You summed it up perfectly for Juve’s realistic objectives: qualify to CL and perhaps win the Europa League.

Going back to Inter, I think they have one issue if they let go of Maicon (no prob offloading the distraction Balotelli) but they might need to replace Maicon unless Davide Santon is 100% fit.

I think Mourinho is a better motivator and a greater manipulator of circumstances than Rafa Benitez. Any ‘decent’ coach can succeed with Inter. They just have a very big and talented squad. Frankly, Roma & Milan are closest contenders but both teams have key players who are too old for a long season (Totti & Nesta).

After seeing Inter tonight (who were missing some key starters), I doubt Juve can mount a serious challenge for the Serie A title unless at least 2 or 3 players of quality are added.

Inter have a large squad that can again challenge on 3 fronts (Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League).

As I mentioned in our exchanges regarding Eto’o, Inter should be strong because they have confidence, are continuing their winning cycle and frankly Mourinho is a great motivator but not the best coach.

I agree with you on the point that Amauri can be very static at times, I actually prefer Trezeguet to Amauri. As for the defense, I think Juve should convince their older players to move on and finish their career elsewhere.

Juve were expected to win this game but Irish team played with a fighting spirit. 2-0 is a great score; Juve should be through unless there’s a total collapse like last season against Fulham or B. Munich. I don’t expect that to happy because none of Zebina, Grygera, Grosso or Cannavaro is starting.

Cannavaro is gone but Juve must try to offload the other 3 defenders. The previous management made a grave mistake by handing these players a long-term contract with a decent pay because now they don’t want to leave so no club is willing to offer them similar or even close enough of a salary.

I am not a fan of Amauri- he can be too static but at least he finally did something useful and scored twice. I thought Diego was the main reason along with Buffon why Juve started last season with 4 consecutive wins as he scored goals and assisted on others early on while Buffon saved many shots.