Milan all white on the night

Liverpool request
Milan had been expected to don their famous black-and-red striped shirts in Istanbul, but agreed to Liverpool's request in order to wear the all-white strip in which they won the 2003 final against Juventus FC. Liverpool's traditional red tops are synonymous with their success in Europe. They sported them in the final of each of their European Champion Clubs' Cup triumphs of 1977, 1978, 1981 and 1984 - all against teams in white.

'Maglia fortunata'
Milan, meanwhile, will put their trust in their 'maglia fortunata' - lucky jersey - as they attempt to repeat the feat of Old Trafford where they beat Juve on penalties to become European champions for the sixth time. Milan also wore white in Barcelona, Vienna and Athens for their victories in 1989, 1990 and 1994, although they were also in all-white for their defeat by AFC Ajax in the 1995 final. Two years earlier, Olympique de Marseille were victorious against a Milan side sporting black and red.

Ambrosini goal
The all-white kit was on display at the Philips Stadion last week as well, when Massimo Ambrosini's last-minute header earned the Rossoneri a final place on away goals after PSV Eindhoven had impressively overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit to draw level on the night.

Ancelotti concerns
Understandably, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is less concerned with his side's colours than getting the better of a Liverpool team who have restricted Serie A leaders Juve and English champions Chelsea FC to a single goal between them over four knockout-round matches.

'Tough team'
"They are a tough team, impressive," Ancelotti said. "Against Juventus and Chelsea, they ran the games as they wanted, conceding very little and taking the best from the chances they had. They have great defensive organisation and will certainly try to negate our ideas."