[lfc-news] Liverpool v Milan match-up - PA

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PA Sport, 24 May 2005
LIVERPOOL v MILAN MATCH-UP

By Andy Hampson

Tactics:

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has shown his tactical mastery in European
football having stifled the threat of Juventus and Chelsea to reach the
final. Liverpool played to their strengths by defending deep in those
ties and against a side as dangerous as Milan, the approach may be
similar. They will need to show attacking instincts at some point but
they are again likely to go with a lone striker.

Milan have quality throughout their side and the class to adapt their
game to any situation. They can play defensively and hit on the break or
can play attack-minded football and then retreat once the win is secure,
as Manchester United are well aware. Goalkeeper Dida and centre-backs
Jaap Stam and Alessandro Nesta form a formidable defensive partnership,
full-backs Cafu and Paolo Maldini offer experience, in Rino Gattuso,
Andrea Pirlo, Kaka and Clarence Seedorf they have possibly the strongest
midfield in Europe and star striker Andriy Shevchenko has few peers. But
despite all that, PSV Eindhoven made them look ragged in the semi-finals
and Benitez will identify a weakness somewhere.

History lesson:

Liverpool have never played AC Milan in competitive football, a
remarkable fact given the two clubs' eminence. They have won the
European Cup 10 times between them, Milan most recently in 2003. The
last of Liverpool's triumphs came in 1984.

Both Benitez and opposite number Carlo Ancelotti will look at their
opponents' games against their rivals for clues. Milan overcame United
in the last 16 with two 1-0 wins and Liverpool came through two tense
legs against Juve in the quarter-finals.

Showstoppers:

There is no doubting Milan's main star. Shevchenko is one of the hottest
properties in world football and boasts a phenomenal goalscoring record.
The Ukrainian, who joined Milan from Dynamo Kiev in 1999, averages close
to a goal every two games and the club have signed him up until 2009.
Milan also boast a truly inspirational playmaker in Kaka and a
revitalised attacking full-back in Cafu.

Jamie Carragher is now starting to earn the praise he has deserved all
season. He has comfortably been Liverpool's best player and was
outstanding against Chelsea. Another big performance will be required to
keep out Milan. The Reds will again look for inspiration from captain
Steven Gerrard and the return of Xabi Alonso from suspension will ease
his burden. Up front Milan Baros is again likely to be key striker but
Djibril Cisse will be pushing for a place.

Banana skin:

Liverpool's problem is they have been painfully inconsistent. The likes
of Gerrard and Carragher rarely let the side down but others have been
found wanting at times. They have struggled to find reliable performers
in all areas of the field and they lack the class of Milan. The Italians
are undoubtedly strong but PSV showed that taking the game to them can
make them look vulnerable. Liverpool may not have the kind of players
available to allow them to take the same approach but Benitez will have
seen something to work on.

Verdict:

On paper, all signs point a Milan win. They have the quality that would
make them worthy European champions and their form ensures they will
start as favourites. But Liverpool have revelled in the role of
underdogs and will be confident. The game will be tight and probably
settled by a single goal.

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