THE MOMENT YOU DON'T WANT A BALLS-UP

UEFA draw supremo Giorgio reveals the pressure of pots before his eyes

- NICK MURPHY

GIORGIO MARCHETTI knows all about the nerves that will afflict players and fans when today’s Champions League draw is made. 

But UEFA’s deputy general secretary will be too busy keeping his own emotions in check with the football world’s eyes on him.

The 63-year-old Italian is known to most by face not name – he is the man who conducts the draws for Europe’s domestic competitions.

It is a role that has seen Marchetti develop something of a cult following, and he will be back on TV screens this evening; swirling the balls (below), explaining the draw procedure and chatting with famous ex-pros as clubs await their fate.

Ahead of the draw, which features English hopefuls Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle, Marchetti admitted a sense of pressure.