The Archive

May 2005

OFFICIAL: Jankulovski is Milan's
31.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Udinese have revealed that star midfielder Marek Jankulovksi has joined Italian giants Milan.

A deal was reportedly agreed in January and the Bianconeri have today insisted that the Czech ace will play for the Rossoneri next term.

"I can confirm that the player has gone to Milan," Udinese chief Giampaolo Pozzo said on Monday afternoon.

The San Siro giants have yet to comment on the story but it does seem that Jankulovski has finally moved on.

Jankulovski was close to leaving the Stadio Friuli last summer but moves to Juventus and Inter collapsed.

The former Napoli player, 28, is one of numerous Udinese stars who have caught the eye this term.

The club have qualified for the Champions’ League after a stunning season which has inevitably seen other players linked with an exit.

"If Parma’s Alberto Gilardino is worth £35m then our Vicenzo Iaquinta is valued at £15m," added Pozzo.

"David Pizarro? There have been a lot of rumours regarding him but we will only discuss his proposed sale when a club is really interested."

Striker Iaquinta has also been linked with Milan, while Pizarro is a target for Milan, Inter, Juventus and Roma.

Jankulovski is Milan’s second signing after the club swooped for Swiss international midfielder Johann Vogel from PSV last week.

Carletto Looking Forward To New Season At Milan
31.5 || Seamus

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti believes there are no doubts he will remain in charge of the Rossoneri this season.

”In these days I never felt my position under discussion, also because the club acted extremely well with me in these difficult days,” he told reporters after the 1-1 draw at Udinese.

”It was hard to digest the loss to Liverpool but now we must look ahead,” he continued.

Ancelotti was also asked about his thoughts on Roma, the team many newspapers are indicating as his next destination.

“Conti has done a great job there. However its useless to ask questions on next year, as I already have a job, and it’s here,” he said.

http://www.goal.com/NewsDetail.aspx?idNews=64249&progr=2

Kaladze Leaving Milan
31.5 || Seamus

Milan defender Kakha Kaladze is to leave the club after failing to hold down a regular starting place this season.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims the Georgian is moving to Chelsea who are in desperate need of a left-back.

However, Kaladze’s hopes of a move to the English champions must surely be tempered by the fact that they are close to signing Asier del Horno from Athletic Bilbao.

"I’m disappointed to leave, but I need to play much more," he said.

http://www.goal.com/NewsDetail.aspx?idNews=64312&progr=1

Official: Jankulovski Is Milan's!
31.5 || Seamus

Udinese chairman Pozzo confirmed on Monday that Marek Jankulovski has been sold to AC Milan.

“Yes, Jankulovski is a Milan player,” Pozzo told reporters.
The news had been around since the Spring, even though only today did it become official.

The 28 year old Czech star has signed with Milan until June 2009.

Jankulovski is the second player to join Milan in the space of a few days.
Just last week the Serie A giants announced the capture of PSV star Johan Vogel.

http://www.goal.com/NewsDetail.aspx?idNews=64366&progr=0

Simic snubs summer switch
30.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan defender Dario Simic has surprisingly decided to commit his future to the Italian giants.

The Croatian was expected to be sold in the summer, with Everton one of numerous clubs keen on his services.

But the international has revealed that he will still be wearing the Rossoneri shirt in the 2005-06 campaign.

"I’ve spoken with Adriano Galliani and we’ve agreed that I will stay for next season," said the stopper.

"My situation will be totally different from this term because of the serious injury that I have had to deal with recently.

"I’ll be able to train properly with my teammates and be allowed to compete for a starting shirt in the side.

"I’m happy and honoured that I will have another opportunity to play with Milan next year."

Simic has missed most of the season after he was forced to have ankle surgery in late November.

Agony and Irony
30.5 || shafinnasr

The Champions League final was the most bitter night I can remember as a Milan fan. The Euro 2000 final between Italy and France comes close and I’m sure Paolo Maldini agrees. This game was particularly agonizing because Milan played so well and were clearly the better side for 114 minutes; the remaining 6, unfortunately, cost them the title. Milan’s first half performance was almost too good to be true; Kaka’s sublime through ball to set up Crespo’s second goal was sheer poetry and Crespo’s finish equally delightful. However, from the very beginning there was something slightly bizarre about the game: Paolo Maldini scores? In the first minute nonetheless? AC Milan 3 up at half time? It began unbelievably well, but the in the second half it all started to feel like a bad dream.

The final was not without its little ironies either. The Milan captain scored Milan’s first goal; the Liverpool captain did the same, with an uncharacteristic header, for his team in the second half. And Dida, normally so reliable between the posts, failed to keep out Smicer’s speculative drive from distance – a shot he would’ve normally parried around the post. Alonso’s third for Liverpool was sheer agony for Dida: he did not deserve to see the ball sit up nicely for Alonso to smash home on the rebound, after producing a fine save. The biggest irony of the night of course, was Andriy Shevchenko’s penalty miss. Two years after winning the Champions League for Milan with the final kick of the game, he effectively lost it for them with the final kick of the game this year. The double save by Dudek from Shevchenko in extra time was also strange; Shevchenko, widely considered to be the deadliest finisher in the game, is the one person in the world that all Milan fans would have wished the rebound from the first shot to fall to. But we all know how that turned out.

Milan did not deserve to go out of the Champions League after the way they played in the final; if Milan was destined to be knocked out they should have been eliminated in the semis against PSV where they played poorly enough to deserve elimination. However, luck was with Liverpool on the night. Although there have been complaints about Shevchenko’s disallowed first half goal and about Dudek coming far off his line to make saves in the shoot out, it must be admitted that Liverpool showed extraordinary spirit and self belief. A lot of this fighting spirit must have come from Liverpool’s relative lack of success in recent years, having gone from being the dominant club in Europe in the 70’s and 80’s to non-contenders in their own domestic league. Perhaps Milan lacked the same hunger for success; maybe it is not a coincidence that Milan’s best performers in the game, Kaka and Crespo, have not won a single Champions League title yet, while a lot of their other teammates have. Milan’s strategy of using experienced and successful players may have had the unintended result of reducing hunger for success, which may be a reason why their Scudetto and Champions League challenges petered out in the end. This would suggest that a shakeup of the squad is needed and younger, hungrier players need to be brought in: players like Kaka, who played an awesome game and had me jumping up and down when he smashed home his penalty and who thoroughly deserved a winner’s medal around his neck at the end of the night. Perhaps we’ll see him get it next season.

Udinese 1:1 AC Milan - match report
29.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Scorers: Di Michele 56 (U), Serginho 85 (M)

Udinese enter the Champions' League despite failing to beat a dispirited Milan outfit.

Udinese had a one-point advantage over Sampdoria in the race for fourth place and welcomed a Milan side that was devastated just four days after their Champions' League Final defeat to Liverpool. David Pizarro and Sulley Ali Muntari returned from suspension, though future Rossoneri star Marek Jankulovski was out for three months with a fractured ankle. The Rossoneri did without Andriy Shevchenko, Jon Dahl Tomasson and the suspended Manuel Rui Costa.

Udinese had a strong start and within the first two minutes David Di Michele's shot had brought a tough save out of Dida at the near post.

There was a double chance for the Friuli outfit as Di Michele's shot was charged down by Dario Simic, then David Pizarro's follow-up was inches past Vincenzo Iaquinta's outstretched foot.

Dida required a tricky save to keep out Iaquinta on 23 minutes, then Di Michele requested a penalty when he fell in the area under pressure.

Di Michele finally gave Udinese a deserved lead in the second half. He held off Giuseppe Pancaro's challenge and placed an angled drive past Dida at the near post.

Milan were sluggish and not very motivated, but they still equalised five minutes from time with a strange goal from Serginho. The midfielder saw Handanovic off his line and placed an accurate and ambitious lob under the bar.

Udinese: Handanovic; Bertotto, Felipe, Kroldrup; Zenoni, Pinzi (Muntari 65), Pizarro (Di Natale 87), Pazienza, Pieri; Iaquinta, Di Michele (Mauri 80)

Milan: Dida; Pancaro, Simic, Nesta, Kaladze; Brocchi, Pirlo (Seedorf 65), Dhorasoo (Gattuso 69), Serginho; Inzaghi, Crespo (Kaka 65)

Ref: Trefoloni

Galliani: Ancelotti risked axe
29.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani has sensationally confirmed that they considered firing Carlo Ancelotti after the Champions’ League Final.

“If the Coach had taken off one of the strikers during the game, then he would have risked the sack,” announced the de facto President.

Patron Silvio Berlusconi has repeatedly chided his Coach in public for an excessively prudent approach, always insisting on two forwards at all times as a ‘show of strength.’ This has often caused conflict with Ancelotti, who won the Champions’ League in 2003 with the Christmas Tree formation.

“After conceding Liverpool’s three goals, we started playing well again and created plenty of scoring opportunities. Fate was clearly not on our side,” continued Galliani.

“Berlusconi is not angry about the defeat in itself. He simply cannot abide bad football, that’s all. Milan lost the Champions’ League Final, but played very well and that is the centre of our philosophy. We must now find the strength from this defeat to build our future success.”

Nonetheless, this is a major warning that the club has lost much of its faith in Ancelotti, who is under increasing pressure to follow Berlusconi’s tactical credo rather than find his own way to victories.

The former Juve and Parma boss has already been heavily linked with approaches from his old club Roma and Arrigo Sacchi’s Real Madrid.

Ancelotti: I'm not finished
29.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Carlo Ancelotti has pledged to stay at the San Siro and cancel the blight of their Champions’ League defeat to Liverpool.

“The team was not inferior to anyone throughout the campaign and I am convinced Milan are the best side in Europe. We will use this disappointment to do even better next season,” insisted the Coach.

“We’ll all be spurred on by what happened, I can assure you. Clearly the bruise is still sore and we haven’t the opportunity to get back on track immediately, but it does give us time to reflect on what happened. It’s ironic, as apart from six minutes that game in Istanbul was one of our best performances of the season.”

The Rossoneri were dominating the Champions’ League Final and leading 3-0 at the break, but six minutes of madness allowed Liverpool to draw level and eventually win on penalties.

That wasn’t the first time they’ve blown a lead – throwing away a 4-1 first leg advantage over Deportivo La Coruna last season, then almost repeating a similar collapse against PSV Eindhoven in the semi-final. The repeat of this pattern has sparked strong reports that Ancelotti is set for the boot in favour of former teammates Frank Rijkaard, Mauro Tassotti or Marco Van Basten.

“This song and dance about my future is becoming frankly boring,” blasted the Coach. “It’s not even worth denying any more. Nobody has contacted me and I am happy at Milan, so I won’t be leaving.”

Ancelotti also hit out at Liverpool defender Djimi Traore, who claimed that he could hear the Rossoneri celebrating victory at half-time – something strongly denied by Paolo Maldini.

“I am sorry that our captain was not given more credit after all that he has done in his career and the attitude known throughout the world. That hurt perhaps more than the defeat. Our changing rooms were totally separate from Liverpool’s and we all stuck together and remembered that English clubs never give in.”

Ancelotti’s tactics during that Final caused controversy, as he didn’t make any changes until the 85th minute and left striker Pippo Inzaghi in the stands.

“When you concede three goals in six minutes, there isn’t time to intervene,” he explained. “Mistakes can happen, but we paid for every one with a goal. The team had started the second half well, then after the first goal there was a collective blackout. There is no logical explanation for what happened, as we played well for all but six minutes.”

Milan will end the season empty-handed and must finish their campaign at the Stadio Friuli against an Udinese side that needs a victory to be absolutely sure of fourth place.

Andriy Shevchenko and Jon Dahl Tomasson have not made the trip due to muscular problems.

Milan squad:

Gk: Abbiati, Dida, Fiori

D: Esajas, Kaladze, Nesta, Pancaro, Digao, Simic

M: Brocchi, Dhorasoo, Gattuso, Kaka', Pirlo, Seedorf, Serginho

F: Crespo, Filippo Inzaghi, Bloudek

Chelsea heap pressure on AC Milan over Crespo
27.5 || webmaster

Source: ChinaDaily.com.cn

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has heaped pressure on dejected AC Milan by insisting they will not have star striker Hernan Crespo for a second loan agreement next season.

Mourinho is demanding ￡10 million for the Argentina international, or Milan will have to look elsewhere to boost their attack next season.

The Blues boss said of Crespo, who struck twice in this week's Champions League final, "If Milan wants a good forward without paying to acquire him, they will have to look elsewhere.

"We are not going to grant another loan for Crespo. If the Rossoneri want him, they must pay for his real value."

Milan complacency inspired Traore
27.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Djimi Traore says the Milan players’ complacency provided the inspiration behind Wednesday’s Champions’ League heroics.

Traore admits he had given up hope of winning the Final after the Rossoneri roared into a 3-0 lead by half-time in Istanbul. "I didn’t believe we could do it anymore," the defender said.

"But the fans pushed us back into the game. When we went into the dressing room, our heads had dropped.

"But we saw the way the Italians were behaving. They were congratulating themselves as though they had already won. That also boosted us," Traore revealed.

"Once we equalised we looked at each other and decided we should play for penalties."

That's exactly what happened as Liverpool went on to lift their fifth European crown, winning the shootout 3-2.

Lyon reveal Ancelotti interest
27.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas says he would consider making a move for under-fire Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Aulas is trying to find a replacement for out-going Coach Paul Le Guen and said on Friday that he had already made enquiries regarding Ancelotti’s availability.

"Ancelotti is obviously an interesting Coach," Aulas said. "But you have to take into account the financial side and also the language barrier.

"He doesn’t speak French, but he talks English. I have made enquiries."

Ancelotti has enjoyed great success at Milan but after seeing his side pipped to both the Serie A and Champions' League crowns, could be set to leave the San Siro.

"It is possible for a Coach who doesn’t speak the language to get results, look at Benitez," Aulas continued.

"What he has done is exceptional. We could also have a Coach who speaks Portuguese with all our Brazilian players, but he must also speak English."

Aulas is hoping to unveil the new boss on Sunday after Lyon’s final game of the season, but admitted he might need "a few more days".

Lyon are unlikely to land Ancelotti though. If the Italian does leave Milan then he is expected to join either Real Madrid or Roma.

The fallout from the recent games
27.5 || webmaster

Author: Shafin Nasr

Milan’s form in the last few weeks has been uncharacteristically shaky. First came the defeat against Siena, then a couple of close calls, then the crushing defeat to PSV in the second leg of the Champions League semi finals and finally, the loss to Juventus which has given a distinct advantage to the Bianconeri in the race for the Scudetto. Milan needs to learn something from all this. Fatigue and some bad luck definitely played a part in these results, but these games painfully exposed a deeper flaw in the setup: Milan lack pace down the left side. On the right side, Cafu provides surging runs down the flank, Gattuso wins the ball and Kaka provides the creativity. The main problem with the current Milan team is that we lack a player to provide pace and creativity on the left side of midfield. Rui Costa is not the same player he used to be and Serginho and Seedorf have been less than satisfactory. Clarence Seedorf, though a technically gifted player, lacks the pace needed to contribute to the fast breaks Milan rely upon and his form has been rather inconsistent. In the context of the Christmas tree formation, Milan needs a player to fill in on the left side, behind the lone striker. Ideally we would love to have Ronaldinho in that position, but more realistically, Milan could look at Robben or Duff, one of whom could be on the way out if Chelsea manage to sign Joaquin or Shaun Wright-Phillips. Other possibilities include Robert Pires, Valencia’s Vicente,Wesley Sneijder, Simao, or even Jose Antonio Reyes (who is more likely to go to Madrid however). We also need a long term replacement for the great Maldini. The captain is as magnificent as ever but surely even he cannot go on forever. Ashley Cole is an excellent option, but will probably cost too much. Monaco’s Patrice Evra is my most favored alternative. Therefore, the Milan team which I think would be ideal for next season is: Dida, Cafu, Stam, Nesta, Maldini (Evra), Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Robben/Duff, Kaka, Shevchenko (in a Christmas tree formation); for the conventional 4-4-2 formation, the same team would be retained but Seedorf would be left out and another striker brought in, Crespo or Gilardino perhaps. Of course, this means that some players will have to be sold off: Serginho, Rui Costa and Filippo Inzaghi should be on their way out. Tomasson is an uncertainty; he probably won’t be too happy being last in the pecking order if Gilardino comes in.

Milan have reached a crossroads this season; for success to be sustained over the next few years, some team rebuilding is required. With Costacurta and Maldini possibly retiring soon, and Cafu soon to be on the wrong side of 35, Milan would have to beef up the defense. In addition to Evra we could also look at Chiellini and Bonera as possible long term prospects. Rino Gattuso has been linked to a move to Old Trafford, which would be unfortunate indeed; he complements the creativity and speed of Kaka and Cafu very well and it is very hard to find a player with his determination and spirit. The only real replacements I can think of are Essien or Makalele. Finally, I would like to address rumors of Shevchenko being sold to Arsenal (in a swap involving Pires and cash) or Chelsea. Like any other fan I feel strongly against it: the man is in his prime and he is an icon at Milan and I can’t really see who is going to fill his shoes. Gilardino, who is a possible signing for next season isn’t quite mature enough and Crespo has a different style of play. It would be much better to offload Inzaghi and allow Gilardino to develop fully with Shevchenko as his mentor. Crespo would be a valuable foil.

Milan failure a success, says Galliani
27.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan have returned to Italy without the European Cup but chief Adriano Galliani insists it has still been a season to remember.

The Rossoneri have failed to win either Lo Scudetto or the Champions’ League, but Galliani says he would happily experience a similar campaign next term.

"If someone offered me the chance now to finish second in the League and reach the European Cup Final next season I’d take it," he stated.

Milan went into the Istanbul showdown as hot favourites but lost on penalties after surrendering a three goal lead to Liverpool.

That defeat has seen questions raised over the future of boss Carlo Ancelotti, but the San Siro outfit maintain he will remain.

"Ancelotti and Milan have had a very good season," continued Galliani on Thursday evening.

"We started the campaign by winning the Italian Super Cup, ended up second in the League after taking Juventus to the wire and only losing the Champions’ League on penalties after playing well.

"Ancelotti’s future? We are not about to send our Coach away. I’m absolutely certain that he will stay."

Vogel signs for Milan
26.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

PSV Eindhoven midfielder Johann Vogel has become Milan’s first signing for the 2005-06 season.

The Swiss international will sign a three-year contract after agreeing terms with last night’s Champions’ League runners-up.

"They are a top club," said the 28-year-old. "This is like a dream for me. This is absolutely fantastic."

Vogel, who was also a target for Roma and Lazio, joins on a free transfer as his contract expires next month.

PSV have also lost Mark van Bommel this month after he agreed to join Spanish giants Barcelona.

OFFICIAL: Johann Vogel of PSV signs for Milan
26.5 || webmaster

PSV Eindhoven announced on their official site (the Dutch version) that their player, Johann Vogel (28 years old) - central midfielder, has signed a three-year contract with AC Milan.

Vogel's contract is due to expire this summer and Milan snapped him up for free.

"Milan is a fantastic club and this transfer is a dream come true for me", Vogel was quoted saying.

Milan is expected to confirm the transfer in the coming days.

I won’t axe Ancelotti, says Silvio
26.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi insists he won’t show boss Carlo Ancelotti the door after last night’s incredible Champions’ League defeat.

The Rossoneri had looked certain to lift their seventh European Cup after taking a 3-0 lead over Liverpool.

But the Premiership outfit hit back in a night of drama to level things up, before winning the game on penalties.

"I won’t sack anybody," stated the Italian Prime Minister, just hours after he warned that not lifting the trophy would be seen as failure.

"Football is like politics, you think that you’ve done enough to win but then…"

Ancelotti’s future has been cast in doubt recently and the club’s inability to win any silverware this season will increase the pressure on his shoulders.

However, Berlusconi did admit that his Italian giants did perform well in the Istanbul showdown.

"It is a shame as Milan did well and we continued to play football throughout, while they hardly had an attacking manoeuvre worthy of that description," he added.

"Andriy Shevchenko had a number of opportunities but he just kept going very close to scoring. It is a real shame to lose as we did on penalties."

Sheva struggles with defeat
26.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Andriy Shevchenko has admitted that he is struggling to come to terms with Milan’s European Cup Final heartbreak.

“It's very hard to explain, I think maybe it was destiny that decided to change sides and give the European Cup to Liverpool,” said the European Player of the Year.

“With a 3-0 advantage it's difficult to think that any team can come back against Milan, but Liverpool found the courage to continue.

"Believe me, it's not easy when you are 3-0 down. They never lost hope, they believed right until the end that it was possible and I guess that is the winning mentality.”

Despite his humility in defeat, Sheva was adamant that he should have had a goal in the first half. After being put through on goal, the Ukrainian slotted past Jerzy Dudek only for the linesman to raise his flag.

“The referee made a mistake. I knew that my goal wasn't offside there and then because it's one of those classical plays that I always practise.

"I always look at the defensive line and I wait for the last pass from the midfield to make sure that I'm not in an offside position.”

The result marked one of the greatest comebacks in Champions’ League history and Sheva paid tribute to Liverpool’s efforts. “It's true that in those five or six minutes we were distracted but you never expect such an outcome.

"To Liverpool's credit they played very good football and scored three goals. It's very painful, but we must accept it.

"I don't think we underestimated Liverpool and I'm not surprised at how they played. This team knocked Juventus and Chelsea out of the competition and they did what they had to do to win.”

Seedorf stays positive
26.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Clarence Seedorf believes that Milan can take plenty of positives out of this season, despite ending it without a trophy.

It was less than a month ago that the Rossoneri were eyeing a remarkable Serie A and Champions’ League double.

However, after losing the Serie A title race to Juventus it was thought that Milan were concentrating their efforts on the Champions’ League.

Last night’s spot-kick defeat to Liverpool put paid to those hopes, but Seedorf was philosophical after the match.

“It is easy to regard a season in which we haven't won Serie A or the Champions' League as a negative season,” said the three-time European Cup winner.

“But I think that, overall, it has been a positive season. We have finished second in two big competitions and you can't always win – football is like that.”

Milan chief Adriano Galliani also tried to remain positive. In the immediate aftermath of the game he claimed that Lady Luck had deserted the San Siro boys, but now he has cast his attentions to the next campaign.

“We have three months to get over this enormous disappointment and start again next season,” Galliani stated.

“The Champions’ League means so much to this club and from September we will have to start again and try and go all the way once more.”

Milan loss shocks Maradona
26.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Diego Armando Maradona admits that he’s been left stunned by Milan’s loss to Liverpool in the Champions’ League Final.

The Rossoneri were in total control of the game before the Premiership outfit hit back in a way which the Napoli legend finds hard to believe.

"I’m very disappointed," he said after commentating on the game for Sky Italia. "Everyone who has played in Italy knows that the game is over at half-time when you’re 3-0 up.

"Not even the Brazil side of 1970 would have made such a comeback.

"We gave away a 2-0 lead in the 1986 World Cup Final against Germany but my Argentina side stayed united.

"Milan conceded three goals in an incredible manner, just as incredible as that Andriy Shevchenko chance in the closing minutes."

Liverpool may have lifted the trophy but the Argentine star has no doubts over who is the better team.

"Liverpool won it but they are not the best European side in my opinion," continued the South American.

"Milan just needed to play a little more football and they would have won the Cup. Unfortunately this is the game that football is."

Maldini holds head up high
26.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Paolo Maldini maintains Milan should be proud of their performance, while Hernan Crespo thought the first half was too good to be true.

“The Champions’ League was our primary objective for this season, so to lose it like this is incredibly painful,” said the captain who opened the scoring after just 57 seconds.

“In any case, we had a great campaign and cannot complain about our performance. We leave this Final with our heads held high.”

Maldini was seen shaking his head in amazement during Liverpool’s celebrations, having somehow thrown away a 3-0 first half lead in the space of six minutes.

“Many little things went wrong and now we are here commenting on an undeserved defeat. Even after they came back to draw 3-3 we had plenty of scoring opportunities. If I remember that double save on Shevchenko then it gives me goosebumps.”

The veteran was able to make his seventh Champions’ League Final appearance, though he has only won four trophies.

“We reacted well and played better than Liverpool, while I thought the Premiership side was rather lacklustre on a fitness level,” continued Maldini. “We won’t give in, but this is a bitter pill to swallow. I am sure this match will come back into my mind a lot over the years. Even the memory of scoring the goal has been ruined as it was for nothing.”

Hernan Crespo had bagged a brace during a perfect first half performance from the Rossoneri and admits it was all going too well.

“It was too good to be true,” said the Argentine. “I still can’t quite believe that in football these things can happen, but we’ll try again next year. Liverpool managed a remarkable recovery and Dudek’s two saves on Sheva were just incredible. Hopefully we can put all this behind us with the summer holidays coming up.”

Diego Armando Maradona was in Istanbul to commentate on the match for Sky Italia and was disappointed with the outcome.

“As with everyone who has played in Italian football, I thought that on 3-0 there was no way on this earth they could get back into it. Milan always played and Shevchenko had the chance to win it at the death. I’ve seen some comebacks in this sport, but never when faced with such clear superiority as Milan showed in the first half.”

Sheva curses Dudek reflexes
26.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Andriy Shevchenko was the favourite to score in this Final, but was kept out by two spectacular saves from Jerzy Dudek, including one in the closing stages of extra time.

“I was sure I would score at the second attempt, “said the Ukrainian after his first point-blank header was kept out. “I hit it hard, but perhaps that helped Dudek as it bounced out off his arm. I could have taken that shot 10,000 times and the majority would go in.”

Shevchenko had converted the winning spot-kick in the 2003 Old Trafford shoot-out, but saw his penalty saved this time.

“My mind was clear before the penalty, but I knew I had to score and the goalkeeper performed a good save. I saw him going to the right and tried to hit it centrally, but he left his leg trailing and lifted it.”

Paolo Maldini opened the scoring after just 57 seconds, but was the most gracious in defeat and prevented his teammates from going straight back into the changing rooms.

“Maldini told us to wait on the pitch and go to salute the travelling fans,” revealed Shevchenko. “These are strange nights, as we managed to throw away a 3-0 lead and still couldn’t seal it despite having the opportunities to do so. It hurts to miss the decisive penalty, too.”

Benitez relished underdog role
26.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Rafael Benitez and his Liverpool stars admit they were surprised at their ability to fight back from 3-0 down to win the Champions’ League.

“We started the game very badly and conceded a goal after 57 seconds, which makes it tough to recover, especially against a side like Milan,” said the Coach.

“I think their second was started by a handling offence and we also lost Harry Kewell to injury, but we worked so hard that at the end we managed to turn it all around.”

Benitez relished the underdog role throughout the competition, eliminating Fabio Capello’s Juve and the mighty Chelsea along the way.

“Everyone saw Milan as the favourites, but we had nothing to lose and had already eliminated Juventus and Chelsea. We started very badly, but at the final whistle we were the winners. We all came together at the end and everyone was crying.”

Steven Gerrard was perhaps Man of the Match, especially after the break when he led the charge against all odds.

“We were 3-0 down and Milan played really well in the first half. The manager changed a few things and we played a lot better. I’m going to talk to Benitez very soon about my future, but it looks good to stay.”

Jamie Carragher is a Liverpool boy born and bred, so admits this is a moment that will live on in the history of his city.

“It’s extra special for me and the lads who grew up in Liverpool hearing all the stories of European glory. Now more kids will have stories to tell thanks to tonight.”

Liverpool President Rick Parry confessed he was amazed by the Anfield side’s fight back from 3-0 down at half-time.

“I remember when we were 3-0 down and came back at Basle, but it was very difficult here with the way Milan were playing,” he said. “Our sympathy goes to Milan, as it is a tough way to lose, but we’ll take the victory. The atmosphere was a bit like 2001 with Alaves and the drama of the golden goal. I just wish Liverpool could win the easy way for once!”

Nonetheless, the Premiership outfit is currently unable to come back and try to win it again, as victory no longer automatically qualifies them for the next edition.

“I think we’ve been worthy Champions and the world would like to see us defend the title, but it’s up to UEFA now.”

Xabi Alonso scored the equaliser, despite having his penalty saved by Dida. “We knew we had to score as soon as possible in the second half and that allowed us to get our confidence and belief back. I felt Alessandro Nesta putting pressure on me after the penalty save, but didn’t have anything on my mind other than getting that ball in the net.”

Ancelotti rues 'blackout'
26.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Rossoneri Coach Carlo Ancelotti was left ruing “six minutes of insanity” that literally threw the Champions’ League title away.

“We played well throughout except for six minutes of insanity that threw everything all away,” said the tactician after losing out to Liverpool on penalties.

“It can’t be explained, as we did everything we had to and simply had a blackout. We are upset and disappointed, but this is football. Now we will play our last game of the Serie A season and look forward to next season.”

Milan were leading 3-0 at half-time with Paolo Maldini’s goal and a Hernan Crespo brace, but conceded three in six minutes.

“I honestly couldn’t say what happened. Apart from that brief period, we had the game under control and could’ve taken a bigger lead than 3-0. It was an impossible lead to throw away, yet it happened. We also dominated extra time and probably deserved to win this match, especially with that incredible Dudek double save on Shevchenko.”

This is certainly not the first time that the Rossoneri have shot themselves in the foot, as last season they lost a 4-1 first leg lead at Deportivo La Coruna, then almost managed a similar turnaround at PSV Eindhoven.

“This was a very different game to Deportivo and PSV, where we were never really in it. Except for six minutes tonight, we were in charge, but that is still enough to rob you of a Champions’ League trophy. It’s a tough defeat to swallow, but you have to maintain a balance in success and failure.”

Ancelotti’s decisions caused controversy, as Pippo Inzaghi was tipped for a starting spot throughout the week only to end up in the stands.

“It was a very difficult choice and Pippo was disappointed, but we needed a balanced bench with players who could come on and give us something new tactically.”

There were reports of a split within the club and pressure on Ancelotti to pick up more silverware with the shadow of former Milan teammate and current Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard hanging over him.

“We must have the strength to look back and remember everything the squad has achieved this season, fighting until the end for two prestigious competitions,” insisted Ancelotti. “We have to look forward to next year.”

Vice-President Adriano Galliani claimed Lady Luck turned her back on the Rossoneri in this encounter.

“It is painful because aside from that six-minute blackout we played better, but this is football,” said the transfer guru. “After two goalline clearances and a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside, it was clear our luck was out. What really amazed me was that last-gasp double save on Shevchenko, as that shows fate is not on your side.”

Nonetheless, Galliani held up his hands and accepted Liverpool’s triumph in Istanbul at the end of an extraordinary comeback.

“Everyone has to accept defeat and set a good example for the fans. Compliments to Liverpool, even if Milan played the better football throughout. After that six-minute chaos we started playing well again and dominated extra time, so I don’t believe the team took its foot off the pedal.”

Patron Silvio Berlusconi had said before the match that failure to win the trophy would make this “a disappointing campaign,” but Galliani was more conciliatory.

“I told the lads to relax and that we all have faith in them. It hurts to lose this way. It’s not true that the silver medal is worthless and we’ll try to make it our eighth Final next season with the Champions’ League as our main objective.”

AC Milan 3:3 Liverpool (5-6 after pen. kicks) - match report
26.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Scorers: Maldini 1 (M), Crespo 39, 44 (M), Gerrard 54 (L), Smicer 56 (L), Xabi Alonso 60 (L)

Milan threw away a 3-0 lead and lost the penalty shoot-out as Liverpool completed an incredible comeback to become European Champions.

Despite their European pedigree - six trophies for Milan and four for Liverpool - this was the first time the two sides had ever met in this competition. The Rossoneri were the favourites, having won in 2003 and conceding just six goals in the entire tournament so far, but Rafa Benitez had already upset the odds by eliminating Juventus and Chelsea on their way to their first Final in 20 years. PSV Eindhoven gave the San Siro side a tough test in the semi's and Milan were without a win in all competitions this month as tiredness took its toll.

There were surprises from both managers. Pippo Inzaghi, who this week was tipped to start alongside Andriy Shevchenko, was not even given a spot on the bench, while Liverpool fielded Harry Kewell after a long injury lay-off.

Ancelotti said they would attack and aim to score within the first five minutes - Milan hit the back of the net in 57 seconds. Andrea Pirlo's free kick found Paolo Maldini for a spectacular right-foot volley into the ground from 12 yards that slotted into the far top corner of the net. Il Capitano was making his seventh Final appearance and became its oldest scorer.

Liverpool now had to attack and John Arne Riise's fierce strike ricocheted off a defensive body in the area, then the ball was crossed back in for a powerful Sami Hyypia header that Dida scrambled under control.

There was chaos in the Liverpool area soon after, as Hyypia's defensive header from a Pirlo corner kick came off his teammate and fortunately for the English club no Milan players were able to take advantage.

Gennaro Gattuso's perfect long pass into the area was chested down by Andriy Shevchenko, but he was penalised for a handling offence.

On 13 minutes Milan nearly doubled their lead, as Crespo came forward for a glancing header on Clarence Seedorf's corner kick, but Luis Garcia cleared off the line at the near post.

Kaka's counter-attack exchanged passes with Marcos Cafu, only for the young Brazilian to nod wide of the target.

Liverpool were forced into a substitution after just 23 minutes, as Harry Kewell suffered yet another injury and made way for Vladimir Smicer.

There was an extremely controversial incident on 29 minutes when Shevchenko hit the back of the net with an angled drive, but it was disallowed for offside. Replays confirmed that the Ukrainian was level when Kaka made the pass, so the goal should've stood.

Moments later, Shevchenko fell under a challenge from Djimi Traore as he tried to latch on to a long pass, but the referee correctly waved play on.

Luis Garcia's strike from the edge of the box was off target, then another volley from the Spaniard was wide from a promising position with his weaker right foot.

Alessandro Nesta's sliding challenge inside the area prevented Luis Garcia from getting his shot on goal and Kaka sprinted forward on the counter-attack to set up Milan's second goal. Shevchenko rolled across for Hernan Crespo to tap in at the back post. Liverpool claimed that Nesta had handled the ball, but replays suggest it struck his side as he tried to pull his arm away.

Milan made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time with another well-worked counter-attack. Kaka's long pass from the right beat Carragher and allowed Crespo to chip Jerzy Dudek with a delightful finish.

Benitez had to make changes and introduced Dietmar Hamann, who was expected to start the Final, for Stephen Finnan and switched to a three-man defence.

The Rossoneri weren't taking their foot off the gas and Dudek lost control of a taut Cafu cross towards the near post, then the Brazilian's second shot was charged down.

Xabi Alonso hit a piledriver from 20 metres that whistled just wide of the upright, though Dida had it covered.

Traore's howler of a touch in midfield allowed Kaka to run towards goal, but he fell under a light challenge from Hyypia. From the resulting free kick, Dudek flew to palm Shevchenko's powerful strike round the post.

Liverpool got back into the game on 54 minutes with Steven Gerrard's looping header from Riise's cross, as the midfielder was given far too much room in the centre.

There was an extremely controversial incident moments later, as Liverpool made it 3-2 in curious circumstances. The linesman had his flag up for over a minute, but referee Mejuto Gonzalez ignored him and as the move continued Vladimir Smicer's low drive slotted into the far corner.

Liverpool's tails were now up and Mejuto Gonzalez pointed to the spot on the hour mark for Gattuso's foul on Gerrard. He was not last man, as Cafu and Maldini were close by. Dida saved Xabi Alonso's penalty, but the Spaniard picked up the loose ball and incredibly drew the Reds level with their third goal in six minutes.

Seedorf's low drive was wide when a free kick was cleared out to the edge of the box, as Milan now had to pick themselves up after a remarkable collapse.

Dida's palms were stung by a Riise missile that was heading for the underside of the crossbar. At the other end, Hyypia stopped Shevchenko in his tracks as he controlled Pirlo's pass.

Milan were unlucky not to restore their lead on the 70th minute, as Dudek pushed a Kaka cross into the path of Shevchenko and it took a desperate Traore goalline clearance to keep out the Ukrainian.

Luis Garcia couldn't quite get a long pass under control with his chest when only the goalkeeper was blocking his path.

On Shevchenko's counter-attack, Crespo cut back for Kaka, who blasted his finish over the bar from six yards.

Ancelotti made his first substitutions of the game with just five minutes left, Jon Dahl Tomasson and Serginho came on for Hernan Crespo and Seedorf, also switching to a three-man defence, while Djibril Cisse' replaced Milan Baros for Liverpool.

A crucial Carragher intervention stopped Shevchenko from getting his shot away as he charged through the centre, though the striker could perhaps have rolled across for Tomasson.

From the resulting corner kick, Jaap Stam's header was redirected off target by Kaka at the back post.

There were two minutes of stoppages, but neither side was able to break the deadlock and the Final went to extra time.

In the second minute of extra time, Tomasson just failed to get his head on the end of Kaka's cross.

At the 100th minute a long Serginho cross caught Traore by surprise, but Tomasson somehow slipped at the crucial moment and could only scuff it wide.

Cramp began to take its toll on Smicer and Pirlo as extra time wore on and this epic encounter went into its 105th minute. Dudek plucked a weak Shevchenko volley out of the air as the whistle went for the end of the first period of extra time.

Carragher and two of his teammates slid in to stop Tomasson from tapping in Serginho's cross. The defender suffered cramp during that move and was hobbling for the rest of the match.

Manuel Rui Costa was the final substitution, replacing Gennaro Gattuso for an attack-minded midfield. The Portuguese international's first touch saw his corner kick whistle just wide of the far corner of the net.

Pirlo skipped away from two defenders before he was felled by Hamann's body-check on the edge of the box as the Rossoneri took control during these final stages.

On 117 minutes Dudek performed an extraordinary double reaction save on Shevchenko - parrying his header and then somehow turning the follow-up over the bar from point-blank range.

The tie went to penalties - the second time in three years that Milan have had to decide a Champions' League Final on a shoot-out. Serginho started the lottery and missed the target completely. Hamann converted to give Liverpool the lead. Andrea Pirlo saw his spot-kick saved by Dudek, who was some way off his line when the kick was taken, and Cisse' scored to make it 2-0 to Liverpool. Tomasson was up next and converted to keep the Rossoneri in it.

Riise was up next and Dida saved to cut the advantage down to one. Kaka fired his penalty into the roof of the net, but Smicer also converted successfully. Andriy Shevchenko took the last Milan kick, just as he had done in Manchester, but it was saved and Liverpool became Champions of Europe for the fifth time.

Milan: Dida; Cafu, Stam, Nesta, Maldini; Gattuso (Rui Costa 112), Pirlo, Seedorf (Serginho 85); Kaka; Crespo (Tomasson 85), Shevchenko

Liverpool: Dudek; Finnan (Hamann 46), Carragher, Hyypia, Traore; Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Riise, Kewell (Smicer 23); Baros (Cisse' 85)

Ref: Mejuto Gonzalez (Spa)

Missed penalty: Xabi Alonso 60 (L)

Penalty shoot-out: Serginho miss, Hamann scored, Pirlo saved, Cisse' scored, Tomasson scored, Riise saved, Kaka scored, Smicer scored, Shevchenko saved.

Berlusconi warns Ancelotti
26.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan patron Silvio Berlusconi has fuelled reports of a split within the club by warning that anything less than Champions’ League glory will make this season a failure.

“If the Rossoneri should lose the Final then it would be a deeply disappointing campaign,” said the businessman and Prime Minister of Italy.

Tonight’s clash with Liverpool in Istanbul is their second European Final in three years, but also their only shot at some silverware after losing out in the Scudetto race to Juventus.

“The squad is tired and some of the players haven’t had a proper holiday in over a year. We live in hope. I ordered my men to go out there to dominate play.”

Berlusconi is not new to public statements about his club, regularly ordering Coach Carlo Ancelotti to field two strikers upfront as a “show of strength.”

The tactician has won the Champions’ League, Scudetto, Coppa Italia and European Supercup over the last three years, but that might not be enough to keep him at the San Siro.

“As Milan’s Number One fan I can say I hope for a victory, but above all I pray for entertaining play for the hundreds of thousands of spectators around the world. I hope to see a real spectacle.”

Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi was speaking after a meeting with his Turkish political counterpart Erdogan.

“In truth I had already planned this meeting a long time ago, but as everyone knows I don’t like to waste time, I ordered Milan’s players to reach the Champions’ League Final so that I could combine the two events,” he joked.

Ground zero
25.5 || webmaster

Source: EuroSport.com

The Ataturk Olympic Stadium might have a five-star rating from UEFA, but it is far from the ideal location for the Champions League final. A white elephant of a creation 30km from Istanbul, its remote location could cause chaos on Wednesday evening.

The 78,000-capacity Ataturk, as its full name suggests, was purpose-built for Turkey's unsuccessful bids for the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.

A sensational structure designed by Michel Macary, also creator of the Stade de France in Paris, it is let down not by its facilities but by a location that even seasoned estate agents would struggle to talk up.

Rising out of nothing in a barren, faceless suburb, the stadium was intended as the centre of a giant Olympic centre that never existed.

As a result, it stands out on a limb, 15km from the closest airport and 30km from downtown Istanbul, serviced by a single road.

Match organisers advised fans to allow three hours to get to the ground. Quite how many of the estimated 42,000 Liverpool and 20,000 Milan fans will heed the warning remains to be seen.

Lateness and frayed tempers seem assured. Given the chequered history of English fans in Turkey, such confrontations would be dangerous and unnecessary.

DESERTED STANDS

The stadium itself is close to pristine as it rarely hosts major events. Galatasaray moved there for the 2003/04 season, much to the fans' chagrin, before returning to their renovated Ali Sami Yen home.

Just two games took place there this term - the derby between Instanbulspor and Galatasaray, then the Turkish Cup final. On neither occasion was it even remotely full.

"It's really big and very modern," says Galatasaray's French midfielder Frank Ribery. "The only problem is that even the two biggest clubs in Turkey can't fill it."

"When we played there, there were maybe 20 or 30,000 supporters but, frankly, we couldn't hear them. It's a shame because the stadium is truly great."

Whatever faults the ground may have, a packed house with some of Europe's most vocal fans should ensure a fantastic atmosphere and a great arena for Turkey's first Champions League final.

Wenger tips Liverpool to win
25.5 || webmaster

Source: Daily Express (Malaysia)

LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is tipping unfancied Liverpool to beat a jaded AC Milan in the Champions League final in Istanbul on Wednesday.

Liverpool finished only fifth in the Premier League and have already lost one final this year after Chelsea came from behind to win the League Cup in Cardiff.

Wenger believes, however, that Milan's surrender of the Serie A title to Juventus has dealt them a psychological blow which Liverpool can exploit in their bid for a fifth European Cup.

Wenger, whose team needed a penalty shootout to beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday, said:

"Personally, I fancy Liverpool because I feel Milan look jaded physically and certainly mentally by losing the championship.

"I think they have never had a better chance of beating Milan than now."

Wenger compared Milan's recent form to their polished 1-0 victory over United at Old Trafford in February in the first knockout round. Carlo Ancelotti's side followed up with another 1-0 win at San Siro in the second leg.

"When Milan played at Old Trafford, they looked at the peak of their game," the Frenchman said.

"But now, I've watched them twice recently, they don't look very comfortable."

The killer blow to Milan's hopes of retaining the title was delivered two weeks ago in a 1-0 home defeat by Juventus, who Liverpool beat in the Champions League quarterfinals.

A week later, Milan were held to a 2-2 draw at Lecce.

On Friday, they handed the title to a Juve side coached by former Milan boss Fabio Capello after what was virtually a reserve side were held to a 3-3 home draw by Palermo.

Crespo in eleventh-hour injury crisis
25.5 || webmaster

Source: EuroSport.com

Milan striker Hernan Crespo is a major injury doubt for Wednesday's Champions League final after limping out of training on Tuesday. The Argentine aggravated a hamstring injury just hours after coach Carlo Ancelotti promised he would start against Liverpool.

There was no word from the Milan camp on Tuesday night as physios looked over the injury, which left Crespo clutching his leg in pain.

Crespo has emerged as a key player for the Italians this season, on loan from Chelsea, and scored both goals in the last sixteen tie against Manchester United.

On Tuesday morning Ancelotti declared: "Crespo will play from the first minute," a pledge that now looks in danger.

Should the 29-year-old fail to shrug off the tweak, Ancelotti may revert to the 4-3-2-1 formation that he used without top striker Andriy Shevchenko against United.

That would mean a place for Portuguese playmaker Rui Costa, who would line up with Kakà behind Shevchenko in an attacking trident.

Alternatively, Ancelotti could stick with a 4-4-2 structure and press Jon Dahl Tomasson or Filippo Inzaghi into action up front.

Liverpool completed their Tuesday training session without incident, and all eighteen players remain fit and available for selection.

Maradona bets on Milan
25.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Diego Armando Maradona will be in Istanbul for the Champions’ League Final and has tipped the Italians to celebrate victory.

“Milan are the favourites, but Liverpool have the advantage of a greater desire to win,” said the legendary figure who is in Turkey to commentate for Sky Italia television.

“Rafa Benitez knows how to get his squad to clam up and work hard. The Rossoneri will have to fight hard, but I think they can do it.”

The Argentine challenged for the Scudetto in the late 1980s against Paolo Maldini and admires the veteran defender for continuing his career at such a high level.

“Watching him train today gave me goosebumps,” he confessed. “He still has such remarkable passion for the sport and works as hard as a newcomer. Italy should be very proud of Paolo Maldini.”

Former Napoli hero Maradona is recovering well from heart problems and his strict diet has allowed him to slim down to a healthier weight.

With this in mind, he has hinted at a possible appearance at the Stadio San Paolo for ex-teammate Ciro Ferrara’s testimonial game.

“I hope to be a part of the festivities for Ferrara,” he confirmed. “He is a great man and really deserves all the praise in the world. My future is up in the air. I’m having talks with Boca Juniors President Macri’ and he wants me to be a director, but we are a long way off an agreement.”

Ancelotti expects ‘great’ Milan
25.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is expecting his side to not only win the European Cup but to do so in style.

The Rossoneri face Liverpool in the Champions’ League Final on Wednesday and the tactician believes his side will end the night as winners.

"A victory would be fundamental but the way you win is also very important," he stated. "You need to play well to win.

"We’re ready as we’ve spent the last 10 days preparing for this match and it was our objective at the beginning of the season to reach this Final.

"I haven’t seen any of my players tired in training or the practice games. We are physically well and good mentally. We will play a great game of football."

The Italian giants lifted the trophy in 2003 but Ancelotti has even more faith in his side than he did on the eve of the Old Trafford clash against Juventus.

"There were more questions than answers two years ago," he added. "This time though we are convinced of our ability.

"Everything has been decided apart from the result of the game, but there are all the signs to suggest that we will do well."

Many are expecting Milan to attack against a rather defensive Liverpool and the former midfielder agrees.

"Liverpool are a team that denies you space to play in," explained the tactician. "But that is not to say that we have to spend the entire game on the attack.

"We could end up scoring a goal after just three minutes. That will force Liverpool to betray their principles and leave themselves exposed.

"Liverpool base their game a great deal upon what their opponents are like. And they changed their style when they faced Juventus, playing with a three-man defence."

Ancelotti has just one doubt ahead of the game as he claims he still has to decide whether Hernan Crespo, or Pippo Inzaghi, will partner Andriy Shevchenko.

"I don’t know yet whether Crespo will play from the start or not," he concluded.

Milan are also believed to have been practising their penalties ahead of the game. Andriy Shevchenko, Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro Nesta are certainties to take spot-kicks if needed.

Milan (probable): Dida; Cafu, Stam, Nesta, Maldini; Pirlo, Gattuso, Seedorf; Kaka; Shevchenko, Crespo

Benitez in confident mood
25.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Rafael Benitez has conceded that Milan are favourites to win the Champions’ League but believes his Liverpool side can still triumph on Wednesday.

"I have a lot of confidence in the team," said Benitez as his club look to win their first European Cup for 21 years.

"Milan have a lot of good players and maybe they are favourites, but we have confidence and we can win.

"Experience is always important and they have a lot of players with more experience than us," added the Spaniard.

"But we are really hungry and we want to win. We can balance their experience with the hunger we have."

A number of Milan players already lifted the trophy two years ago, with Paolo Maldini and Clarence Seedorf set to appear in their seventh and fourth Final respectively.

Some have labelled Liverpool as ‘lucky’ to have reached the Final even if they have defeated Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Chelsea in the competition this term.

"I have said this before but it is important that we don’t waste this moment," continued the former Valencia boss.

"We know how important the game is for us as individuals and for the club, but we don't have any anxiety.

"I know what my job is and we are all focused. We have nothing to lose and everything to win and will try and do our best."

Benitez, who revealed that his side hadn’t bothered practising penalties, added that his men must be fully focused throughout.

"Milan have a lot of good players and you must consider them all," he added. "If you only see Shevchenko it's a big mistake.

"We must look at all the players and be aware of them all. We cannot afford to just keep our eyes on Shevchenko.

"We will try to do the things that are good for us and bad for Milan. We will try to see the weak points of Milan and try to beat them."

Benitez refused to give any clues about his starting line-up, even if it is claimed that he will begin with Harry Kewell and Djibril Cisse in attack.

Rossoneri ready to make history
25.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Paolo Maldini, Clarence Seedorf and Gennaro Gattuso can make their mark on football history, but warn against seeing themselves as favourites.

“My ‘marriage’ to Milan has worked out so well because I am an ambitious player and have crossed paths with a club that has the same approach,” commented the captain in today’s Press Conference. “This is what ties us together.”

The defender has worn the Rossoneri jersey since childhood, making his Serie A debut as a 16-year-old on January 20 1985. Two decades later, he has won every trophy imaginable with the club that was also captained by his father, Cesare Maldini, and now prepares for his seventh Champions’ League Final.

“There is a difference between playing against an Italian club, as we did with Juventus at Old Trafford two years ago, and facing a foreign adversary. This is a very European competition and it gives this occasion something more exciting.”

Milan are seen by many as the favourites for victory in Istanbul, although recent form suggests the odds are considerably more balanced.

“Liverpool are not an inexperienced side and their pedigree will count, though clearly Milan have a bit more of that in the current climate,” continued Maldini. “It is only normal to feel tired at this stage of the season and the important thing is to win – we don’t care how. Victory at the end of a hard-fought encounter remains crucial, though we’ll obviously try to play good football.”

There was a special moment for Maldini as he looked ahead to this Final. “I met with Francisco Gento, who won six editions of the European Cup with Real Madrid. He said he’d be happy if I were the one to beat his record and that meant a great deal to me.”

Milan’s other stars are also gearing up for this Final and Clarence Seedorf has gone through this experience more than most, being the only player to win with three different clubs – Ajax, Real Madrid and Milan.

“To reach a Final like this is too wonderful to describe, but winning it would be even better,” smiled the Dutchman. “Our squad is more mature compared to the side that won in Manchester. It’s more aware of its potential and accustomed to the big games. There were doubts at Old Trafford where now there are certainties.”

Gennaro Gattuso will continue his superstitious habit of being the first one out for the warm-up and call on his customary grit.

“This is the ultimate achievement that can put Milan in the history books as the most successful club in the world. It gives me goosebumps to think that this side has played seven Finals in 18 years, so something clearly must be working well. I feel I should be paying the club to be part of its success, not the other way round.”

Cisse looks to outpace Milan
25.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse believes he and Milan Baros can use their pace to exploit Milan captain Paolo Maldini and Co in the Champions’ League Final.

Asked what he thought about the Milan defence, Cisse – who is vying with Baros for a place in the Reds’ starting XI – said the Rossoneri were too old to cope with his electrifying pace.

"They are great defenders, but defenders with weaknesses as well," he stated ahead of Wednesday’s Final.

"They’re getting a bit old now. With the pace we have in attack - Milan Baros is very quick and I’m very quick - it might just prove to be the difference out there."

However, Cisse did admit that with players such as Maldini and Andriy Shevchenko, Milan were no pushovers.

"For me, along with Barcelona they are the best side in Europe, in the world," said the 23-year-old.

"Maldini is a legend. I don’t know how many big European games he’s played, but with everything he’s won, he really is a great man.

"I just have to forget that for an hour-and-a-half on Wednesday.

"Shevchenko is also the best attacker in the world. What he does is unbelievable. I admire his success rate.

"Whenever he gets a chance he almost always puts it away. I still have a lot to learn."

European Cup History: Maldini linked in Milan pride
24.5 || Seamus

Maldini linked in Milan pride

Milan will be making their tenth appearance in the 50th Final of Europe’s most prestigious club competition. Football Italia turns back the pages of their illustrious past and reveals a famous link.

Paolo Maldini completed a unique family double when he emulated his father Cesare and captained Milan to their penalty shoot-out victory over Juventus in the Champions’ League Final at Old Trafford in May 2003. Never before had a son followed his father in skippering the same club to victory in Europe's premier competition - or any other major Final.

This was Paolo's fourth European Cup success with Milan, having played in the winning teams in 1989, 1990,1994 and the all-Italian affair of 2003. He was also in the teams beaten by Olympique Marseille in 1993 and Ajax Amsterdam in 1995. Only Real Madrid legends Francisco Gento (eight) and Alfredo Di Stefano (seven) have played in more Finals.

"To lift the Cup as captain two years ago was a huge joy for me," he said. "To be here again so many years after the first one in 1989, and to again follow in my father's footsteps, is something really special." Cesare led Milan to their first European Cup success when they beat Benfica 2-1 at Wembley 40 years before. Either Cesare or Paolo have been involved in all six of Milan's European Cup successes. Cesare skippered the side in 1963 and was assistant to Nereo Rocco when they won the trophy for the second time in 1969. Now 73, the former Azzurri boss is still the club's chief scout.

The Rossoneri’s six wins means they are second only to Real Madrid in the all-time winners’ list, four victories ahead of both Inter and Juventus. The Spanish giants won the first five competitions and have lifted the giant trophy another four times. But five appearances in the Final over the past decade makes Milan the most successful club side in Europe over that time.

Carlo Ancelotti is another man whose name is indelibly linked with Milan in the Champions’ Cup. A winner as a player in 1989 and 1990, he steered the Rossoneri to victory over Juventus in the penalty shoot-out two years ago – becoming one of the rare breed who’ve played and managed European Cup winners. Having been previously sacked by Juve, that win at Old Trafford had special significance.

Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko scored the winning penalty for Milan in that match. He’s one of 13 players that night who could re-appear for Milan in Istanbul, proving to clubs like Inter that constant player turnover isn’t the way to success. And Ancelotti might even find a space on his bench for Alessandro Costacurta who at 39 could make his fifth Final and earn a record of his own as being the competition’s oldest-ever player. If that happens no doubt Maldini – a mere 37 in June – will see it as another target to aim for in his never-ending quest for honours.
Purple path ends in gold
While Milan, Juventus and Inter have headed Italy’s glorious parade in the Champions’ Cup over the past 50 years, they weren’t the first to taste success in the competition. Fiorentina fans point to their great side of 1957 being the forerunners to Serie A glory.

With Milan beaten by Real Madrid’s eventual winners in the semi-final of the inaugural competition back in 1956, the Viola went one step better the following season. Watched by a crowd of 124,000 in the famous Bernabeu Stadium, Fulvio Bernadini’s reigning Serie A champions put on a brave show before going down 2-0 to a Madrid side playing on their own turf. It was the second of five-in-a-row triumphs for the Spanish kings.

Their third came a year later in Brussels. It was another Italian scalp, Milan the victims this time. The goals of Juan Schiaffino and Ernesto Grillo got Giuseppe Viani’s team there – including a famous semi-final victory over Manchester Utd’s ravaged and patched-up post-Munich line-up. The Rossoneri pair both scored in the Final, but Gento’s extra-time winner saw them off.

With Real winning the next two competitions and Benfica lifting the trophy the following two seasons, it wasn’t until 1963 that an Italian side finally got their name on the trophy. Cesare Maldini, a survivor from the 1958 side, was carried off shoulder high from the Wembley pitch with the famous trophy held aloft. Anything Milan could do, city rivals Inter could match – and indeed better. Although Helenio Herrera’s squad gained a fearsome reputation as dull counter-attackers, they were brilliant at it.

Their style, based on the infamous catenaccio defence, took them to successive European Cups in 1964 and 1965 against Real Madrid and Benfica. Alessandro Mazzola got two in their first Final. Brazilian winger Jair got the only but decisive goal against the Portuguese. A memorable hat-trick was well and truly ‘scotched’ by Glasgow Celtic, Jock Stein’s team coming from behind in 1967 to earn the title the Lisbon Lions.

Four of Inter’s veterans were to get a fourth shot in 1972, but again they were to fail at the last hurdle – Johan Cruyff’s double strike ending their hopes in Rotterdam. Ajax won that and repeated the feat the following season as Juventus made their first appearance in a major European Final. This was doubly sweet revenge for the Dutchmen who’d gone down 4-1 to Milan in the 1969 shoot-out in Madrid. Pierino Prati’s hat-trick sealed it for the Rossoneri who’d beaten the holders, Matt Busby’s Man Utd, in the semis.

With Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest dominating the 70s and early 80s, Italy had to wait until 1985 for their next winning performance. Juventus went down disappointingly to Hamburg in 1983 and Roma choked on penalties in front of their own fans – and Bruce Grobbelaar’s eccentric but effective goalkeeping – the following season.

The brilliant Frenchman Michel Platini was Giovanni Trapattoni’s ace as Juve reached the 1985 Final. His seventh goal of the tournament from the penalty spot clinched the Bianconeri’s first European Cup. But it was a hollow victory marred by the deaths of 39 Juve fans, crushed by a falling wall during the most violent scenes ever witnessed at a match.

Italian football took nearly four years to recover from the Heysel Stadium disaster. Then the limitless millions of Silvio Berlusconi brought a new golden age for Milan. Inspired by Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Marco Van Basten they carried all before them in Serie A and Europe. The three Dutch musketeers scored all the goals in successive victories over Steaua Bucharest and Benfica. The 4-0 win over the Romanians in 1989 was possibly the most comprehensive ever seen in a Champions’ Cup Final.

Arrigo Sacchi’s second victory a year later in Vienna against a Portuguese side coached by Sven Goran Eriksson ensured him and his team a place forever in the hearts of the Milan tifosi. The nucleus of that same side surprisingly failed to make it a hat-trick of wins though when they lost to Basil Boli’s Marseille goal in 1993. But with Mauro Tassotti and Maldini still in harness, they inscribed their names on the trophy again in 1994. Barcelona, who’d beaten Vujadin Boskov’s Sampdoria - containing Roberto Mancini, Gianluca Vialli and Attilio Lombardo - thanks to Ronald Koeman’s extra-time free-kick at Wembley in 1992, had nowhere to turn this time.

Johann Cruyff couldn’t pull off his traditional magic from the bench. But his old side, Ajax, did in 1995 to continue Capello’s roller-coaster reputation in the competition. An emerging Patrick Kluivert got the only goal in Vienna to disappoint the amazing Maldini on his fifth appearance in the Final.

If the Milan run was over for a time, then Juve’s was just starting. Because of the events at Heysel eleven years earlier, many fans regard 1996 as their first true Champions’ Cup victory. But even then there was a touch of controversy, the match going into extra time before Marcello Lippi’s side won 4-2 on penalties. Angelo Peruzzi was the goalkeeping hero. But he couldn’t keep out Borussia Dortmund in the next year’s Final nor Real Madrid the following season. And there was similar heartbreak for another Juve goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, in 2003.

Can those who represent Italy in this year’s showpiece earn more glory but – more importantly – become only the eleventh Serie A side to lift that splendid piece of silverware?

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/clhistory.html

------------------------------------------------------------

Winners

9 Real Madrid (Spa)
6 Milan (Ita)
4 Ajax (Holl), Bayern Mun (Ger), Liverpool (Eng)
2 Benfica (Por), Inter (Ita), Manchester Utd (Eng), Nottingham Forest (Eng), Juventus (Ita), Porto (Por)
1 Celtic (Sco), Feyenoord (Hol), Aston Villa (Eng), Hamburg (Ger), Steaua Bucarest (Rom), PSV Eindhoven (Hol), Red Star (Yug), Barcelona (Spa), O.Marseille (Fra), B.Dortmund (Ger)

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/eurocup.html

Inzaghi: We’re ready for victory
24.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Pippo Inzaghi is showing Liverpool plenty of respect but still believes his Milan side will win the Champions’ League.

"We should fear the English outfit because of the football that Rafa Benitez’s teams play," stated the Italian.

"They also eliminated such clubs as Juventus and Chelsea on the way, sides who were tipped to lift the trophy.

"But I am convinced that we can beat them. We are well prepared for anything in Istanbul."

The Rossoneri arrived in the Turkish capital this evening ahead of Wednesday’s eagerly anticipated European Cup Final.

"We are ready and at 100 per cent," added the striker. "We are not cooked and are concentrated on the game.

"I have to say that we have done some good work in the last few weeks in order to be at our best to face Liverpool.

"This is a very special and important game for us. I can guarantee that we will all give our all."

Inzaghi isn’t set to start the game though, seeing as Argentine international Hernan Crespo is likely to partner Andriy Shevchenko in attack.

Meanwhile, Milan fans who haven’t travelled for the game will be able to see the match on a large screen in the city’s Piazza Duomo.

The San Siro giants, who lost the League title to Juventus on Friday, are looking for their seventh European Cup victory.

Shevchenko was Rush fan
24.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan ace Andriy Shevchenko has revealed that he was a massive fan of Liverpool legend Ian Rush.

The European Footballer of the Year made the statement just days before the two clubs meet in the Champions’ League Final.

"Rush was a terrific striker, one of the best of his time, and I'll never forget receiving a pair of boots from him at a youth tournament in Wales," he told the Liverpool website.

"I must have been about 14 at the time and used to love those boots. I was a big admirer of Rush."

The former Wales international is one of the club’s greatest ever strikers, even if he flopped miserably during a one-year stint in Italy with Juventus.

Milan will start as favourites to win the European Cup on Wednesday but Shev expects a real battle in Istanbul.

"The fact that Liverpool have reached the Final means they have deserved it," continued the Ukrainian.

"We will not be underestimating them and must be very careful. It is obvious to me they are a very good team.

"I used to watch Liverpool's matches as a boy on television and I continue to do so now," added the 28-year-old.

"I watch a lot of Premiership football with my Milan teammates. We are all very interested in the English game."

Kaka ready for ‘game of life’
23.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan’s Kaka says Wednesday’s Champions’ League Final against Liverpool will be the most important game of his life.

The attacking midfielder won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 but insists this week’s European Cup tie will be the most prestigious clash of his career so far.

"This is different to the World Cup because I wasn’t a protagonist for Brazil, while I will be playing this time," said the South American.

"Winning the Champions’ League is one of the motives why I have come to Milan. The Liverpool match is the most important of my life.

"It is the first Final that I will play in and I obviously want to do well. It would be marvellous to win."

Much of the squad has tasted success in the past though after winning the 2003 tournament when they beat Juventus on penalties.

"A lot of them talk about that game and what it means to lift the trophy," continued the South American.

"Some of us were not there and all of these stories are making us even hungrier to win the game."

Many pundits would argue that Kaka hasn’t been as influential as he was last season but the player insists he has nothing to prove.

"This isn’t the game in which I must strike back," he argued. "In fact, if we win the Cup then this will be a better season than the last one for me."

Milan will need to win on Wednesday or risk ending the campaign with no silverware after Juve lifted the Scudetto on Friday.

"We fought until the very end and have reached the Champions’ League Final," continued the former Sao Paolo starlet.

"We’ve had a good season even if it would be ideal to end it with the trophy."

Cafu dreams of Champions' glory
22.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

The only one missing from Marcos Cafu's CV is the Champions' League, while Hernan Crespo battles Pippo Inzaghi for a starting spot in Istanbul.

“This is a trophy that I have always dreamed of winning and the only one that I have yet to lift,” said the Brazilian defender.

“Ever since I won the Intercontinental Cup with Sao Paolo against Milan 13 years ago I have wondered what it would be like to challenge for the European title. We won that game 3-2 in Tokyo and it remained in my mind. Now I’ll finally have the chance to find out.”

Cafu was still at Roma when Milan were last in the Final, having beaten Juventus on penalties in 2003, so this will be his first Champions’ League showdown.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti claimed earlier this week that he has already decided the starting eleven that will face Liverpool, but newspapers in Italy maintain there is some element of doubt.

The main question surrounds who will partner Andriy Shevchenko, as Pippo Inzaghi and Hernan Crespo are battling for one place.

The fact that Crespo played for almost all of the 3-3 draw with Palermo on Friday suggests that he will not be in the starting line-up, but his impressive performance in that tie could push Ancelotti into a rethink.

Serginho bagged a brace against Palermo and has also been on fine form recently, so the Brazilian could come in as a substitute to unleash his pace on Liverpool.

The Milan squad will leave Malpensa airport at 4pm on Monday to arrive in Istanbul at 7.30pm local time.

AC Milan reveal Gerrard interest
22.5 || webmaster

Source: BBC Sport

AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti would be interested in signing Steven Gerrard - if the 24-year-old Liverpool captain decides to leave Anfield this summer.

The two teams meet in the Champions League final on Wednesday and Ancelotti told the Sunday Express newspaper: "Steven Gerrard is a great player.

"Right now he is a Liverpool player and I am not going to upset Liverpool by talking any more about him.

"But it will be different if he decides in the summer that he wants to leave."

Ancelotti added: "He is undoubtedly one of the best midfield players in the world.

"Of course, any top club would want him in their side. I like him very much - he is a wonderful player."

The midfielder recently hinted that he might stay at Anfield and is set to discuss his future with chief executive Rick Parry in the summer.

But Gerrard has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Liverpool - and there has been continued speculation that he will sign for Chelsea.

Ancelotti focused on Liverpool
21.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Carlo Ancelotti and his men are already looking ahead to the Champions’ League Final and analysing how to approach Liverpool.

The 3-3 draw at the San Siro this evening handed Juventus the Scudetto, though the Coach was livid after a debatable penalty let the Sicilians back into the game.

“We deserved to win tonight. That penalty didn’t exist and it changed the whole face of the game. The team played well, especially in the first half, but that spot-kick was frankly laughable. Seeing the replay, I have to stifle a giggle.”

Lamberto Zauli let himself fall under the slightest contact from Christian Abbiati and Luca Toni converted the resulting penalty. Nonetheless, Milan were fielding an experimental squad.

“I thought this the most logical solution with the Champions’ League Final just days away,” said Ancelotti. “Everyone wants to play and win, though only 11 will start and others can give their contribution in different ways.”

Their attention was already focused on Liverpool and the Milan boss analysed what he believes Rafa Benitez will unveil in Istanbul.

“I think Liverpool will play with one upfront, though I’m not sure if it’ll be Milan Baros or Djibril Cisse, and repeat the tactics they imposed on Juventus and Chelsea. That is what they do best. They’ll leave the initiative to us and we must have patience in breaking them down, doing what in part we managed in the first half tonight.”

Hernan Crespo had a message for the Bianconeri, though he was not happy with the refereeing in the 3-3 draw with Palermo.

“Juventus deserve praise for winning the Scudetto and we really lost out with that direct confrontation,” said the Argentine. “As for tonight’s game, I’d really like to see that penalty incident again and the one that wasn’t awarded in my favour earlier on.”

The fact that Crespo played for most of this encounter does suggest that it will be Pippo Inzaghi who partners Andriy Shevchenko in Istanbul on Wednesday.

“That is not a question for me,” shrugged the Argentine. “All I know is that I feel good and I want to reap what we’ve all sowed so far this season. Everyone wants to play a Champions’ League Final and we’ll see what the Coach decides.”

For the first time, the Serie A trophy will be presented to Juventus on the field in the Premiership style and will be handed over by Lega Calcio President – and Milan Vice-President – Adriano Galliani.

Vikash Dhorasoo was given a rare start and impressed in midfield, but thought the experimental nature of the side damaged them in the end.

“We played very well in the first half, but those of us who aren’t used to this spotlight tried to do a bit too much and paid the price for that with tiredness towards the end,” said the ex-Lyon star.

Palermo qualify for the UEFA Cup with this surprise result and Coach Francesco Guidolin concedes it was a fortunate late comeback.

“I think that Palermo have been struggling to find their quality for some time. This is partly due to tiredness and seeing the finish line in sight is taking something away from our focus. After the first half I was afraid of being really hammered. We were unable to control Rui Costa and Dhorasoo in the first half, but reshuffled our tactics and balanced out the situation.”

AC Milan 3:3 Palermo - match report
21.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Scorers: Serginho 7, 16 (M), Costacurta og 8 (P), Tomasson 32 (M), Toni pen 76 (P), Barone 79 (P)

Milan threw away a two-goal lead in the space of three minutes to hand Juventus their 28th Scudetto title.

The Rossoneri had already given up on the title, knowing that Juventus needed two points from their final two games to seal the title, and fielded an experimental squad ahead of the Champions' League Final against Liverpool. Failure to beat Palermo would automatically crown Juve the Champions of Italy.

The defence included 18-year-old youth team player Lino Marzoratti partnering Billy Costacurta - two decades his senior - while Hernan Crespo was alongside Jon Dahl Tomasson upfront. This represented a major clue as to the side Carlo Ancelotti will play in Istanbul - which at this rate should include Pippo Inzaghi from the start.

Milan had their first shot on goal after six minutes. Tomasson's wayward strike fell into the path of Crespo, whose angled drive was well smothered by an attentive Matteo Guardalben.

The deadlock was broken moments later at the end of a chaotic move. Tomasson and Crespo had their efforts charged down, but Palermo could do nothing on Serginho's final touch from two yards.

It didn't last long, as sixty seconds after that Palermo equalised with a dreadful defensive error. Alessandro Costacurta accidentally nodded Luca Toni's headed pass over his own goalkeeper and into an empty net, as Christian Abbiati was caught wrong-footed.

Tomasson was stopped by the offside flag after some good work by Vikash Dhorasoo, then Crespo's penalty appeals were waved away when he tripped over Cristian Zaccardo's challenge.

Sergino restored Milan's lead after 16 minutes of an entertaining game. Crespo deserved much of the credit for the goal, as his backheel exchanged passes with the Brazilian for a final chip over the 'keeper. It was Serginho's first ever Serie A brace.

Dhorasoo, Crespo and Christian Brocchi combined at pace and tore the Palermo defence apart before a sliding challenge cut the move short. Manuel Rui Costa's drive from distance then swerved over the bar.

The Rosanero were dangerous on 26 minutes when Zaccardo's header on a corner kick took a deflection off Dario Simic, but Abbiati was able to capture the loose ball.

Guardalben got Brocchi's snapshot under control, but he was left stranded by Tomasson's volley that he hit into the ground so that it bounced over the goalkeeper.

Mario Alberto Santana's volleyed cross failed to reach his teammate Luca Toni, but at the other end of the pitch Guardalben fumbled a Serginho cross and his defenders managed to scramble clear.

Abbiati did well to palm an accurate Toni header out of the bottom corner of the net, then soon after Simone Barone's half-volley was over the bar as the Sicilians fought back towards the break.

Tomasson failed to get his cross in to a totally unmarked Dhorasoo in the centre on a classic counter-attack, but on the stroke of half-time Brocchi's low drive thumped the base of the upright with Guardalben beaten.

Another deflected Barone effort glanced just wide of the post, then Gonzalez clipped the bar with a looping lob from distance. If the ball had gone in, it might not have counted, as referee Daniele Tombolini was already whistling for half-time.

After the break, Toni's header glanced wide of the upright, then Fabio Grosso's touched-on free kick skimmed the frame of the goal.

Pippo Inzaghi replaced Crespo for the final 25 minutes in a bid to improve his match fitness, as the Italian is now almost certain to start the Champions' League Final against Liverpool.

A flicked Toni header with his back to goal was not far off the target, though the tempo had dipped considerably in this second half.

Tomasson charged forward on the counter-attack and dribbled past one opponent before drilling his finish over the bar.

Abbiati did well to pluck Barone's long-range strike out of the air, then Dario Simic cut off Lamberto Zauli as he was preparing to pull the trigger just inside the box.

Milan gave another Serie A debut to Romano Perticone, replacing his youth team colleague Marzoratti.

Serginho's chance at a hat-trick went begging with an angled drive comfortably saved after 'Concorde' had sprinted down the left flank.

The referee pointed to the spot on 75 minutes when Zauli took advantage of a lucky deflection off Dhorasoo and fell under Abbiati's challenge, though contact appeared to be minimal at best and it was an extremely debatable decision. Toni stepped up to convert, though it had to be taken again for encroachment. The Palermo striker changed the angle and buried his second attempt as well to make it 3-2.

Three minutes later, the Sicilians had completed their comeback to equalise at the San Siro. Simone Barone battled past Giuseppe Pancaro and Billy Costacurta to slam a left-foot strike between Abbiati and the near post.

This 3-3 result automatically hands the Scudetto to Juventus, who can celebrate the title from the comfort of their sofas, regardless of their performance away to Livorno on Sunday.

Milan: Abbiati; Marzoratti (Perticone 72), Simic, Costacurta, Pancaro; Brocchi, Rui Costa, Dhorasoo; Serginho; Crespo (Inzaghi 64), Tomasson

Palermo: Guardalben; Zaccardo, Terlizzi (Ferri 70), Barzagli; Santana, Corini (Mutarelli 58), Barone, Grosso; Gonzalez, Zauli (Morrone 87); Toni

Ref: Tombolini

I’ve chosen Final XI, reveals Ancelotti
20.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has already decided on his starting line-up for the Champions’ League Final against Liverpool.

The Rossoneri face the Premiership giants in Turkey on Wednesday and the tactician has no selection doubts ahead of the tie.

"I’ve already decided who will play in Istanbul," he said. "I just need to evaluate the condition of certain players who haven’t featured too regularly recently.

"But I have no doubts. The side has already been drawn up and I’ll speak again about it on Tuesday."

However, the reigning Italian champions will firstly have to face Palermo on Friday night in an attempt to keep their slim title hopes alive.

"We want to beat Palermo as we want to end this Championship well," added Ancelotti, whose side would hand the Scudetto to Juve if they fail to win tomorrow night.

"We know it won’t be easy as Palermo are fighting for a UEFA Cup spot and (Week 38 opponents) Udinese are going for the Champions’ League."

Ancelotti is expected to field a second-string side at the San Siro against the Rosaneri, but he has brushed aside claims that his players are tired.

"I don’t see a tired Milan side," he underlined. "We have suffered psychologically but not with tiredness.

"The game against Juventus was well balanced. The gap in the table is made up from the two games between us. We picked up one point, while they collected four."

Ancelotti also confirmed that Pippo Inzaghi, who has had an injury plagued campaign, will feature against Palermo.

"He did well in the half an hour against Juve and then against Lecce," he stated. "He’ll play at least 45 minutes on Friday."

Milan probable for Champions’ League Final: Dida; Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Maldini; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kaka; Shevchenko, Crespo

Gerrard issues warning to AC Milan
20.5 || webmaster

Source: Stuff.co.nz

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has warned AC Milan not to expect a walkover in next week's Champions League soccer final.

Gerrard admits the Italians are favourites, but says Liverpool's poor premier league form is no guide to their ability in Europe.

"We have always been the underdogs and we will be the underdogs on the 25th in Istanbul," Gerrard said.

"Everyone thinks Milan will just have to turn up to beat us.

"But they will be in for a real big fight. We are up for it and we are confident that we will be able to surprise everyone again."

"AC Milan won the trophy a couple of years ago and know what to expect, but we have done well in Europe beating Juventus and Chelsea and we are confident that we can get the right result in Istanbul."

Gerrard said they respected Milan but had no fear. "We have watched the tapes of them and we know they are beatable," he said.

"PSV played very well in the two semifinal legs, but I don't think we saw the real Milan in that game.

"We have seen their two games with Manchester United, so we know they are a fantastic side and have world-class players all through their team.

"But we have world-class players and have played really well in Europe and I am sure all our boys are hungry and desperate to win it."

Gerrard believes winning the trophy should mean Liverpool earn a place in next season's competition despite failing to secure a qualifying spot through the English league.

"We are obviously not happy with our league form and finished outside the top four," he said.

"So we need to win in Turkey and put pressure on people in UEFA to allow us back into the tournament next season."

Gerrard said Liverpool's players had feared they would not survive past their final group game against Olympiakos at Anfield in December when the England midfielder scored a crucial third goal.

"We have been huge underdogs in this run and the Chelsea games were both amazing atmospheres," he said.

"But you would have to go a long way to beat the Olympiakos night when we had to score three times in the second half to get through."

Final is ‘only’ a game, says Shev
19.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Andriy Shevchenko says Milan must treat the Champions’ League Final against Liverpool like just any other game.

The two teams clash in Istanbul on May 25 and the European Footballer of the Year believes he has the recipe for success.

"The most important thing is to remain calm and serene in the days leading up to the match," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The European Cup Final obviously creates pressure as it is the most important game in the European football calendar.

"But it is important to also remember that it is ‘only’ a game and you have more of a chance of winning if you don’t forget that."

The Rossoneri will go into the encounter as favourites, a fact that the Ukrainian striker undoubtedly agrees with after their 2003 success.

"This experience is different to the Manchester one when we beat Juventus," continued Shevchenko, who netted the winning penalty in that Old Trafford shoot-out.

"That was the first Final for many of us and there was a different approach going into that particular tie.

"We are more accustomed to these situations now, especially as we have won a lot between Manchester and Istanbul."

However, Milan have looked shaky in recent weeks after seemingly losing the Scudetto to Juventus.

"Our recent dip is only normal," he noted. "We are now regenerating ourselves and we will be at 100 percent against Liverpool."

Milan suffer Ambrosini loss
19.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini has been ruled out of the Champions’ League Final against Liverpool.

The Rossoneri confirmed the news today after the Italian picked up an injury in the 2-2 draw with Lecce at the weekend.

Ambrosini has pulled a thigh muscle in his left leg, an injury that has basically ended his season.

"The extent of the injury means that his full recovery in time for the Istanbul Final is very difficult," the club wrote on their website.

Although the Azzurri player hasn’t been a first team regular this season, he is a major reason why Milan have reached the European Cup Final.

Ambrosini netted the crucial away goal in the semi-final 3-1 loss at PSV, which allowed the side to progress on the away goal rule.

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is now likely to field Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo in midfield against the Premiership side on May 25.

Milan will swoop for Oddo
18.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Lazio defender Massimo Oddo will be added to the Milan squad at the end of the current campaign.

The Rossoneri have been looking for a new right-back and the Italian international will reportedly make the move north.

The San Siro outfit are looking for a quality alternative to Marcos Cafu and they’ve opted for Oddo - despite also tracking Reggina’s Giandomenico Mesto, Marco Cassetti of Lecce and Parma’s Daniele Bonera.

The Biancocelesti are ready to sell the former Verona player, who was also being monitored by Inter and Juventus, for as little as £3.5m.

Oddo was actually spotted in Milan on May 9, when he was in the ‘Moscova’ area of the city, which is close to the club’s headquarters.

Oddo, who is a penalty expert, is in favour of the switch given that he is a massive fan of the club.

The full-back is also familiar with his proposed new surroundings as he started his career as a youngster at Milan, spending two years there before his 1995 switch to Fiorenzuola.

Milan have also seemingly already looked to strengthen their left-back options for the new campaign.

They are understood to have agreed to sign Udinese’s Marek Jankulovksi in the summer, even if no official announcement has been made.

Ancelotti: We'll be ready for Reds
18.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan have been looking tired of late and struggled to reach Istanbul, but Carlo Ancelotti believes they’ll be on top form to face Liverpool.

“We have had problems recently, but have another week to prepare for the Champions’ League Final and we’ll be 100 per cent ready in Istanbul,” said the Coach. “We have all the time we need to rest a few of our more tired players and work on our fitness levels.”

Massimo Ambrosini looks certain to miss the Final on May 25 after suffering a thigh strain, while it’s likely Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Andriy Shevchenko and Gennaro Gattuso will be rested against Palermo this Friday evening. If Milan fail to win that game, Juventus will mathematically celebrate the Scudetto.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm within the squad and we are looking forward to playing against Liverpool,” continued Ancelotti. “That’s an important aspect of preparing for such a delicate encounter. After all, we’re competing in our second Champions’ League Final in three years – most clubs only dream of achieving that.”

The Rossoneri lifted the trophy – their sixth – during the last Final at Old Trafford when Juventus were eventually dispatched on penalties, but the atmosphere now is very different.

“In 2003 this team was going into its first real Final and was ready to begin a new era. We’ve got a lot of experience under our belts now and Istanbul represents a step on our ladder.”

That match was bemoaned by many for its lack of spectacle, but Ancelotti warns that Liverpool’s defensive approach could mean another tight game.

“The Final with Juventus was an ugly one dominated by tactics and I fear this could be on the same lines,” said the Coach. “If it went to a penalty shoot-out I really wouldn’t be surprised.”

Rafa Benitez has performed a minor miracle to get Liverpool into the Final and his tactical nous enabled them to push past the favourites Juventus and Chelsea, so they clearly relish the underdog role.

“I think Benitez has done brilliantly to get Liverpool to the Champions’ League Final in his first year at the club. Seeing how his tactics have worked so far this season, I really admire his work. He is a defensive Coach, but that’s not a defect, as defence is part of the game. However, I doubt Liverpool will be all out to defend, as they attacked Juve at Anfield and are very organised.”

When asked to pinpoint a danger man in the Reds line-up, Ancelotti had several options open to him.

“Steven Gerrard is one of the best midfielders in the world and Liverpool’s performances usually depend on him. Milan Baros is quick and smart, while Djibril Cisse is stronger. It won’t make much difference which one of these two strikers plays.”

There has been much debate over Liverpool’s future in the competition, as even if they win the trophy they may not be allowed to defend their title.

“I think a team that wins should have the right to defend it, but we may just do the English FA a favour and solve their problem,” smiled Ancelotti.

Konan pays for Kaka challenge
18.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Lecce star Axel Konan has been given a three-match ban for a horrific challenge on Kaka, while in Serie B Perugia’s Jamal Alioui is suspended for eight games.

Konan was shown a straight red card for his very high tackle on Kaka during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Milan and the Disciplinary Commission imposed a heavy penalty.

“The Lecce player struck his opponent’s knee with violence and with his studs raised,” explained the report. “The challenge came after Kaka had already passed the ball, so it was not consistent with the move.” Kaka will not play in Serie A again this season and will miss the first match of the next campaign.

In Serie B, the Disciplinary Commission has come down hard on those involved in the unsightly brawl that concluded Friday’s match at the Stadio Bentegodi. Perugia ran out 2-1 winners, but the game was marred by repeated racist insults from the Hellas Verona supporters.

A fight broke out and Perugia defender Jamal Alioui punched several players, earning him an eight-match ban, while Verona goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan has been suspended for three games for his part in the scuffle.

Verona will also pay the price for their fans’ behaviour, as they will have to play their next home game behind closed doors. It isn’t the first time Hellas supporters have been caught chanting racist insults and the Disciplinary Commission report noted that “there was no attempt to disassociate themselves from their behaviour.”

Thirteen Serie A players have been suspended for the Week 37 games. They are Dainelli (Fiorentina), Caracciolo (Brescia), Del Nero (Brescia), Agostini (Cagliari), Conti (Cagliari), Dacourt (Roma), Panucci (Roma), Alberto (Siena), Meghni (Bologna), Mihajlovic (Inter), Motta (Atalanta), Muntari (Udinese) and Pizarro (Udinese).

Cisse not expecting Milan start
17.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Djibril Cisse says he is not expecting to start the Champions’ League Final against Milan next week, despite scoring twice for Liverpool on Sunday.

The fit-again France international replaced an out-of-touch Milan Baros in the starting XI against Aston Villa and seized his chan