Alessandro Nesta made his comeback after four months and thanked Marcello Lippi for helping him during this difficult time.

“I spent three months in Miami for treatment and worked very hard over the past four weeks to get back in shape,” commented the Milan defender who was out with a shoulder injury.

He was voted Man of the Match following last night’s 1-1 draw at Roma and is now likely to start against Bayern Munich in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.

UEFA have assigned Russian referee Iouri Baskakov to that tie at San Siro. He has never before officiated Milan in Europe, but his two Italian matches have resulted in defeats.

Udinese lost 4-3 and had Giampaolo Pinzi sent off at Werder Bremen in a November 2005 Champions League tie and Chievo lost 2-0 to Red Star Belgrade in the 2002-03 UEFA Cup.

“My fitness levels are holding up well, despite what people may say,” added Nesta in a sideswipe at his critics after missing much of the 2006 World Cup.

“The important thing for me was not so much the result as returning to the field after such a long lay-off.

“I have to give a special thanks to Lippi, who called me on the phone when the Azzurri went to the President of the Republic to get their honours for the World Cup victory. I could not be there, but he called at that moment to let me hear the speech and tell me that this was for me as well. It meant a lot.”

The former Lazio captain helped secure the point in his old hunting ground of the Stadio Olimpico.

“I think it was the right result. Roma had plenty of chances, but so did we, especially with Alberto Gilardino. It’s true that in the first half we struggled, but impressed after the break.”

Nesta was great against Roma, need him to play well against Bayern and hopefully he isn't too tired.

He worked his @ss off against Roma and was superb. It may have taken a bit out of him though, especially with having another game just 4 days laters

There is always Maldini and Bonera, if he is not fit

i'm sure he'll make the game cuz he has had the past 3 months off so he hasnt he cant be too tired.

Alessandro Nesta will be there!

Nesta was amazing against Roma. He got MOM and he totally deserved it. He coped amazingly well with Roma's attacking guys who will tear right threw any defence with their pace. Having said that he won't have his hands full as much against Bayern.

And hopefully we'll see him play next to Bonera or his old partner in crime Maldini tomorrow

Yeah Nesta was The Man of the game !!

Nesta's performance against Roma clearly showed what we've missed in him sorely. Hope his purported partnership with Bonera works well, though he would likely play with Maldini against Bayern.

Nesta's performance against Roma clearly showed what we've missed in him sorely. Hope his purported partnership with Bonera works well, though he would likely play with Maldini against Bayern.