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Carlo Ancelotti claims Milan are back where they belong after the Champions League preliminary round, while Pippo Inzaghi was the hero again.

“Now that it’s over, we all feel very relieved, as it wasn’t nearly as easy as it seemed,” noted the tactician after the 3-1 aggregate victory over Red Star Belgrade.

“We have to thank the players and fitness Coaches for working very hard to prepare for a game we hadn’t factored into our season.”

The Rossoneri were set to enter the competition direct after finishing second in Serie A last season, but the Calciopoli trial saw their position change constantly.

They went from total European exclusion to entering via this round, although UEFA released a statement noting they were unhappy with the fact Milan were in the tournament at all.

“We still consider the fact we had to play this preliminary round as an injustice, but we’re back where we belong now and must look forward,” continued Ancelotti.

The club had held back in its transfer campaign until the cash from the Champions League was secured, so now there should be some reinforcements – possibly including Argentine sensation Carlos Tevez.

“The squad proved it is compact, united and competitive. Now we have time to think about other things.”

Once again, Super Pippo Inzaghi was the hero, as he scored both the only goal of the first leg and the opener in Belgrade. Clarence Seedorf rounded out the 2-1 scoreline this evening.

“It’s fortunate we took an early lead, as the atmosphere could’ve caused some problems, but this was a great Milan squad and we performed well in the circumstances. Our fitness levels were better than the first leg and our quality shone through,” said the striker.

Inzaghi may ensure Andriy Shevchenko isn’t missed, but Alberto Gilardino is yet to break his Champions League duck.

“Gila didn’t score, but he put in some crucial work for the team and without him and all my teammates, I wouldn’t be able to get so many goals.”


Football Italia