Old Trafford prepares for Italian job
Old Trafford has turned into little Italy for a night as it welcomed Champions League finalists Juventus and AC Milan to the Theatre of Dreams.
While the home-based fans in the stadium would no doubt have a tinge of regret that Manchester did not have one of its own on show, they could not have helped but be impressed by the vocal backing for the Serie A giants, who between them have conquered Europe seven times.
There are plenty of familiar faces on show despite the absence of Juve playmaker Pavel Nedved through suspension and Milan’s former Newcastle striker Jon Dahl Tomasson through injury.
Juventus, beaten twice by Alex Ferguson’s United in the second group phase boasted the world’s most expensive goalkeeper Gigi Buffon, World Cup and European Championship winner Lilian Thuram, combative Dutchman Edgar Davids and the key to it all Alessandro del Piero.
For the Rossoneri – as AC Milan are known to their faithful – Paolo Maldini, Rui Costa and Andrei Shevchenko were names to catch the eye, with Clarence Seedorf’s midfield battle with fellow countryman Davids potentially tipping the balance of power.
Juventus started slight favourites courtesy of their recently-secured Italian title and the outstanding team performance which accounted for holders Real Madrid in the second leg of their semi-final.
Both sides though had managed a single victory in their league meetings this term, which added weight to pre-match predictions of a tight contest.
No matter what the outcome, tonight’s encounter was a signal that Serie A is ready to reassume its familiar position at the head of European football after a four-year slump in fortunes.
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