2003 UEFA Champions League Semi-Final: Milan vs Juventus

Lore & Background

The match was the first time two clubs from Italy had faced each other in the final; the second intra-national final of the competition, following the all-Spanish 2000 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Valencia. Milan reached their ninth final and lost only two matches (Dortmund 1–0, and Real Madrid 3–1). Previously Milan won finals in 1963, 1969, 1989, 1990 and 1994, and lost in 1958, 1993 and 1995. Juventus reached their seventh final. Previously Juventus won finals in 1985 and 1996, and lost in 1973, 1983, 1997, 1998. Juventus entered the final as 2002–03 Serie A winners, for the 27th time, and ahead of third placed Milan, as well as 2002 Supercoppa Italiana winners. Milan won the 2002–03 Coppa Italia after defeating Roma in the final.

Reader's Guide

The final was a single match at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Refereed by Markus Merk, the match ended 0–0 after extra time. In the penalty shoot-out, Milan won 3–2. Dida saved penalties from Trezeguet, Zalayeta and Paolo Montero; Buffon saved shots from Seedorf and Kaladze. Shevchenko scored the decisive penalty. Paolo Maldini was named man of the match.

Did You Know?

• Pavel Nedvěd was suspended for the final due to yellow card accumulation.
• Old Trafford hosted its first major European final in 2003.
• Milan's sixth European Cup came nine years after their last continental success.