Milan, Man City already under pressure in CLeague

By Steve Douglas

Associated Press

Published: Sunday, Sept. 30 2012 9:15 a.m. MDT

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AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy celebrates after scoring against Parma during their Serie A soccer match at Parma's Tardini stadium, Italy, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012.

Raffaele Rastelli, Lapresse) ITALY OUT, Associated Press

Summary

The Champions League is only one round old and already AC Milan and Manchester City are under pressure to deliver victories this week, for very different reasons.

LONDON — The Champions League is only one round old and already AC Milan and Manchester City are under pressure to deliver victories this week, for very different reasons.

After opening with a lackluster 0-0 home draw with Anderlecht and languishing in the Italian league, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri's job is at risk as the seven-time European champions make the tricky trip to Zenit St. Petersburg.

Roberto Mancini's position as City manager isn't under threat but his team's position in Europe's premier club competition certainly will be if the English champions fail to beat Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, having lost to Real Madrid a fortnight ago.

With Dortmund having opened up with a win over Ajax, Mancini says "the group is very difficult. We didn't start too well because we lost against Real Madrid and for this reason it is important to play well against Dortmund."

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