Only way is up for Keane and Co

The last time Manchester United FC faced Italian opposition in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, Roy Keane produced one of the defining displays of his Old Trafford career. Trailing 2-0 on the night against Juventus at the Stadio Delle Alpi in April 1999, and 3-1 on aggregate, Keane scored once and inspired his side to two more as United recovered to win 3-2 en route to being crowned European champions.

Transformation
Eight years on, Keane is proving as a coach that his ability to transform a situation is as powerful as ever. When the Irishman took charge of Sunderland AFC in August, his first managerial position, the club were bottom of England's second division having lost their first four Championship fixtures. Unbeaten in 2007, and with three games of the season to go, they are now within touching distance of a return to the Premiership. Unlike his on-pitch persona, calmness has characterised the 35-year-old's time on the touchline. But the determination is just the same, as Sunderland close in on a promotion place that chairman Niall Quinn estimates would be worth €96m to the north-east team.

New deal
With the Premiership having negotiated a new television rights deal worth €2.5bn over the next three years, the prize for promotion is greater than ever as Sunderland, Birmingham City FC and Derby County FC vie for the two automatic slots. If nerves are not frayed enough already, they surely will be when it comes to determining the third promoted side at the play-off final at Wembley on 28 May, which will follow two-legged semi-finals.

Juventus back
No such concerns for Juventus who are on course for an immediate return to Serie A. Despite starting with a nine-point penalty, Didier Deschamps' men are five points clear with nine matches remaining. Unlike many of Juventus's biggest names who left following the Turin club's demotion last summer, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes the Bianconeri have grown stronger during their first campaign in Serie B. "It can help to fall from the top and try to climb up again," he told uefa.com. "Discovering new emotions, playing in smaller arenas with a heated atmosphere every week has helped me improve as a player."

Genoa rise
Those who bemoaned a weakened top tier this term, will be keeping a close eye on how the promotion race unfolds as some of the country's biggest names contest the second automatic spot. Italy's oldest team and nine-time champions Genoa 1893 are second, two points above southern powerhouse SSC Napoli. Surprise packages Rimini Calcio, AC Mantova and seven-time champions Bologna FC are firmly in the hunt for the play-off positions.

Papin pleasure
In France, Ligue 2 leaders FC Metz will secure élite status today should they draw at fourth-placed Amiens SC who are looking to close the gap on RC Strasbourg and SM Caen. Strasbourg are coached by former European Player of the Year Jean Pierre-Papin, who has put the spring back in the step of a side demoted last year. "I've tried to get them smiling again," Papin told uefa.com. "I understand football today is like a business but you must never lose sight of the fact it's a game and it's fun."

Valladolid success
They are certainly all smiles at Real Valladolid, who will confirm their restoration to Spain's Primera División fully two months before the end of the season if they overcome CD Tenerife this weekend. UD Almería and Real Murcia appear mostly likely to join them. In Germany, 2. Bundesliga leaders Karlsruher SC seem certain to go up and are expected to be accompanied by two from FC Hansa Rostock, MSV Duisburg and SC Freiburg.