Boban expects Milanese magic

By Pete Sanderson

When the cast list at your testimonial includes great bastions of the game such as George Weah, Jean-Pierre Papin, Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Leonardo and Franco Baresi, you know you must have done something right in your football career.

Croatian stalwart
These were just a handful of the men who wanted to pay their respects to Zvonimir Boban when the Croatian decided the time had come to hang up his boots after a glittering career in which he collected 51 international caps, four Italian titles and a UEFA Champions League winners' medal with AC Milan.

Golden generation
Boban even had the honour of representing, albeit as a late entrant, the immortal Rossoneri generation who will live long in the memory of purists for the 'total football' they played during a dominant spell between 1988 and 1993.

Nice trip
But the 36-year-old now believes the current Milan side would have given his generation of stars a run for their money. "This current crop are one of the best sides Milan have ever produced," said Boban, who spoke to uefa.com in Nice where he was representing ex-players to discuss possible rule changes with the UEFA Referees' Committee.

'Strong spine'
"I think they will be far too strong for Manchester United [FC] over the two legs," Boban said ahead of their last 16 encounter. "Milan are so strong in defence, have plenty of flair in midfield and have one of the best strikers in the world in attack. You would have to be mad to bet against a side containing Paolo Maldini, Kaká and Andriy Shevchenko. It is such a strong spine and I expect them to beat United."

Defensive record
The former Croatian captain, who has so far resisted the opportunity to move into management, was also keen to point out the success Milan have enjoyed in recent years. "For some reason people outside Italy seem to dismiss Milan's chances of success," he said. "They forget just how successful Milan have been over the last few years. Instead they prefer to speak about their defensive record or the great side of the early 1990s; I find it very strange."

'Domestic dominance'
He continued: "Two years ago they won the Champions League and last year it took a freak result at [RC] Deportivo La Coruña to topple them. Add to that the fact they won their 17th Scudetto last season, are looking good to win an 18th this year and [Shevchenko] has just won the Ballon d'Or, and you've got a very strong case."

'Great memories'
Milan certainly have good memories of Old Trafford. On their last visit they clinched the 2002/03 Champions League trophy after beating Juventus [CF] on penalties in a closely-fought final. And Boban believes there is only one man who can stop them in their tracks. "I think there is only one man who can stop Milan and that's Ruud van Nistelrooij. If United are to achieve anything I think he is the key player. His record in Europe is phenomenal.

'Great finisher'
"But in the same way I think United will struggle to contain Shevchenko and Kaká," said Boban. "Shevchenko simply does not miss, he is like an assassin, and Kaká is so hard to mark. He has been compared to me but I think that is unkind. He is a much better finisher than I ever was and United will struggle to contain him."

Final beckoning?
Should Milan overcome United and maintain their current form, his former club, cheered on by Boban, could have another unforgettable night in Istanbul on 25 May.