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Meet the players – Milan
With so much European experience in the Milan squad, James Sugrue of Calcio Italia magazine takes a look at the 18 players likely to be gunning for glory in Athens
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GOALKEEPERS:
Nelson Dida – The Brazilian international has come in for heavy criticism after some erratic performances this season, but seems to have settled down since renewing his contract and is one of the best penalty stoppers in the world.
Zeljko Kalac – Prone to the occasional blunder, Kalac’s immense size nonetheless makes him a dominating presence. However, the Australian is unlikely to play a part in the Final unless first choice Dida picks up an injury.
DEFENDERS:
Massimo Oddo – The Italy international has slotted into the Rossoneri line-up excellently after his January move from Lazio and has become a key figure on the right side, where he both breaks up attacks and pours forward to take up the winger’s position.
Alessandro Nesta – After a lengthy spell out with a shoulder injury, Nesta seems to back at his best since making a quick return to form. His pace and precision make him an excellent last line of defence.
Paolo Maldini – At the age of 38, Maldini will equal the record of appearing in eight Finals if he recovers from the knee problem that has plagued his season. The Rossoneri captain’s experience and ability to read the game could be the key to a Milan victory.
Marek Jankulovski – The flying full-back has been a revelation since being switched into defence by Coach Carlo Ancelotti. Although there are still question marks over his defensive quality, the Czech international’s limitless stamina gives Milan a good balance on the left side.
Marcos Cafu – A World Cup winning captain with Brazil, Cafu has a habit of dominating his flank both in defence and attack. Used mainly as a substitute this term, 'Il Pendolino' – the express train – can still give a tiring opposition plenty to worry about.
Kakha Kaladze – The Georgian is expected to step in if Maldini fails to recover his fitness in time, but the Georgian is an experienced professional and is unlikely to be fazed if he is thrown into the action, especially as a substitute when he could add extra pace to the back-line.
MIDFIELDERS:
Gennaro Gattuso – The heart of the Milan engine, Gattuso’s drive and passion gives them a real edge in midfield. His ability to break up opposition attacks is invaluable and he has a habit of inspiring confidence and extra motivation in his teammates.
Andrea Pirlo – The 28-year-old has earned a reputation as one of the world’s greatest playmakers for both club and country. Pirlo has not been at his best this season, but can still carve a defence apart with his creativity and is as deadly as ever from set-pieces.
Massimo Ambrosini – A steady if unspectacular midfielder, Ambrosini has forced his way back into the first team after creating a niche for himself as Milan’s Mr Reliable. After missing the 2005 Final through injury, he will be eager to make up for lost time.
Clarence Seedorf – The Dutch international already holds the record for winning the Champions League with three different clubs and has been a leading figure in the Diavoli’s run to the Final after a revival this year. His pace and power can be a threat from his advanced midfield role.
Kaka – The Brazilian has been the star of the Rossoneri’s Champions League campaign so far. The competition’s top scorer with 10 goals, Kaka is a constant threat with his purposeful runs, eye for goal and creative vision – meaning he will be the centre of attention in Athens.
Cristian Brocchi – Although mainly used as a back-up, injuries to the likes of Gattuso and Pirlo have seen Brocchi play a bigger role for Milan this season. The versatile midfielder, who has also played as an emergency full-back, could add more bite to the team if brought on.
Yoann Gourcuff – The young Frenchman hasn’t secured a place in the starting line-up since arriving last summer, but Gourcuff’s pace and energy can make him very potent as a late substitute and he will be something of an unknown quantity for Liverpool.
STRIKERS:
Filippo Inzaghi – The veteran striker hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons, but his positional sense and knack of finding the net from the merest of half-chances means he is expected to just about edge Gilardino for the starting berth.
Alberto Gilardino – Could play a big role, even if Ancelotti opts for Inzaghi in the lone-striker’s role from the start. His strength and pace offers a very different alternative in attack and are qualities that Daniel Agger has struggled with in previous rounds.
Ricardo Oliveira – The Brazilian has failed to meet expectations in his first season with the Rossoneri, but has had a lot of problems to contend with off the pitch. Oliveira is unlikely to feature unless Inzaghi or Gilardino are injured, or Milan get desperate for a late equaliser.
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