With the Calciopoli and talismanic forward Adriy Shevchenko’s departure, the Rossoneri were always going to have a grueling season ahead of them; unable to attract talented players to reinforce an ageing team. Their pre-season preparations were hampered by the Azzurri’s World Cup success and their need to qualify to the Champions League group stage via the qualifying rounds.
After a composed start, they found themselves doing relatively well in Serie A and in arguably the easiest group in the Champions League. But then, the inevitable had to happen – players ran out of steam and the injury list grew. Moral had taken quite a beating after losing to mediocre Serie A sides. Proceedings hit an all-time low when their safe place, the Champions League, eluded them – losing their last two games in the group stage. It was evident the team needed a break.
Malta couldn’t have come at a better time for the whole team - Ancelotti inclusive. It was back to the drawing boards for the tactician who revealed his plans for the second half of the season. He mentioned a return to his 4-4-1-1 formation with Brazilian ace Kaká set to play as a withdrawn second striker and veteran Clarence Seedorf supporting him.
When the season resumed, the team looked to be en route to recovery. Good results in January were boosted with the acquisitions of the cup-tied El Fenómeno, Ronaldo and Massimo Oddo formerly of Lazio. Injured players started returning and suddenly, the side began winning and confidence grew as a result. Then came Celtic …
A side who had to beat Manchester United (still regarded by a few as the best team in Europe this season) and Benfica to reach the knock out rounds. A tough and tight game in Glasgow saw them hold off an upbeat Milan side who dominated play – still a goal seemed elusive and despite the many chances created, Milan failed to capitalize. To make matters worse, with Ronaldo cup-tied, Alberto Gilardino, the lone front man, epitomized the frustration in the side with an embarrassing dive for a penalty that saw him booked. The return leg was a tense affair. Celtic’s brave performance contained the Rossoneri and gave them a few scares in return. Once again, Milan dominated play, yet found themselves going close on many occasions yet failing to break the deadlock. A frenzied last 10 minutes of normal regulation time witnessed an unsuccessful Nakamura penalty claim, Artur Boruc deny Maldini, Seedorf and Pirlo, and Kaká hitting the woodwork. Luck didn’t seem to be on their side, but Milan kept on pushing … relentless to prove they were not done; that they weren’t going to be a victim of another upset; that their era had not come to an end.
And then it happened. Minutes after extra-time kicked off, even though only 29 (going on to 30 this month), veteran Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini picked up a lose ball from Evander Sno, passing it to Kaká still in Milan’s half. What followed probably best describes the Brazilian’s part in Milan’s run to the Finals in Athens. First, he showed his strength, shrugging off a challenge from Neil Lennon. Then, a burst of pace and the capability to run with the ball faster than most without it, saw him get passed McManus with a delicate touch that evaded the defender, and summoned Boruc out of his goal. Finally, Milan’s golden boy had the composure to thread the ball between the legs of the goalkeeper, guiding the Rossoneri to their fifth consecutive quarter final appearance in the process.
It would be wrong to solely credit Kaká for their European success this season. The living legend, Paolo Maldini, has been influential in not only leading the team, but stepping up his performances (at his age) when the team needed him most, with Nesta and Kaladze injured. His ability to work with any partner in the center of defense is admirable – he marshaled Bonera, Oddo and Janku against Celtic. The two fullbacks, although not outstanding defensively, have attacked well and have given the side the width it lacked last season. Then there is the midfield – World Cup winning duo, Gattuso and Pirlo, have proved why they are among the world’s best, and how they make a fantastic pair. Ambrosini is having one of the best seasons in his entire career, and Clarence Seedorf seems better than ever. In the quarter and semi finals, they managed to impose their game and did well disrupting their opposition’s play. Seedorf seemed to have put his poorer performances earlier on in the season behind him and was nothing less than brilliant.
It is this experience and technical skill throughout the squad, as well as the tactical awareness of their coach and key players, that has made them impose their style of play in recent games. Almost every player looks comfortable and composed on the ball. This aspect of the team buys them just that little more time, than their opponents, to construct their very measured moves. When you have these levels of skill and experience throughout the squad and add the brilliance of Kaka’ to it, you have a formidable package.
That said, the main reason why this Milan side has grown from strength to strength is not because of the January additions; or the players that recovered from injuries; or Ancelotti’s tactical schemes. It is because of the will, in this special group of players, to succeed. That motivation, arguably, has been lacking in the sides after their 2002/2003 triumph. Even though fantastic as they were, this season’s side seems to want victory more.
The Calciopoli; Losing Shevchenko; An injury crisis; Serie A disappointment; Poor finish to the Champions League group stages; First 180 minutes of the Celtic tie; Van Buyten’s late equalizer at the San Siro; Rooney’s at Old Trafford … all these disappointments, and yet, the most important date in Club Football’s calendar will see the Rossoneri grace the occasion once again. Very few footballers have experienced Istanbul-like disappointments. If Milan win their seventh Champions League trophy, it will be because of the resilience in this side.
PS. Admittedly, as some may have guessed, I am a Milan fan and it would bring me great pleasure to witness Maldini lift his fifth European Champions Cup. However, the team deserve much credit for making it to the final, and I'll be proud of them regardless of the result. In Liverpool, Milan will meet a strong side that play a completely different game than Milan's previous conquests. Their record in this competition demands respect and Benitez' ability to read and react to games is second to none. Like Milan, they also have been focusing on this competition this season, which would spark the debate going around as to whether a team, in this day, can win both its national league and Europe's elite competition. I think there isn't much between the sides and labeling Milan as a favorite is a mistake. Nevertheless, don't stop now, Rossoneri ...
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