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Italy braced for 'Il derbissimo'

The last-eight meeting of AC Milan and FC Internazionale Milano offers a rerun of the semi-final in 2002/03.

Final glory
Milan triumphed on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate draw and would ultimately lift the trophy after a shootout victory against another Italian side, Juventus FC, in the Manchester final. Both Milan and Inter will fancy their chances of going all the way this time, with the city the only one to have produced two European Champion Clubs' Cup winners.

Special for Seedorf
Milan have lifted Europe's premier trophy on six occasions and have been runners-up once while Inter won it in 1964 and 1965 and finished losing finalists twice. A number of the players likely to be on view have represented both clubs, with Milan's Clarence Seedorf - a European Cup winner with three different teams including the Rossoneri - the most notable along with Hernán Crespo, Andrea Pirlo and Francesco Toldo.

Milan favourites?
Milan are many people's favourites to make it seven titles in Istanbul on 25 May, especially given their fine domestic season which sees them in pole position in Serie A after 28 rounds. Inter are third, 16 points behind their rivals, but have lost only one league game all term - tellingly perhaps, a 1-0 'home' reverse against their city rivals last month after the sides drew 0-0 in October.


"It is the draw we didn't really want. We know one other so well and this will make it a very difficult game - just as it was in the 2003 semi-final. One thing is for sure, the players will not need motivating for a huge match like this. Milanese derbies are always very special occasions, both for the supporters and the players, and with this being in the Champions League it should be a special match." Umberto Gandini, Milan director

"We all wanted to avoid another derby. I remember there was a lot of pressure when we faced each other two years ago in the semi-finals. This time we should try to be more calm and serene, and I think we will because we are more mature." Carlo Ancelotti, Milan coach

"We wanted to avoid an Italian team - unfortunately we didn't. However, all seven teams still in contention are very good so it doesn't make much difference. I think we are in good condition and can beat any opponent. Adriano is back in form and we have many other great players. We shouldn't fear anyone. We lost against Milan a few weeks ago but were very unlucky. We also lost in the Champions League against Milan two years ago. It should be an extra motivation for our players. There is a good chance that one of the Milanese teams will be in the final, but we don't know which one." Giacinto Facchetti, Inter president

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