Milan prepare for final session
Tuesday, May 27, 2003
Article summary
After landing in Manchester on Monday, AC Milan will train at Old Traffford before the final.
Article body
After arriving at Manchester airport on a two-hour charter flight from Malpensa last night, AC Milan will train at Old Traffford today ahead of tomorrow night's UEFA Champions League final against fellow Italian side Juventus FC.
Press conference
Five-times the champions of Europe, Milan will stage a press conference at Old Trafford where the main topic of conversation is likely to surround the fitness of Rossoneri veteran Alessandro Costacurta. The 37-year-old could be a doubt for the match after he missed his club's final training session before their departure for Manchester.
Calf blow
The former Italian international took a blow to his left calf from team-mate Kakha Kaladze in training on Sunday, and was forced to sit out coach Carlo Ancelotti's final work-out at the Milanello training base. Costacurta now faces the agonising prospect of missing a major final for the third time in his career. Costacurta was suspended for both the FIFA World Cup final and the Champions League final in 1994.
Experienced campaigner
Costacurta was expected to start the Old Trafford game at right-back, having played in ten of Milan's last eleven Champions League matches. A European Champion Clubs' Cup winner in 1989, 1990 and 1994, he has played 47 times in the Champions League in all.
Abbiati woe
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Christian Abbiati also sat out training after he damaged his finger on Sunday when saving an Andriy Shevchenko penalty. However, he has recovered and the Brazilian Dida has recovered from the hand injury which kept him out of the semi-final second leg against Internazionale FC and should start against Juventus.
Keeper decision
Ancelotti, who is without injured striker Jon Dahl Tomasson, said: "We are approaching this match in the best possible way. Our physical condition is improving every day. I only have doubts over the condition of Costacurta. I'm worried but we'll have to wait and see. Both our goalkeepers have recovered from their injuries and are ready to play. I will make the decision on who will play tomorrow."
