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). In the semi-finals, they met local rivals Inter Milan; both matches finished equal (0–0; 1–1), but Milan advanced on the away goals rule. Juventus reached their seventh final. In the semi-final, Juventus met Real Madrid; they lost the first match (2–1), but they won the second (3–1). Key midfielder Pavel Nedvěd picked up a yellow card in the second leg, for a total of three in the tournament, triggering his suspension for the final. Juventus instead deployed Mauro Camoranesi.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights at San Siro hummed as the two teams lined up, the air thick with tension. Del Piero stepped up for his penalty, the roar of the crowd momentarily silenced by anticipation. As he struck the ball into the net, the Juventus faithful erupted, but the night was far from over. Rui Costa's curling shot and Shevchenko's powerful finish shifted the momentum, leaving the Turin side reeling in a match that would define their European campaign.

Reader's Guide

The final was refereed by Markus Merk. Milan won 3–2 on penalties after a 0–0 draw after extra time. Dida saved Trezeguet's penalty, the first shooter. After Serginho scored for Milan and Birindelli for Juventus, Buffon saved Clarence Seedorf's shot. Zalayeta and Paolo Montero had their penalties saved by Dida, while Buffon saved Kakha Kaladze's shot. Alessandro Nesta then scored for Milan and Alessandro Del Piero for Juventus, then Shevchenko scored the decisive penalty. Paolo Maldini was named man of the match.

Did You Know?

• The match was the first all-Italian final in UEFA Champions League history.
• Pavel Nedvěd was suspended for the final due to yellow card accumulation.
• Paolo Maldini lifted the European Cup as captain, 40 years after his father Cesare Maldini had done so.
• The match was played at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United.