Joyful Milan target second trophy

AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has spoken of his "joy" at returning to Italy with the European Champion Clubs' Cup as the Rossoneri look ahead to a second cup final in four days.

Flying the flag
The new European champions touched down at Milan's Malpensa airport early yesterday evening, some 48 hours before they face AS Roma in the second leg of the Italian Cup final. With a Milan flag hanging from the cockpit window and stewardesses waiting on the ground with bouquets of flowers, the Milan players emerged to a rapturous reception from the hundreds of fans assembled at the airport.

'Honour and joy'
Maldini, who was wearing beneath his jacket a white T-shirt with the words Manchester, Old Trafford and 28 May 2003, said: "It's an honour and a joy to come back with the cup. This triumph is special for me as it's the first European Cup I've held as captain. It's wonderful to be back on top in Europe." Maldini has now won four European Cups with the Rossoneri.

Roma await
Milan face Roma at the San Siro on Saturday evening clear favourites to claim their second piece of silverware of the season after a 4-1 win in the first leg on 20 May. Playmaker Rui Costa told the club's TV station, Milan Channel: "We won't stop here, on Saturday we want to put on a great performance and win a second trophy. This way we can celebrate with all our fans and with both trophies in our hands."