Albertini welcomes 'great opportunity'

Demetrio Albertini's links with the UEFA Champions League final go back to its very creation. In a glittering career, the 37-year-old former AC Milan midfielder starred in the rebranded competition's first three finals, with a memorable 4-0 triumph against FC Barcelona in 1994 sandwiched between losses to Olympique de Marseille and AFC Ajax. Now heading the project for this season's final in Rome – having played at the Stadio Olimpico in a season-long spell with S.S. Lazio – the vice-president of the Italian Football Federation spoke to uefa.com.

uefa.com: What does it mean to have the UEFA Champions League final in Rome?

Demetrio Albertini: It's a great opportunity for all Romans to get excited about hosting one of the world's biggest sporting events. Being chosen to showcase the final is a reason to be proud, not just for the federation but also for the people of Rome who will be part of the organising and welcoming committee.

uefa.com: What does Rome give to the final?

Albertini: It's the world's most beautiful city. There is an embarrassment of riches here for travelling fans and we are prioritising security issues so children and families will have no doubts about coming along to make up the crowd.

uefa.com: As a player, you performed in three UEFA Champions League finals. What goes through a player's mind on such huge occasions?

Albertini: Emotions always run deep during the build-up to a final. Basically, once the semi-final is over and you know you have made it, your mind begins to focus on the big match itself and you mentally prepare for it. There is always massive media coverage which doesn't allow you to forget even if you wanted to.

uefa.com: What do you remember of those finals?

Albertini: I have mixed emotions. I was with the squad for the other two finals Milan won [1989 v FC Steaua Bucureşti and 1990 v SL Benfica] but I didn't play in those games so losing to Marseille was one of my biggest disappointments. Obviously the final against Barcelona was among my career highlights. It was a beautiful match.

uefa.com: The 4-0 victory under Fabio Capello surprised many as everyone had been talking about Johan Cruyff's dream team.

Albertini: It wasn't a surprise for us. Make no mistake, we were a very strong side. We'd got to three finals in the previous five years so that tells its own story. Sure, Barcelona were considered by most to be a spectacular team but not necessarily a stronger team than us. We were really up for that match.