Fortunately the trio have their fates in their own hands

Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina are the four teams representing Italy and Serie A in this seasons edition of the Champions League.Out of the four, only Fiorentina have managed to secure their place in the last 16, whereas the other three (the Peninsulas top three clubs) will get their fortunes of the final matchday.Unless the top three in Serie A manage to pull off victories (or at least a draw in Juves case) they will all tumble out of the finest club competition in the world without even making it to the knock-out round.Fortunately, the trio have their fates in their own hands. JuventusWith group winners Bordeaux already booking a place in the last 16, only one spot is up for grabs. As Juventus currently lie second in Group A with eight points (one more than their Tuesday night opponents, Bayern Munich), they can follow the Frenchmen into the knock-out stages with a victory or a draw at the Olimpico Stadium in Turin.The Italians have showcased some extremely inconsistent performances as of lately but will be somewhat confident after their morale-boosting derby win over bitter rivals Inter Milan during the weekend.The only two victories the Old Lady has collected in the Champions League group stages thus far were in their double fixture against Maccabi Haifa.Aside from that, Ciro Ferraras men only managed to pick up one point in their two encounters with Bordeuax along with a goalless draw against Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena.Juve were dealt a huge blow ahead of the game as Giorgio Chiellini picked up a thigh problem and will be sidelined for 20 days. But even though the side is struggling with injuries, they are aware that its make it or break it against Bayern.Although all aspects of the game arent currently functioning as well as they would like it, they just demonstrated that sheer will, determination and the courage to go forward and fight from the first minute really are the decisive factors, especially when facing a team fighting for survival."This game is more important than the one against Inter because it's like a final for us and Bayern. We cannot play for the draw because that is not the mentality of a team like Juve. I would be satisfied to see the same performance as the game against Inter. I would like to see the same spirit, the same level of concentration and desire to win." Ciro Ferrara. AC MilanAC Milan looks to be following Real Madrid to the final 16, but first the Rossoneri will have to beat FC Zürich. We only have to depend on ourselves, so we have to think about our game We have done some positive things recently.

We are a mature team that has played important games before and we have to keep moving forward." Leonardo. Inter MilanWhen Barcelona and Inter Milan were drawn alongside Rubin Kazan and Dynamo Kiev, the general public expected a cruise to qualification for the Spanish and Italian champions. However, the Russian and Ukrainian champions werent going to make it easy it an easy ride for the favorites.Inter patron Massimo Moratti has (just like the past couple of seasons) made it crystal clear that the clubs priorities lie in the Champions League.José Mourinhos side collected three consecutive draws before managing an away victory to Dynamo followed by an away defeat to Barcelona.Although the reigning champions are the dominant force in the domestic league, they are huge underachievers on the European scene.Just like their Serie A colleagues, the Nerazzurri too have everything in their hands. However, coming straight off a defeat to Juventus may have dented their confidence somewhat.Considering the fighting spirit the Russians have showcased during the group stages, its going to be everything but an easy game for the home side.Inter undoubtedly have the quality, but unless they can overcome the mental block thats keeping them from transferring their domestic style onto the European scene, Moratti will have to rearrange his priorities."We have no fear of Rubin We are better and I think we will beat them tomorrow There is no pressure. When the final seconds ticked off the clock at last year's Sugar Bowl, it was official: The BCS was a scam.The Utah Utes had just demolished the Alabama Crimson Tide and were still undefeated. They had nobody left to play and were left scratching their heads.

So was America.It came as no surprise this year that once again at least one team will wind up undefeated without anopportunity to play for a National Championship. Last year it was Utah; this year it will be either TCU or Boise St.Is there a better way to do this Is there a way to make this fairActually, there is. And ironically, it's really quite simple.There are, believe it or not, only 11 conferences in Division I football. So why not reward each conference champion a spot in a 16-team tournament I can already hear the "so-called" power conferences gnashing their teeth at me. Well, get over it.The NCAA basketball tournament is the greatesttournament on earth for one reason: It allows all conference winners a title shot, and football should be the same Simply win your conference and you're in.