European troubles worry Italians

IT WAS a good week to be German, less enjoyable for the Italians.

Bayern Munich's win against Juventus was important not just for the result but for the way they controlled the game against a side that looked much less dominant in the absence of Patrick Vieira.

It was a win that could have a real impact on Bayern's future. With captain Michael Ballack weighing up his options, it was the ideal time to beat the champions of Italy. Ballack's motive for leaving would not be money, but rather the chance of winning the Champions League elsewhere, most likely England or Spain.