Double vision sharpens Milan focus

By Paolo Menicucci

Andriy Shevchenko believes AC Milan are on the verge of a new golden era as they edge closer to a possible Serie A and UEFA Champions League double.

Dream double
The great Rossoneri side of 1993/94, spearheaded by Italian Player of the Year Daniele Massaro, achieved the impressive twin success by lifting the Scudetto and overwhelming FC Barcelona 4-0 in the Champions League final. Now Shevchenko, the leading light in a Milan team with 14 wins from the last 16 matches, can sense another famous double on the horizon.

'Crucial games'
The Italian title could effectively be decided when Milan take on joint-leaders Juventus FC at home on 8 May, by which time Shevchenko hopes newly-crowned Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven will have been dispensed with in Europe. "A period like the one we are starting is not likely to come very often in the career of a footballer," said Shevchenko. "Every single game could be crucial for the whole season. We are still in contention in both competitions and have to treat every match like a final."

'Difficult game'
The Ukrainian international accepts his side will be expected to beat PSV, but is aware that Guus Hiddink's team will be very difficult to break down. "PSV are a very organised team with several important players," added the striker, who has scored 38 goals in his last 58 Serie A games. "It will be a difficult tie but we are ready for it and confident we can do well."

Unexpected defeats
Carlo Ancelotti's men have performed well against some of Europe's strongest sides this season, claiming victories against Juventus, FC Internazionale Milano, FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC, but have slipped up more than once in Serie A where routine wins were anticipated. FC Messina Peloro and Bologna FC have both prevailed at the San Siro, while the Rossoneri have also tripped up at AS Livorno Calcio and AC Siena. However, Shevchenko insists Saturday's 3-0 defeat of lowly Parma FC proves Milan have kicked that worrying habit ahead of PSV's visit for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final.

'Good condition'
"We could have scored even more goals," the 28-year-old said. "We were really enjoying our football, creating several opportunities to score. It's always a pleasure to play in a game like that, especially for a striker. Obviously the match against PSV will be different but we are proving to be in good condition. We have every reason to be optimistic."

'Always ready'
Milan were without Andrea Pirlo, missing since suffering a knee injury against Inter in the last eight. The playmaker has since recovered but is lacking match fitness and is doubtful to feature in the first leg. Ancelotti, however, is not worried, especially after watching Rui Costa shine in Pirlo's absence. The Portuguese player told uefa.com: "I haven't played every game this season but I'm very satisfied with my contribution to the team. I'm always ready when required and I always give my best."

'Great morale'
Like Shevchenko, Rui Costa expects PSV to be a tough nut to crack. "They are very strong physically and have several good players with plenty of experience of top-level football," he continued. "They have won their domestic title so they are bound to have great confidence. We expect to face a very strong side and we know it will be a difficult game - it's never easy to play when there is a Champions League final at stake. However, we are used to playing big games and we are ready."