Andrea Pirlo and Maxi Perreira traded screamers as Milan got the point they needed against Benfica to secure qualification.
The Rossoneri needed only a point to be sure of qualification and rested Ronaldo, preferring the Christmas Tree formation with Kaka and Clarence Seedorf supporting Alberto Gilardino. Former Serie A stars Manuel Rui Costa and Nuno Gomes were leading the line for Benfica.
Milan got off to a blistering start with three shots on goal in the opening four minutes. Cristian Brocchi created a chance for Gilardino and Serginho's cross-shot threatened. Gilardino exchanged passes with Seedorf and the Dutchman's fierce strike stung Quim's palms.
Petit's deflected long-range attempt whistle
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"We did well because we found the strength to regain control of the match. We played well and we obtained the result we wanted, it's good like this." - THE DECLARATIONS OF THE ROSSONERI - CAGLIARI - Here are the declarations made by the rossoneri at the end of Cagliari-Milan 1-2:
MASSIMO ODDO:
"We had started the match decently, then Cagliari quickly managed to open the score and things became more difficult for us, especially because they closed themselves down in defence, leaving no space. Nevertheless we immediately tried to get back into the game, perhaps we conceded too much, but then came our goal and on the second one Andrea was brilliant in the way he hit the free kick. We managed to win thanks to two great champions. Now we have the Champions League, it would be nice to seal our
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Milan fought back from a goal down with Andrea Pirlo's late winner on Ronaldo's debut after Kaka had seen his penalty saved.
Il Fenomeno had not played a competitive match since May, but was finally ready to lead the line, especially as Clarence Seedorf, Pippo Inzaghi, Kakha Kaladze and Marek Jankulovski were sidelined. Cagliari had their own debut, as Coach Nedo Sonetti took over from Marco Giampaolo. The Rossoneri were undefeated here in Serie A since a 1-0 result on October 18, 1998, although last season they were held to a 2-2 draw.
There was a minute's silence ahead of every game this weekend for Italian soldier Daniele Paladino, who was killed in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan.
BERGAMO - In this moment the players of Milan and Atalanta have re-entered the dressing rooms. The game was suspended in the 7th minute. The plexiglass barriers have been partially broken by the Atalanta home fans. It is being discussed whether it's appropriate to continue playing.
MILAN - Here is the list of players called up by Carlo Ancelotti for the match in Bergamo at the end of today's training: Dida, Kalac, Fiori, Bonera, Cafu, Favalli, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Serginho, Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kakà, Pirlo, Seedorf, Inzaghi, Ronaldo.
MILANELLO - Here is the list of players called up by Carlo Ancelotti for tomorrow's match: GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Kalac, Offredi (n.30); DEFENDERS: Bonera, Cafu, Favalli, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Serginho; MIDFIELDERS: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf; STRIKERS: Gilardino, Inzaghi, Kakà.
