policy and warned captain Robin van Persie could follow Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri away from the club.

It may not have been a St Valentine’s Day massacre, coming 24 hours after the day romantics cherish most, but the way the Gunners were gunned down in the San Siro was nothing less than fatal for their Champions League hopes.

Republic of Ireland 2 Italy 0

Italy 3 Estonia 0

Brazilian striker Amauri has completed his move from Palermo to Juventus.