Pippo played through the painPippo Inzaghi was not sure whether he would even be able to play in Munich, but scored a crucial goal – his sixth against the German side.
“I was undecided on whether to start and Ancelotti had asked me to tell him what condition I was in. But considering the faith I feel in me at Milan and my previous record against Bayern, I found the strength to push through the pain,†said the injury-hit striker after the 2-0 victory.
“The Coach told me that in training last week he could see I wasn’t in great shape, but I assured him I would be honest and sit back if I was not up to it. I felt the faith of the fans and took the gamble that thankfully paid off.â€
SuperPippo has only made 20 starts in all competition this season, scoring a total of nine goals in 33 appearances.
“The whole environment at Milan is very special and I received a phone call from the President this morning to encourage me and ask for a goal. I wasn’t on top form, but the Coach kept me back for this match.â€
The goal was perhaps slightly offside, but a wonderful finish following Clarence Seedorf’s backheel flick.
“I had agreed with Seedorf to play the ball quickly and so that was a tactic we had prepared. Thankfully I was able to lift my shot over Oliver Kahn!â€
With Ronaldo cup-tied and Alberto Gilardino suspended, the role of lone striker fell to Inzaghi, although Carlo Ancelotti has shown he prefers this to the classic 4-3-1-2.
“We have some very good players who come in support at Milan and so we have two very effective systems that we can use at different times.â€
If Inzaghi can improve his fitness levels, then he is a contender to face Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final and he is not concerned at the 7-1 result over Roma.
“Clearly having played many games in the Champions League teaches you how to approach these ties. Roma are not a bad side, nor do I think they underestimated Manchester United, but they are a little inexperienced in this competition.â€
The same cannot be said of the Rossoneri, who are in their third consecutive semi-final and have reached the Final twice in 2003 and 2005.
“Milan have repeatedly and consistently entered the final four in the Champions League, so there is something to be said for experience and our quality in this tournament.â€
Curiously, all four tacticians in the semi-finals this season have won the European Cup, as Ancelotti lifted it in 2003, Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999, Jose Mourinho for Porto in 2004 and Rafa Benitez with Liverpool in 2005.
“I am very confident and can see the team grow with each passing match towards the crucial month of the campaign. It will be tough against Manchester United, but we will certainly go into it with belief,†added Inzaghi.
“The Cristiano Ronaldo we saw against Roma was phenomenal, but Kaka is our secret weapon. In truth, the whole Milan squad wins games and works together, so focusing on individuals is unfair.â€
Serginho made his comeback this week after six months out and a potentially career-ending groin injury.
“Serginho is a wonderful crosser of the ball and for a striker it is important to know the timing of the assists, so he is an important buy for us in these final weeks.â€
Channel4