Spanish eyes on Italy

Multitude of stars
In Turin, the mighty Juventus FC host unbeaten FC Barcelona, who have been in scintillating European form this season. Meanwhile, Milan's Internazionale FC, with their multitude of international stars, host Valencia CF who are capable of supremely attractive and incisive football. There is the added ingredient that Inter coach Héctor Cúper guided Valencia to the tournament final in 2000 and 2001 without securing the trophy.

Entertaining viewing
Despite the prize at stake, Valencia midfield player Rubén Baraja promised his side's approach would make entertaining viewing. "It will be an open match," he said. "We only have thoughts of winning. It will be physical and Inter will be determined to impress as they have not done well in the competition for a long time. Yet they have complete forwards [Alvaro Recoba and Christian Vieri] who can do everything. One error could see us pay."

Materazzi returns
Uruguay's Recoba and Vieri, scorer of 24 league goals this term, are both available after suspension although there is a slight doubt about Recoba because of a foot injury. Marco Materazzi returns to the Inter defence.

Aimar's wiles
Valencia also pose a formidable attacking threat with John Carew, scorer of two goals in his team's decisive group win against Arsenal FC, benefiting from the wiles of the Argentinian playmaker Pablo Aimar. Valencia are, however, without the suspended Mauricio Pellegrino in defence.

Del Piero confident
In neighbouring Turin, Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero is confident his side can become the first team to beat Barcelona. "We don't feel inferior to Barcelona," he said. And nor should they with playmaker Pavel Nedved supplying Del Piero in attack, a combination that has helped them take charge of Serie A.

'Very happy'
Meanwhile, Barcelona striker Javier Saviola knows the importance of tonight's match given his club's poor domestic form. "We're going to give it everything," he said. "It's the only competition left for us and we know how important it is. It would make a lot of people in Barcelona very happy if we make it through."

Attractive clubs
It will make a lot of people very happy just to watch four of football's most attractive clubs in action.