AC Milan 2003-07 AC Milan 2005
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Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Achievements: European Cup 2003, 2007; Finalists 2005 Key Players: Maldini, Nesta, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Rui Costa, Shevchenko, Kaka, Cafu, Stam, Crespo Star Player: Kaka Formation: 4-4-2 The veterans of Milan proved to be a major force in Europe in the 2000s, if not always in Serie A. Ancelotti's team was based on experience and defensive solidity. These assets proved invaluable when winning an all-Italian European Cup Final against a similalry-equipped Juventus in 2003. Milan were then involved in a classic final against Liverpool in 2005, ultimatley losing a three goal lead to lose on penalties. They were to get their revenge two years later, beating Liverpool to win the 2007 Final, outclassing a great Manchester United side on the way. By this point the talisman of the team was the imperious Kaka, European Player of the Year for that year. The longevity of this team was incredible but a 4-0 defeat by Manchester United in 2010, after Ancelotti had left for Chelsea, proved that these old legs could run no further. |