UCL Final - Milan vs. Liverpool... Athens, May 23rd

under the hardest circumstances:
Italy is unarguably the best in the world & AC Milan is the best in Europe

Actually bouncing back from our shocking start to the season to win the most prestigious trophy of all is incredible and it shows how much tradition and greatness the rossoneri hold. Milan are always capable of reaching the top while going through difficulties. Our squad might not be the best and the side clearly needs strengthening, however, we were still able to lift the trophy. Watching our living legend Paolo Maldini lift the trophy two years after all thought he has played his last final was unbelievable. Now it's time to bring back the Scudetto next season.

Originally Posted by Graeme C

does anyone know what the music is played when Maldini lifts the trophie?

Think it was 'Feeling the moment' by Feeder

lol Kaka1899 I never thought of that.

true tho isnt it

Originally Posted by Kaka1899

Carletto has promised to give up smoking to his kids if we won the CL this year!

He should get an endorsement contract with Nicorette.

In fact, wasn't it earlier this season that he was busted for smoking during a Serie A match?

Well, finally got a few mins to write some thoughts on the match (just about calm enough now ).

Firstly, credit to Liverpool for a very hard fought match. I didn't like some aspects of their play, but it was up to us to do what we have to. I want to especially pay respect to Benitez and Carragher, as they acted with great class after the match and really were a source of pride for 'Pool.

For the match, it was pretty similar to what I expected. Overall, Benitez set things up well. They played a tough midfield pair in the centre to halt Kaka and Seedorf. Two widemen were there to attempt to attack our fullbacks (a weakness in our side) and Gerrard further up, most importantly pressing Rino, Pirlo and Ambro as well as supporting Kuyt. What I didn't like was Liverpool were fouling far too much (27 fouls in 1 match), and got far too much leniancy in that respect (Alonso I can't believe didn't get booked). This effectively killed the flow of the match really getting going, and stopped us from actually being able to go forward with any continuity.

Our tactical setup for me was a bit of a surprise. I think Benitez can't have expected us to have been as slow as we were at the start, especially as most probably expected us to try and go all out. Instead, we did get pushed back, but also played the classic Italian style, giving no quarters and being opportunistic. This was a VERY smart move, as Liverpool never created more than half chances for all the dominance (I felt we had control of the game, even if not dominating). As the game wore on, we got through it with more ease as playing the way we did, the heat and humidity didn't affect us as much as Liverpool who were clearly fatigued during the second half. At the end, only Gerrard's chance was a clear cut chance they created in the match.

The first half was a nervy affair, neither side commiting too much though Liverpool pushing harder. However all that dominance came to very little, and our defence held tight on the whole with only a couple of half chances given.

The second half we got much more into the match, physically looking sharper and passing the ball with more ease, and thus controlling the game. We probably could have done better on the counter at times, but overall we were solid. Mascherano going off was a big factor for Kaka, as soon after he setup Pippo's second.

The referee had a tough match, trying at times to let the game flow but other times calling for fouls a little easily. It was very strange and then of course there were a couple of strange decisions, the most glaring to Milan fans being Kaka's offside.

The goals weren't the best, but a couple of interesting things to note. Pippo's goal seems extremely lucky at first, but then second thought makes me wonder. We have seen Pippo do this at least once or twice in the past with Pirlo (Pippo himself has given Empoli as an example). Also, looking at how Pirlo hits the ball and the direction, it seems a very odd decision for a freekick in that position. Of course, the way it hits Pippo and goes in is about luck, but I do wonder what the intent of the freekick was. The second Pippo goal was typical SuperPippo, right place, right time, break offside and Kaka threads through. Kuyt's goal was when Liverpool were desperate, but was actually offside.

Players...

Dida - Solid, great with Gerrard's chance.
Janku - Poor on the whole, seemed overwhelmed.
Oddo - Very solid on the whole, not bad though all crosses went to Reina
Nesta - Sandro Magno for sure
Maldini - a few minor mistakes, but looked assured on the whole
Rino - Not his best, but important dirty work was done
Ambro - Similar to Rino, his presence was important
Pirlo - nothing spectacular, but is involved in all good moves
Seedorf - Not as good as compared to other recent games
Kaka - Not his best, but he was key to both goals, says it all.
Pippo - SuperPippo!!!!

The subs were smart by Carlo, Kala's heading ability was useful against Crouch, Favalli wasted time and Gila held the ball well, causing the Liverpool defence trouble.

Carlo deserves credit for what he's achieved. He has been instrumental to our turnaround this season

FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

only disagree with a couple of things 1983

Kuyt was played onside when the ball went off Maldini's head

Pennant & Gerrard had very clear chances - they just finished (or didn't) weakly. Had either of them put any more on their shot, any comments about handling our attacks would have gone straight out the window and been replaced with 'it was only a matter of time as Liverpool kept pressing'. I'll agree the others were only half chances but on another day one of Riise, Alonso's or Gerrard's shots would've been unstoppable and on target - they do it quite a bit so it wouldn't be chance.

>>but I do wonder what the intent of the freekick was

I think he said they've practised this and he scored a similar goal in your derby
just not off his arm

Originally Posted by rome1977

Congratulations Milan.

Well done on number 7.

At such a high level, it's the small details that make all the difference. And despite us bossing the first half (I did warn you beforehand about how good Pennant can be), that late goal one minute before the break, turned the match.

I thought we had enough chances. But it was not to be.

Congratulations. Have a great night and don't get too drunk. I'll raise my tin of Guinness here to your good health.

Thanks rome1977!! Respect to you and all Pool fans!

I thought we played a terrible first half, and improved marginally for the second, but ultimately, I dont care...WE WON!!!

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!! WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!

I got very drunk last nite, and I am here at work with a killer hangover...but such is life!! WE WON!! I always thought we were better than Liverpool, and it was good to see our resilience as they put us under pressure.

The goals by Pippo, were vintage Inzaghi....

I went to a sports bar to tease some of my friends, and a group of Englishmen, not all Liverpool fans, were sooooooo bitter...they called Maldini gay, Pippo a W***er, and Milan cheats...

I just smiled and said, hey, look who is lifting the trophy! I bought them some drinks, and ignored them and their ranting for the remainder of the night.

I believe a lot of englishmen may be harbouring similar sentiments...but I could care less...we won...we won, we won....

"Do you hate me now?..cause I wont stop now!"

The story goes on.... Now the target is the 2 stars on the jersey, and 2 more CL's....

Originally Posted by Milancelotti

Think it was 'Feeling the moment' by Feeder

lol Kaka1899 I never thought of that.

thanks now thats my myspace profile song lol

Funny thing.. We won on the 23rd with ambrosini playing 23

And my lucky number is 23

now time for the scuedetto!!!!

Anyone know if Oddo found his medal? Probably turn up on eBay soon ...

Originally Posted by NAMMY

Anyone know if Oddo found his medal? Probably turn up on eBay soon ...

even if he didn't I am sure they would make him a new one
I am more concerned about when exactly the first one would turn up on eBay

Speak of the devil ...

Originally Posted by NAMMY

Speak of the devil ...

these seem to be replicas/souvenirs (gold plated vs solid gold of the originals) so it can't Oddo's meadl ... you can't fool me NAMMY

btw, one of the medals even says Liverpool vs AC Milan ... when Milan was the home team on both occasions that two clubs met :

this one

it's not good enough even for a replica